Chili Crisp Salmon – Fresh Avocado Cucumber Salad

Chili crisp salmon with avocado and cucumber salad isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Imagin extracte flaky, perfectly cooked salmon, kissed with the addictive crunch and subtle heat of chili crisp, nestled alongside a vibrant, cool salad that balances the richness with refreshing zest. This dish has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen, and I suspect it will be in yours too. What’s not to love about a recipe that’s both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly simple to prepare? The magic lies in the interplay of textures and temperatures – the warm, savory salmon against the cool, crisp vegetables and creamy avocado. It’s a symphony for your taste buds, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that feels like a gourmet indulgence, or a showstopper for when you want to impress guests without spending hours slaving away. Get ready to discover your new go-to for a truly satisfying and utterly delicious meal.

Ingredients:

• For the Vinaigrette:
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fat-free mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons pickled gin extractger, minced
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons chili crisp with oil
• For the Salmon & Salad:
• 1 large seedless cucumber, peeled and cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons chili crisp oil
• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
• 2 medium ripe avocados, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 green onions, chopped

Preparing the Cucumber Salad Base

Start by preparing the base for our vibrant salad. Take your large seedless cucumber, which you’ve already peeled, and dice it into bite-sized cubes. The key here is uniform cubing so that each spoonful offers a consistent texture. Place these cucumber cubes into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Now, sprinkle the 1 teaspoon of salt over the cucumber. This might seem counterintuitive, but salting the cucumber helps to draw out excess moisture. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This process will prevent your salad from becoming watery and will also slightly soften the cucumber, making it more pleasant to eat. After the resting period, gently pat the cucumber cubes dry with paper towels to remove any released liquid. This step is crucial for maintaining the integrity of our salad and vinaigrette.

Crafting the Flavorful Vinaigrette

While the cucumber is salting, we can whip up the sensational vinaigrette that will tie everything together. In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar. This provides a gentle acidity that balances the richness of the salmon and avocado. Next, add the 2 tablespoons of fat-free mayonnaise. This will give our vinaigrette a creamy base without adding unnecessary fat, creating a delightful coating for the salad ingredients. Now, for a burst of aromatic flavor, stir in the 2 tablespoons of minced gin extractkgin extract ginger. The ginger adds a zesty, slightly pungent note that is wonderfully complementary. Follow this with 1 tablespoon of honey, which will introduce a touch of sweetness to cougin extractract the vinegar and ginger. Finally, the star ingredient for that irresistible kick: 2 teaspoons of chili crisp with oil. Make sure to incorporate both the crispy bits and the flavorful oil. Whisk all these ingredients together thoroughly until the vinaigrette is smooth and well-emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – perhaps a tiny bit more honey for sweetness or a splash more vinegar for tang. Set this aside; it’s ready to dress our salad.

Glazing and Searing the Chili Crisp Salmon

Now, let’s focus on the magnificent salmon. Pat your 4 salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This step is essential for achieving a beautiful sear. In a small bowl, prepare your glaze. Combine the 4 tablespoons of honey with the 2 tablespoons of chili crisp oil. This sweet and spicy mixture will create an incredibly flavorful crust on the salmon. Brush this honey-chili crisp glaze generously over both sides of each salmon fillet. Ensure they are well-coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of neutral oil (like vegetable or canola) to the skillet if your chili crisp oil doesn’t have much oil in it, or if you want extra assurance against sticking. Once the skillet is hot and shimmering, carefully place the glazed salmon fillets into the pan, skin-side down if they have skin. Let the salmon sear undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. This initial sear is critical for developing that desirable crispy texture and locking in the juices.

