Tandoori Salmon with Mint Chutney

Inspired by the flavours of tandoori cooking, this salmon pairs a tangy yoghurt marinade with cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, garlic, lemon and a little honey for warmth, colour and gentle sweetness. Roasting on a hot tray helps the fish cook quickly while the marinade catches at the edges, giving a lightly charred finish without needing a tandoor. The mint and coriander chutney keeps the dish fresh and sharp, cutting through the richness of the salmon. Serve it with steamed rice or a crisp salad for an easy, vibrant dinner with plenty of contrast.
Cuisine style Indian-inspired tandoori-style cooking
Spice level Medium
Cooking style Meal prep friendly • Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Warm, layered spice: Cumin, turmeric, garlic and smoked paprika give the yoghurt marinade savoury depth, colour and gentle smokiness.
  • Bright balance: Lemon in both the marinade and chutney cuts through the richness of the salmon and yoghurt.
  • Fast cooking: A short marinade and hot oven give good flavour and lightly charred edges without a long cooking time.

Get the most out of this recipe

Adjust the heat

  • For less heat: Remove the seeds from the green chilli before blending the chutney, or use a milder chilli.
  • For more heat: Use a hotter green chilli in the chutney, or leave the seeds in for a sharper finish.
  • Keep the heat fresh: The chilli sits mainly in the chutney, so serve it on the side if diners prefer different spice levels.

Timing notes

  • Short marinating is enough: The yoghurt, lemon and spices flavour the surface quickly, so a brief marinade works well for salmon.
  • Serve soon after roasting: Salmon is best while just cooked and moist, with the chutney added at the table for freshness.
  • Rest briefly: A short rest lets the fish settle before serving without losing its tender texture.

Texture tips

  • Keep the salmon moist: Roast only until the fish is just cooked through; overcooking will make it firmer and drier.
  • Encourage light charring: Starting with a hot baking tray helps the marinade catch at the edges for a tandoori-style finish.
  • Watch the grill closely: If using the grill at the end, keep a close eye on the yoghurt marinade as it can darken quickly.

Serving ideas

  • Serve with rice: Steamed rice makes a simple base for the spiced salmon and catches the chutney well.
  • Add a crisp salad: A fresh cucumber, tomato or leafy salad keeps the meal light and balances the warm spices.
  • Finish with lemon: Extra lemon wedges at the table add brightness to both the fish and the chutney.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients

Tandoori salmon

Mint chutney

Instructions
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  1. Heat the oven to 220°C (430°F) and set a baking tray inside to get hot. In a bowl, mix the yogurt, garlic paste, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground turmeric, honey, and the juice of half the lemon.
  2. Add the salmon to the bowl and turn to coat well. Leave to marinate for 10 minutes while you make the chutney.
  3. Put the fresh mint, fresh coriander, green chilli, and the juice of the remaining lemon half into a blender. Blend until smooth, scraping down as needed; if it is too thick to blend, add 1 to 2 tbsp water from the tap to loosen.
  4. Carefully remove the hot tray from the oven and place the salmon on it, spooning any extra marinade over the top. Roast for 8 to 12 minutes, until the salmon is just cooked through and lightly charred at the edges.
  5. Rest the salmon for 2 minutes, then serve with the mint chutney alongside. Cut the remaining lemon into wedges if you would like extra at the table.

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Recipe notes

Serving suggestions

This recipe pairs well with:

Steamed rice Salad

Tips

  • For deeper colour and a little extra charring, switch the oven to grill for the final 1 to 2 minutes, keeping a close eye so the yogurt does not burn.
  • If you are sensitive to heat, remove the seeds from the green chilli before blending it into the chutney.
  • Food safety: if serving to pregnant people, young children, older adults, or anyone immunocompromised, make sure the salmon is cooked until piping hot throughout.

Substitutions

  • Replace Whole milk yogurt with Greek yogurt for a thicker marinade that clings more strongly to the salmon.
  • Replace Smoked paprika with Ground paprika for a milder, less smoky flavour.
  • Replace Honey with Agave syrup for a similar sweetness with a slightly lighter finish.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Cool leftovers quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat the salmon on a baking tray at 180°C (355°F) until piping hot, and stir the chutney before serving.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 40min (15min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Allergens:
    Fish Milk
Beginner friendly With serving suggestions

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