Chipotle-Vanilla Salmon
Grilled salmon with smoky chipotle and real vanilla. Quick marinade, easy grill tips, and simple swaps for chipotle or vanilla.
Vanilla is indigenous to Mexico, therefore we felt its flavor would be appropriately paired with chipotle peppers.
Submitted by: Paige from Evanston, IL
Yield: 4 4-8 oz Salmon Steaks
- Pair smoky chipotle with Mexican vanilla for a sweet and spicy glaze that highlights salmon.
- Rub or marinate up to 30 minutes, then grill over medium-high heat until just cooked for best texture.
- Swap vanilla bean for extract and chipotle powder for adobo or smoked paprika if needed.
Spices
Featured in this Recipe
Preparation Instructions:
Mix oil and honey in a small bowl. Scrape vanilla bean into the mixture. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Rub sauce onto salmon steaks right before grilling, or marinate up to half an hour.
thespicehouse.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use vanilla extract instead of a vanilla bean?
Yes. Use about 1 to 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract in place of one vanilla bean. The extract is milder but still gives the vanilla note. Stir it into the oil and honey before rubbing onto the salmon.
How long should I marinate the salmon?
Rub the sauce on right before grilling or marinate up to 30 minutes. Longer marinating can change the texture. If you must, keep raw marinated salmon refrigerated and cook within 24 hours.
What grill temperature and time should I use?
Preheat the grill to medium-high, about 375 to 425°F. For 1 inch thick salmon, grill about 4 to 6 minutes per side. Thicker steaks may need 5 to 7 minutes per side. Use a thermometer: 145°F is fully cooked, while 125 to 130°F gives a moister result many prefer.
What can I use if I do not have chipotle powder?
Substitute with 1 teaspoon chipotle in adobo sauce or 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika plus a pinch of cayenne for heat. Taste and adjust so it matches your preferred spice level.
How spicy is this recipe and how can I reduce heat?
Using 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder yields mild to moderate heat. Increase to 1 teaspoon for more kick. To reduce heat, cut the chipotle amount, add a bit more honey, or remove seeds if using fresh chipotle.
Can I make this ahead or freeze the salmon?
You can prepare the sauce ahead. Raw salmon is best cooked within 24 hours of marinating. Cooked salmon stores in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze cooked salmon for 2 to 3 months in airtight packaging; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What sides pair well with chipotle vanilla salmon?
Serve it with cilantro lime rice, grilled vegetables, a simple green salad, roasted potatoes, or a bright citrus salsa to balance the sweet and smoky flavors.
Can I use vanilla extract instead of a vanilla bean?
Yes. Use about 1 to 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract in place of one vanilla bean. The extract is milder but still gives the vanilla note. Stir it into the oil and honey before rubbing onto the salmon.
How long should I marinate the salmon?
Rub the sauce on right before grilling or marinate up to 30 minutes. Longer marinating can change the texture. If you must, keep raw marinated salmon refrigerated and cook within 24 hours.
What grill temperature and time should I use?
Preheat the grill to medium-high, about 375 to 425°F. For 1 inch thick salmon, grill about 4 to 6 minutes per side. Thicker steaks may need 5 to 7 minutes per side. Use a thermometer: 145°F is fully cooked, while 125 to 130°F gives a moister result many prefer.
What can I use if I do not have chipotle powder?
Substitute with 1 teaspoon chipotle in adobo sauce or 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika plus a pinch of cayenne for heat. Taste and adjust so it matches your preferred spice level.
How spicy is this recipe and how can I reduce heat?
Using 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder yields mild to moderate heat. Increase to 1 teaspoon for more kick. To reduce heat, cut the chipotle amount, add a bit more honey, or remove seeds if using fresh chipotle.
Can I make this ahead or freeze the salmon?
You can prepare the sauce ahead. Raw salmon is best cooked within 24 hours of marinating. Cooked salmon stores in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze cooked salmon for 2 to 3 months in airtight packaging; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What sides pair well with chipotle vanilla salmon?
Serve it with cilantro lime rice, grilled vegetables, a simple green salad, roasted potatoes, or a bright citrus salsa to balance the sweet and smoky flavors.
Completely delicious and so easy!
The previous reviewer said she didn’t know wgen to add the chipolte. The answer is in the 3rd sebtence of the directions. It says, “Stir in the remaining ingredients.”
Michael O, Sacramento, CA
I don’t mean to be rude but where does the chipotle come in?
This is a favorite recipe for salmon —
The honey needs to be dissolved in a little water to help it blend with the oil. I use vanilla paste or extract instead of the bean — it’s just easier.
I sometimes make it with maple syrup instead of honey. This goes well with salmon (or just about anything!!)