Finishing the Salmon and Assembling the Salad

After searing the salmon on the first side, gently flip the fillets. Continue to cook for another 3 to 5 minutes on the second side, depending on the thickness of your salmon and your desired level of doneness. The glaze will caramelize beautifully. While the salmon finishes cooking, let’s return to our salad. In the bowl with the prepared cucumber, add the 2 medium ripe avocados, peeled and cubed. The creamy, buttery texture of avocado is a perfect counterpoint to the crisp cucumber and spicy salmon. Immediately toss the avocado with the 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. This is important to prevent the avocado from browning and to add a bright, fresh citrus note. Add the 3 chopped green onions to the bowl as well. These will provide a mild, fresh onion flavor and a pop of green color.

Tossing and Serving the Chili Crisp Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber Salad

Once the salmon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a moment. Now, it’s time to bring the salad together. Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the cucumber, avocado, and green onion mixture. Gently toss everything to coat evenly. You want to ensure every piece of vegetable is lightly dressed. To serve, spoon a generous portion of the avocado and cucumber salad onto each plate. Then, carefully place a perfectly cooked chili crisp salmon fillet on top of the salad. The warm, savory salmon with its sweet and spicy glaze will melt into the cool, refreshing salad. The combination of textures and flavors – the flaky salmon, the creamy avocado, the crisp cucumber, and the piquant chili crisp – creates a truly memorable dish. Enjoy this explosion of taste and texture!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your delicious Chili Crisp Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber Salad is ready to be devoured! This recipe brings together the fiery crunch of chili crisp with the cool, refreshing elements of avocado and cucumber for a truly satisfying meal. The salmon is flaky and perfectly cooked, infused with the amazing flavors of the chili crisp, while the salad provides a delightful textural contrast and a burst of freshness. It’s a perfect balance of bold and bright, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or even an impressive lunch.

We love serving this dish as a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed jasmine rice or some crusty bread to soak up any extra flavorful oils. For variations, consider adding a squeeze of lime juice to the salad for extra zing, or perhaps some toasted sesame seeds for another layer of nutty flavor. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of chili crisp to your personal spice preference – that’s the beauty of making it at home!

We truly hope you enjoy making and eating your Chili Crisp Salmon with Avocado and Cucumber Salad. It’s a recipe we’re incredibly proud of and believe it will become a regular favorite in your kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try, and savor every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! While salmon is fantastic, you could also try this recipe with cod, halibut, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time slightly based on the thickness of your chosen protein. The chili crisp marinade will still impart incredible flavor.

Q2: How can I make the chili crisp less spicy if needed?

If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount of chili crisp used. Alternatively, you can mix a bit of plain oil (like vegetable or grapeseed oil) with the chili crisp to dilute its heat before marinating the salmon. You can also remove some of the chili flakes from the oil if you prefer a milder flavor with just the aromatic oils.

Chili Crisp Salmon with Fresh Avocado Cucumber Salad

A flavorful and healthy dish featuring flaky salmon glazed with chili crisp honey and served over a refreshing avocado cucumber salad.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
35 Minutes

Servings
4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fat-free mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons pickled ginger slices, minced
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons chili crisp with oil
• 1 large seedless cucumber, peeled and cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons chili crisp oil
• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
• 2 medium ripe avocados, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 green onions, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Prepare the cucumber salad base by cubing a large seedless cucumber, salting it, and letting it rest for 10-15 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
2. Step 2
   Craft the vinaigrette by whisking together rice vinegar, fat-free mayonnaise, minced pickled ginger, honey, and chili crisp with oil in a small bowl until smooth.
3. Step 3
   Glaze the salmon by combining honey and chili crisp oil in a small bowl, then generously brushing both sides of the salmon fillets. Sear the salmon in a hot skillet for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Step 4
   Assemble the salad by adding cubed avocado and chopped green onions to the prepared cucumber. Toss the avocado with lemon juice to prevent browning.
5. Step 5
   Dress the salad by pouring the prepared vinaigrette over the cucumber, avocado, and green onion mixture and tossing gently to coat.
6. Step 6
   Serve by spooning the salad onto plates and topping with a chili crisp salmon fillet.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.