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Salmon with citrus-chile sauce for a zesty dinner option

This heart-healthy salmon with citrus-chile sauce is a vibrant dish that perfectly balances the rich, tender salmon with a zesty and slightly spicy sauce. Featuring fresh grapefruit juice and zest, along with the warmth of jalapeños, this recipe brings a refreshing twist to a classic favourite. The addition of broccolini and Belgian endive not only adds colour but also enhances the meal’s nutritional value, making it an excellent choice for a wholesome dinner.

Ideal for those busy weeknights or a special occasion, this dish is quick to prepare and offers a delightful burst of flavours. Drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil and finished with toasted sesame seeds, it makes for a satisfying meal that supports heart health while providing a delightful experience for the senses.

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Ingredients for Salmon with citrus-chile sauce

  • 4 jalapeños, deseeded

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • kosher salt, to taste

  • zest of ½ grapefruit

  • 10 ml honey

  • 90 ml extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 2 bunches broccolini, cut into 5 cm pieces

  • 4 salmon fillets, skin-on, boneless (140–170 g each)

  • 2 Belgian endive, leaves separated, cut into large pieces

  • 60 ml fresh grapefruit juice

  • 45 ml unseasoned rice vinegar

  • toasted sesame seeds (for serving)

How to make Salmon with citrus-chile sauce

  1. Pulse the jalapeños, garlic, and a pinch of salt in a food processor to form a coarse paste. Alternatively, finely chop the jalapeños and garlic on a chopping board, sprinkle with salt, and crush with the side of a chef’s knife.

  2. Transfer the paste to a small bowl and add the grapefruit zest, honey, and 30 ml of oil; toss to combine. Set the sauce aside.

  3. Heat 30 ml of oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the broccolini and cook, tossing occasionally, until crisp-tender and charred in spots, about 5 minutes. Divide the broccolini among plates.

  4. Heat the remaining 30 ml of oil in the same frying pan over medium heat. Season the salmon with salt and cook, skin side down, until the skin is browned and crisp, 6–8 minutes. Turn the salmon over and cook on the flesh side until just cooked through, about 1 minute.

  5. Add the endive to the plates with the broccolini and season with salt. Place the salmon on top. Stir the grapefruit juice and vinegar into the reserved sauce and spoon it over the salmon and vegetables.

  6. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

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Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Oct 2025 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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