Basil Salmon With Mango

Name: Basil Salmon With Mango
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1 1/4 pounds fresh salmon fillets, skin on (2-3 fillets) ((0.57 kg)); kosher salt and black pepper; Garnish: one diced ripe mango (and chopped parsley if desired) (chopped pineapple can be used instead); 3 tablespoon tomato paste; 6 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoon lemon juice; 3 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped; 1 large green onion, roughly chopped; 1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried); 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 1/2 teaspoon white or brown sugar; 1 teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe

Basil salmon boasts rich flavors from a coating of tomato paste, garlic, olive oil, fresh basil, thyme and lemon. The mango adds a lovely sweet and silky garnish.

I like to grill this salmon, but if you don’t have a grill, you can bake it in the oven.

Make it in under 30 minutes for a perfect weeknight meal. Don’t discount it for company though. The salmon with mango with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or other fresh herbs has a lovely presentation.

I love the velvety richness of mango as a garnish. Pineapple would be a great substitute or you can leave it out altogether.

The basil tomato-based sauce is adapted from Once Upon A Chef (with some tiny tweaks) and was originally used for grilled shrimp which I’m sure would be fantastic. It works beautifully with salmon too. In fact, I brought the sauce to a potluck last weekend to use on steak and everyone loved it. And I think it would even be great on pasta.

Tailor It To Your Taste

Try one or more of these variations and substitutes if you like.

Vary the “heat” by adding more or less red pepper flakes (or leaving them out).
The original sauce recipe used shallots. I used green onion as I didn’t have any.
Use pineapple instead of mango.
Make a mango salsa instead of using plain mango. Or add a splash of lime to the mango.
Marinating is optional. I’ve tried it with and without marinating and didn’t find a huge difference, especially if you have leftover sauce to serve with the salmon on the side.

Step by step instructions

salmon fillets, tomato paste, lemon, oil, seasonings, basil, thyme, green onion — **Ingredients**: salmon fillets, fresh basil and thyme leaves, tomato paste, olive oil, lemon, salt, red pepper flakes, garlic, sugar, green onion.

basil tomato paste marinade in food processor bowl — _{Process marinade/sauce in food processor, then coat 1/3 of it onto salmon fillets.}

2 salmon fillets coated with tomato basil mixture on plate — _{Process marinade/sauce in food processor, then coat 1/3 of it onto salmon fillets.}

salmon fillets grilling face down on grates — _{Grill salmon on medium-high heat flesh side down, turn, brush on additional sauce, then grill until cooked (about 10-12 minutes total)}

2 salmon fillets on grill flesh side up — _{Grill salmon on medium-high heat flesh side down, turn, brush on additional sauce, then grill until cooked (about 10-12 minutes total)}

Peel and dice the mango and spoon it over the salmon before serving.

piece of salmon with mango showing inside of salmon

two salmon fillets with basil topped with mango on cutting board

Best side dishes for salmon

Try one of these simple side dishes that pair well with this basil salmon with mango (or any salmon for that matter): roasted bok choy and broccoli,dressing, green beans with panko crumbs or Grilled Cauliflower.

Or serve with a substantial salad on the side: broccoli and cauliflower salad with avocado, healthy vegetable quinoa salad recipe or party salad with grilled vegetables and quinoa. These salads are all a step up from your regular green or chef salad. Almost like two sides in one.

FAQ

How can I tell when salmon is cooked?

The rule of thumb for juicy salmon cook time is 10 minutes per inch (2.5cm) of thickness. When pierced with a knife it should separate easily and still be juicy and warm pink inside (not dry and flaky white). It’s ready when it is just turning opaque.

The FDA recommends cooking salmon to 145F/62.8C, but in my opinion (and many others), that is way overcooked. The best internal temperature with an instant read thermometer is 130-135F (54.4-57.2C). The temperature will rise a bit with a 5 minute rest.

Is salmon healthy?

Salmon is one of the healthier choices you can make for dinner. Healthline says salmon provides several health benefits and that at least two servings per week can help you meet your nutrient needs and reduce the risk of several diseases.

What is the best way to cut a mango?

Here’s a good article on how to cut a mango five ways by Taste of Home.

How can I cook the salmon if I don’t have a grill?

Instead of grilling, bake the salmon at 425F/218C for about 10-12 minutes (or approximately 10 minutes per inch of thickness).

Make Ahead

The sauce can be made a day or two ahead or earlier in the day. The salmon can be made ahead as well to be served cold or at room temperature. I suggest dicing the mango closer to the time of serving.

Other quick salmon recipes you might like

All these salmon recipes can be made in 20-30 minutes.

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Basil salmon with mango recipe, originally published in 2018, has been updated with new information and edits.