The Brilliant 3-Ingredient Salmon I Love to Make on Nights When I Just Can’t
As a parent to two young kids, dinners in my house are very much hit or miss. My daughter wants pasta for every meal, while my son will eat pretty much anything else. But the one thing that they can agree on for dinner? This 3-ingredient chili crisp salmon. Made with just chili crisp, mayo, and salmon fillets, this easy, unbelievably delicious dinner comes together in a flash, which is especially ideal on nights when I just can’t. I simply stir together mayo and my favorite chili crisp, slather it on skin-on or skinless salmon fillets, and roast them in the oven.
After about 10 minutes, you’re rewarded with perfectly cooked, super flavorful salmon. Squeeze some lemon on the top for added brightness and serve alongside a scoop of rice and some crisp-tender veggies like roasted broccoli or buttery green beans to round out the meal. It’s a weeknight dinner my whole family can get behind.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s the best lazy dinner. It calls for just 3 ingredients and takes no more than 20 minutes to get on the table.
This recipe relies on pantry staples. All you need is mayo, chili crisp, and salmon — all of which I usually have kicking around — to make this easy, flavorful dinner.
Key Ingredients in Chili Crisp Salmon
Chili crisp: We tested this recipe with several brands of store-bought chili crisp, and it was delicious no matter which one we used. I’m partial to Laoganma brand, but use your favorite here.
Mayonnaise: Just 1/4 cup is enough to generously coat four salmon fillets, adding a hint of creaminess to the fish.
Salmon: For this recipe, you don’t need to mess with skinning the salmon (the skin will stick to the hot baking sheet) so feel free to use either skin-on or skinless fillets.
How to Make Chili Crisp Salmon
Make chili crisp mayo. Heat the oven to 500ºF and put a baking sheet in the oven while it heats. Stir mayo and chili crisp together in a bowl.
Prepare the salmon. Divide the mayo mixture between the salmon fillets and evenly spread over the top and onto the sides.
Bake. Place the salmon on the hot baking sheet and slide into the oven. Reduce the heat to 275°F and bake until it flakes easily with a fork. (Starting the salmon in a hot oven and then dropping the temperature ensures that the filets cook gently and evenly in the residual heat). Finish with a squeeze of lemon if you like.
Chili Crisp Salmon Recipe
Meet the easy, extra flavorful dinner that will never leave my weeknight rotation.
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 9 minutes to 13 minutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons chili crisp
4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
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Arrange a rack in the lower third of the oven. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, place on the rack, and heat the oven to 500°F.
Stir 1/4 cup mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons chili crisp together in a small bowl.
Pat 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Divide the mayonnaise mixture between fillets and spread into an even layer on the top and sides.
Place the salmon skin-side down on the hot baking sheet. Return to the oven and reduce the temperature to 275°F. Bake until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, 9 to 13 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the middle of the thickest part should register 120°F to 130°F for medium-rare, or 135°F to 145°F for well-done. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Recipe Notes
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Further Reading
Why People Are Ditching Their Seltzer After a Disturbing Study
Tuscan Chicken Is the "Most Delicious" Dinner of All Time, Says Everyone Who's Tried It
