Baked harissa salmon is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the richness of fresh salmon with the bold, spicy kick of harissa. Harissa, a North African chili paste made from a blend of roasted peppers, garlic, and spices, adds a smoky and fiery depth to the salmon, transforming a simple fish dish into a delightful culinary experience. The salmon absorbs the spicy, aromatic flavors of the harissa, creating a perfect balance of heat and richness.
The preparation of this dish is simple yet impactful. The salmon is coated with a generous layer of harissa, which is usually combined with olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey to create a marinade that both enhances the flavor and helps keep the fish moist during baking. After marinating for a short period, the salmon is baked until it reaches a perfect level of doneness, with a slightly crispy exterior and a tender, flaky interior.
Baked harissa salmon is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. It works wonderfully with roasted vegetables, couscous, or a light salad, providing a balanced and satisfying meal. The heat from the harissa is tempered by the freshness of a cucumber or yogurt-based side, which can help cool the palate and enhance the overall experience.
This dish is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests. The combination of the rich, fatty salmon with the spicy harissa creates a dish that’s both indulgent and healthy, with omega-3-rich fish and plenty of spices for added health benefits.
Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors or looking to try something new, baked harissa salmon is a delicious and exciting way to enjoy this nutritious fish.
Ingredients
- 3 fillets salmon
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- parsley for garnish, fresh
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together the harissa paste, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the harissa mixture over the salmon fillets, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your liking.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
Hate to say, but harissa is overrated. Salmon’s so good on its own, don’t ruin it!
I totally disagree! Harissa adds such a nice kick to the salmon. You should give it a try!
I tried it and it was okay, but I think I put too much lemon. Next time I’ll use less.
Baked salmon yum! My grandma always said salmon and lemon go together, she would love this recipe.
This sounds delicious! I love how you connected it to your grandma’s wisdom. Can’t wait to try it!
This was a game changer! The harissa gave it such a nice kick. My family loved it!
Wow, this is so easy to make! Even I could do it, and I’m not a cook at all!
So simple and so tasty! The parsley made it look fancy too! 👍
Not my favorite. Why would you put paste on fish? Sounds wrong. Just grill it with some spices!
I think harissa gives it a nice kick! Totally worth trying. Just grilling gets boring sometimes.
Grilling is ok, but this sounds different! You should give it a shot before judging. Not every dish needs to be plain.
Pretty good, but I think I needed more salt. Still tasty tho.
I totally agree! A pinch more salt really brings out the flavors. Glad you enjoyed it!
I followed the instructions but it was too spicy for me. My husband liked it though!
Too much lemon, it overpowered the flavor. I would reduce it next time.
So easy! I added some veggies on the side to roast too. Yum!
I dunno, harissa seems a bit spicy for salmon. Is it really good?
Sounds delicious! I love the idea of roasting veggies alongside. What did you use?
This was a game changer! The harissa gave the salmon such a nice kick. Will definitely make again!
How many calories in this? Looking to meal prep. Thx!
Yuk! My kids wouldn’t even touch it. Guess I won’t be making this again.
Nah, I think it’s amazing! My whole family loves it. You just gotta teach them to eat real food.
Maybe try making it without the harissa? My kids like it better plain! Just a thought.
5 stars for sure! I never knew harissa could be this good on salmon.
Not a fan. Fish and paste just don’t mix. I’ll stick to plain salmon next time.
I totally get it, some flavors just don’t jive! But harissa adds a nice kick to the salmon. Have you tried it with a milder sauce instead?
This recipe was a disaster for me! The harissa was too spicy even after I cut back on it. Do NOT recommend if you’re sensitive to heat!
Maybe you just made it wrong? Harissa is supposed to add flavor! Try a different brand next time, they can vary a lot.
I totally get your point! Harissa can be really overwhelming. Maybe try using less next time or starting with a milder sauce. Cooking is all about finding what works for you!
Salmon? more like salmonella! 😂 Watch out for bad fish, friends.
Haha, true! Just gotta make sure you trust your fishmonger. This recipe looks great though! 😋
I dunno, but if fish is that risky, I ain’t touching it! Maybe I’ll stick to chicken… 🐔
I forgot to buy lemon, used vinegar instead. Not so good, my bad.
Salmon is not for me. I prefer chicken but tried this because my friend swears by it. Not impressed. Just okay.
Absolutely delicious! I never liked salmon until I tried this. The harissa gives it such a nice kick! Will definitely make again.
This recipe is so simple. I love quick meals after work! Thank you for sharing!
I totally agree! Quick meals are lifesavers after a long day. Can’t wait to try this!
Isn’t harissa just a kind of dip? How can it be on salmon? No offense, but strange.
Harissa is actually a spice paste from North Africa, not just a dip! It adds great flavor to salmon.
Easy to follow! I used red pepper paste instead of harissa and it was yummy. 😋
I don’t know about the harissa thing. Is it gonna taste good? I never tried it before. Help!
Delicious! The harissa gave it a nice kick. Will definitely make again!
I totally agree! Harissa adds such a nice flavor. Do you think it could work with chicken?
Sounds good, but I’m not a fan of spicy stuff. I prefer mine without any kick. 🤷♂️
Very nice dish! So simple and quick. I added some garlic for extra flavor and it was bomb!
I also love adding garlic! It really takes it to the next level, right? Glad you enjoyed it!
I wasn’t sure about this at first. Harissa? What’s that? But it turned out great!
Meh. I thought it would taste better, kinda bland.
Best salmon ever! 10/10 recommend! Can’t wait to show my friends.
Sounds good, but is it really that easy? I might mess it up. 🤔
I tried it too! It was amazing! Harissa really adds flavor! 😍
Yum! This is super easy and tastes great! My boyfriend loved it. Best salmon I’ve ever made!
Ok but why salt? Fish usually salty already right?
Too spicy for my taste. My wife loved it, but I almost called the fire department!
I think it sounds great! Maybe you just need to adjust the amount of harissa next time? Start with less and add more if you like it spicier!
Fire department? Really? 😂 It’s just some spice! Maybe you’re not a fan of heat? My husband complained that it wasn’t spicy enough!
Pretty good, but I think a bit more lemon would have helped. Also, used a different fish and it worked fine.