This chili crisp salmon is what I make when I want dinner on the table in less than 20 minutes. Big juicy salmon cubes get tossed in a creamy chili crisp sauce, broiled or air fried for 8 minutes, then piled into a salmon rice bowl with avocado and all the extra sauce. Six ingredients. and zero fancy skills required. You need to try this.
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I have made this dish in both the oven and air fryer and honestly, both win. The broiler gives you more char on the edges in 7 minutes. The air fryer at 425°F for 8 minutes gives you a crispy outside and a buttery, tender center. The real trick? Cut the salmon into big 2-inch cubes. Small pieces dry out before the sauce gets a chance to caramelize.
Chili crisp (some brands call it chili crunch) is a crunchy, garlicky chili oil from Chinese cooking, and it deserves every inch of pantry space it has taken over. Here it gets mixed with Kewpie mayo, the rich Japanese mayo made with egg yolks and rice vinegar, plus soy sauce, honey, and fresh lime or lemon. Think spicy mayo, but louder. If you love a spicy salmon rice bowl but want it hot and saucy, this is your new weeknight move. Got a jar to use up? Check out my Momofuku chili crunch recipes.
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How to make (VIDEO)
Brands I recommend to use for this recipe
- Momofuku Chili Crunch
- Kewpie Mayo (make sure it says "made in Japan")
How to make (PICTURES)
- Step 1: Mix the chili crisp, Kewpie mayo, lemon zest and juice, soy sauce, and honey in a bowl. Scoop out 3 tablespoons of the sauce and set it aside for serving.
- Step 2: Scoop out 3 tablespoons of the sauce and set it aside for serving.
- Step 3: Cut the salmon into large cubes, about 2 inches each.
- Step 4: Toss the salmon in the remaining sauce until every piece is coated.
- Step 5: Spread the salmon in the air fryer basket and cook at 425°F for 8 minutes, or broil on a lined tray for 7 minutes.
- Step 6: Serve over rice with avocado and salad, then drizzle with the reserved sauce and more chili crisp.
What to serve
- Steamed jasmine or sushi rice for the classic salmon bowl
- Garlic Fried Rice if you want to go extra
- Asian Cucumber Salad for something cold and crunchy
- Sliced avocado with a pinch of flaky salt and furikake
- A simple green salad with sesame or ginger dressing
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Chili Crisp Salmon Rice Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix the chili crisp, Kewpie mayo, lime zest, lime juice, soy sauce, and honey in a bowl. Scoop out 3 tablespoons of the sauce and set aside for serving.1 tablespoon chili crisp, 2 tablespoons Kewpie mayo, 1 lime, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon honey
- Cut the salmon into large cubes, about 2 inches each. Add to the remaining sauce and toss until every piece is coated.16 ounces salmon
- Air fryer: Arrange the salmon in a single layer in the basket and cook at 425°F for 8 minutes.
- Broiler: Arrange the salmon on a lined baking tray and broil on high for 7 minutes.
- Serve over rice with avocado and salad. Drizzle with the reserved sauce and more chili crisp.cooked rice, avocado, salad greens, extra chili crisp
Notes
- Cut the salmon big (2-inch cubes stay juicy inside while the outside caramelizes).
- Save the sauce before it touches raw salmon so it is safe to drizzle at the end.
- Watch the broiler closely. Honey and mayo brown fast.
- Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. The USDA recommends 145°F.
Nutrition
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Hi, I'm Carmen!
I'm the creator of Eat With Carmen, where I share Filipino and other Asian recipes I love and grew up eating, made simple for everyday cooking.
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Frequently Asked Questions for Chili Crisp Salmon
Is chili crisp the same as chili crunch? Basically, yes. Both are crunchy chili oils packed with fried garlic, shallots, and chili flakes. Lao Gan Ma calls it chili crisp, Momofuku calls it chili crunch, and either one works in this recipe.
Can I make chili crisp salmon without an air fryer? Yes, use your broiler. Spread the salmon on a lined baking tray and broil on high for 7 minutes. Watch it closely because the honey and mayo go from caramelized to burnt fast.
How do I know when the salmon is done? The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. The USDA recommends 145°F, though plenty of people pull salmon a little earlier for a softer, silkier center.
Is chili crisp salmon spicy? It is mild to medium. The Kewpie mayo and honey tame the heat, so add more chili crisp on top if you want it hotter.
Can I use regular mayo instead of Kewpie? Yes, regular mayo works. Add a tiny splash of rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar to get closer to that rich, tangy Kewpie flavor.
Why do you save some sauce before adding the salmon? Sauce that never touches raw salmon is safe to drizzle on at the end. It is the best part of the bowl, so do not skip it.
Can I meal prep salmon rice bowls? Yes. Store the cooked salmon, rice, and reserved sauce separately in the fridge for up to 3 days, and slice the avocado fresh when you serve. Want another fast salmon win? Try my air fryer salmon bites or teriyaki salmon sushi cups.
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