If you love bold flavors with minimal effort, this Vietnamese Caramelized Salmon recipe is about to become one of your favorite ways to cook salmon.
Inspired by cá hồi kho (Vietnamese caramelized fish), this dish highlights the simple goodness of salmon with a deeply savory-sweet sauce, crispy skin, and glossy golden brown finish.
Plus, it’s all made in one pan.
The secret to this recipe is the crispy salmon skin achieved by using a broiler.
This cooking method delivers restaurant-worthy results at home while staying approachable enough for a weeknight meal you’ll crave again (like we did last week).
What is Vietnamese Caramelized Salmon?
Vietnamese caramelized salmon, or cá hồi kho, is a modern twist on the traditional Vietnamese technique of caramelizing sugar until it melts and deepens in flavor, then simmering fish in a mixture of fish sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
As the brown sugar melts, it creates a rich sauce that clings to the entire surface of the salmon, giving you that irresistible sweet-savory balance.
The fish sauce adds in an umami tang that will have your taste buds singing!
This version finishes under the broiler, which crisps the skin and concentrates the amount of sauce into a glossy glaze.
Why this Vietnamese Caramelized Salmon Recipe is Incredible
This salmon recipe checks all the boxes:
- Crispy skin: Most Vietnamese caramelized salmon recipes miss the mark when it comes to crisping the salmon skin. Starting the salmon skin side up and finishing under the broiler ensures beautifully caramelized, crisp skin.
- Packed with flavor: Fish sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic create deep umami flavors that will transport you to Southeast Asia.
- Made in one pan: A large skillet (or large nonstick skillet) is all you need and the clean up is minimal.
It’s proof that bold flavors don’t require complicated steps, just good ingredients and a sturdy skillet.
What Type of Salmon to Use for This Recipe
We like MOWI Salmon, specifically skin-on salmon filets.
Thicker salmon filets are better because they stay juicy while broiling and give you more control over doneness.
MOWI works so well because their salmon is fresh, never frozen for a clean taste. We also love how the filets are a consistent thickness.
Recommend Side Dishes
Serve this caramelized salmon with crisp green veggies or sides that soak up every drop of sauce:
- Jasmine rice or steamed white rice
- Sautéed bok choy
- Roasted broccolini (don’t miss our viral Air Fryer Broccolini Recipe!)
- A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette
Transfer everything to a serving plate, spoon extra sauce over the rice, and enjoy.
Vietnamese Caramelized Salmon Recipe
Serves: 2
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 7 Minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 MOWI skin-on salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- ¼ cup Asian fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated and peeled fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced or grated with a microplane
For garnish:
- Lime juice
- Lime zest
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro leaves
Directions:
- Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler and turn on the broiler.
- Season both sides of the salmon with sea salt and black pepper.
- In an oven-safe large skillet set over medium-low heat, combine brown sugar, oil, fish sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Stir until the sugar melts and the mixture begins to simmer.
- Place the salmon in the skillet, skin side up, and cook over medium heat until the fish is cooked about halfway through, or roughly 4 minutes depending on thickness.
- Spoon the sauce over the tops of the salmon, then transfer the skillet to the oven. Broil until the salmon is just cooked through and the skin is golden brown and crisp, about 3–4 minutes for medium-rare (thicker fillets may take 5–10 minutes total) or until 130–135 degrees F if you want a tender result.
- Transfer the salmon to a serving plate. Drizzle with pan sauce and finish with lime juice, lime zest, green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro.
NOTE: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to preserve the glaze and texture.
Vietnamese Caramelized Salmon Recipe
For a sweet and tangy fish dish, this Vietnamese-inspired caramelized salmon recipe comes together in 15 minutes and all in one pan!
Ingredients
- 2 MOWI skin-on salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- ¼ cup Asian fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated and peeled fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced or grated with a microplane
- Optional garnishes: lime juice, llime zest, sliced green onions, sesame seeds, cilantro
Instructions
- Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler and turn on the broiler.
- Season both sides of the salmon with sea salt and black pepper.
- In an oven-safe large skillet set over medium-low heat, combine brown sugar, oil, fish sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Stir until the sugar melts and the mixture begins to simmer.
- Place the salmon in the skillet, skin side up, and cook over medium heat until the fish is cooked about halfway through, or roughly 4 minutes depending on thickness.
- Spoon the sauce over the tops of the salmon, then transfer the skillet to the oven. Broil until the salmon is just cooked through and the skin is golden brown and crisp, about 3–4 minutes for medium-rare (thicker fillets may take 5–10 minutes total) or until 130–135 degrees F if you want a tender result.
- Transfer the salmon to a serving plate. Drizzle with pan sauce and finish with lime juice, lime zest, green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to preserve the glaze and texture.
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This Vietnamese Caramelized Salmon is one of those dishes that feels special but fits easily into real life.
It’s full of bold flavor, requires minimal prep, and is a technique you’ll come back to again and again.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight recipe with quick clean up or simply craving something deeply satisfying, this is a salmon dish worth adding to your rotation.
Looking for More Salmon Recipes? These are Tried and True Gems:
If salmon is your favorite fish, you’ve come to the right place. Enjoy this collection of amazing salmon recipes:
- Seared Salmon Eggs Benedict
- Mediterranean Salmon Skewers
- Easy Hot Honey Sriracha Asian Marinade for Salmon
- 10 Minute Hawaiian Salmon Poke
- Baked Lemon, Garlic, and Herb Mediterranean Salmon
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