Baked Salmon with Aji Amarillo and Honey Glaze

Baked salmon takes well to bold, glossy glazes because the rich, oily fish stays tender while the surface caramelises lightly in the oven. Here, aji amarillo paste brings fruity chilli warmth, rounded by honey, lime and garlic for a coating that is tangy, gently sweet and savoury rather than heavy. The fillet is served simply with fresh coriander and lime wedges, making it bright enough for a quick dinner but distinctive enough to feel more considered than plain roasted fish. It pairs naturally with rice, potatoes, salad or simply cooked vegetables.
Cuisine style Latin American-inspired
Spice level Medium
Cooking style Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 30 minutes

Why this recipe works

  • Bright, balanced glaze: Lime cuts through the richness of the salmon and keeps the honey glaze from tasting overly sweet.
  • Distinctive chilli flavour: Aji amarillo adds fruity heat and depth without overwhelming the fish.
  • Fast weeknight method: The glaze is mixed in one bowl and the salmon bakes quickly on a tray, keeping both preparation and cleanup simple.

Get the most out of this recipe

Adjust the heat

  • For a gentler glaze: Use a little less aji amarillo paste and add extra lime juice to keep the glaze bright.
  • For more heat: Increase the aji amarillo paste slightly, tasting the glaze before brushing it over the fish.

Texture tips

  • Keep the salmon moist: Bake only until the thickest part flakes easily; thinner fillets may be ready closer to the lower end of the cooking time.
  • Check early: The honey glaze can darken quickly in a hot oven, so check the salmon before the full baking time if the fillets are small.

Ingredient notes

  • About aji amarillo: Aji amarillo is a Peruvian yellow chilli paste with fruity warmth, giving the glaze more complexity than straightforward chilli heat.
  • Balance at the table: Serve with lime wedges so each portion can be sharpened to taste, especially if the glaze tastes quite sweet.

Serving ideas

  • Serve with simple sides: Pair with steamed rice, roasted potatoes or green vegetables to let the sweet-spicy glaze stand out.
  • Finish fresh: Fresh coriander adds a clean herbal note that contrasts well with the sticky glaze.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
Print
  1. Heat the oven to 220°C (430°F). Put the salmon on a baking tray and rub with the olive oil.
  2. Finely grate or crush the garlic into a small bowl. Finely grate in a little lime zest, then squeeze in about half the lime juice.
  3. Whisk in the aji amarillo paste and honey until glossy and smooth. Brush the glaze generously over the salmon, using it all.
  4. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is just cooked and flakes easily at the thickest part. If you like, spoon the tray juices over the fish halfway through baking.
  5. Finely chop the fresh coriander and scatter it over the salmon. Cut the remaining lime into wedges and serve alongside for squeezing.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the glossiest finish, brush the salmon again with the tray juices as soon as it comes out of the oven.
  • If your salmon fillets are very thick, bake for a couple of minutes longer and check the centre; it should be opaque and flake easily.
  • If serving to pregnant people, young children, older adults, or anyone immunocompromised, cook the salmon until piping hot throughout.

Substitutions

  • Replace Honey with Agave syrup for a similar sweetness and shine.
  • Replace Lime with Lemon for a slightly sharper citrus note.
  • Replace Olive oil with Avocado oil for a more neutral flavour.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Cool, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Reheat on a baking tray at 180°C (355°F) for 6 to 8 minutes until piping hot, or flake cold into salads.

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Baked Salmon with Aji Amarillo and Honey Glaze
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 25min (10min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Latin American
  • Allergens:
    Fish
Beginner friendly

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