Baked Harissa Salmon
This baked harissa salmon is coated with a sweet and spicy glaze made with harissa paste, honey, lemon, garlic, and smoked paprika. It takes just five minutes to prepare and bakes until moist and flaky.
Ingredients
- 680 g salmon fillet skin on or off
- 3 tablespoons harissa paste homemade or store-bought
- 1½ tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lemon cut into wedges
- Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F / 200°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat the 680 g salmon fillet dry on both sides with paper towels. Place it skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons harissa paste, 1½ tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 3 garlic cloves, minced, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until smooth.
- Spoon the sweet and spicy harissa glaze over the salmon. Spread it evenly across the top and out to the edges.
- Bake the harissa salmon for 12–15 minutes. Begin checking it after 12 minutes and remove it once the thickest part separates easily into moist flakes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, then serve immediately.
Notes
Choose the Harissa Carefully: Harissa pastes vary in heat, salt, and consistency. I prefer a medium harissa so its warmth complements the salmon without overpowering it.
Dry the Surface: I always pat the salmon thoroughly dry because excess moisture can prevent the glaze from clinging evenly.
Check the Thickest Part: Cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillet. Start checking after 12 minutes so the thinner areas do not become dry while the center finishes cooking.
Skin On or Off: Both options work, but I often leave the skin on because it helps protect the underside of the salmon as it bakes.
Nutrition
Calories: 352kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 518mg | Potassium: 946mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 398IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 2mg
