PREPARATION TIME: 10 minutes
COOKING TIME: 15 minutes
SERVES: 4
Serve this salmon with a refreshing salad of sliced baby cucumbers and small shallots, dressed with a splash of rice wine vinegar and sprinkle of sea salt.
My Asian Kitchen
Image and recipe from
My Asian Kitchen
by Jennifer Joyce,
Murdoch Books RRP $39.99
Photography by Phil Webb
Illustrations by Riley Joyce
INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp vegetable oil
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
200 ml tamarind purée
4 tbsp fish sauce
2 tsp red chilli flakes
4 tbsp palm sugar
4 tsp light soy sauce
750 g–850 g large salmon fillet,
with skin 2 thumb-sized red chillies,
shredded handful mint and coriander
(cilantro) leaves
Steamed rice, to serve
METHOD
In a small saucepan, heat the oil and slowly sauté the garlic until it goes golden, about 2–3 minutes. Add the tamarind, 100 ml water, the fish sauce, chilli flakes, sugar and soy.
Simmer for 5 minutes and then remove from the heat.
Preheat an outdoor grill or chargrill pan.
Spoon a couple of tablespoons of the tamarind sauce over the fish and sprinkle over a few chilli slices.
Grill the salmon, skin side down, over low direct heat and with the hood closed if using the outdoor grill, for about 7–8 minutes. It’s better if the centre is slightly pink and juicy rather than overcooked. The skin may stick a little to the grill, but don’t worry as you will be discarding it anyway.
Peel the skin from the salmon and place the flesh on a platter. Sprinkle with the fresh herbs and remaining red chilli.
Serve with the remaining tamarind sauce and steamed rice.
NOTE: Other meaty fish like barramundi, halibut and red snapper would also work nicely here.