How to Make Tandoori Salmon (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Tandoori Salmon is a unique twist on the classic tandoori dish, adapted for Malaysian tastes and health-conscious diners. This recipe infuses fresh salmon fillets with aromatic spices, yogurt, and local ingredients such as lemongrass and coriander, reflecting Malaysia’s rich multicultural cuisine. While tandoori dishes have North Indian roots, they’ve become favorites in Malaysia, especially in mamak stalls and Indian restaurants, where local adaptations are celebrated. The flavor profile is vibrant, featuring earthy spices like kunyit (turmeric) and jintan manis (cumin), balanced by the freshness of limau nipis (lime). Malaysian Tandoori Salmon is perfect for lunch, offering a protein-rich meal that’s both satisfying and light. The use of yogurt and spices not only tenderizes the fish but also enhances its nutritional value, making it an ideal choice for those tracking calories. Enjoy the harmony of flavors and the cultural fusion present in every bite, a testament to Malaysia’s diverse food heritage.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (120g each) Salmon fillets (ikan salmon)
- 1/2 cup Low-fat plain yogurt (yogurt rendah lemak)
- 1/2 tsp Kunyit powder (turmeric) (kunyit)
- 1/2 tsp Jintan manis (cumin) (ground cumin)
- 1 stalk, finely chopped Serai (lemongrass) (serai)
- 1, juiced Limau nipis (lime) (lime juice)
- 1/2 tsp Coriander powder (serbuk ketumbar)
- 1/2 tsp Garam masala (optional for extra aroma)
- 1 tbsp Minyak zaitun (olive oil) (for brushing)
- 1/4 tsp Salt (garam)
- 1 tbsp, chopped Fresh coriander leaves (daun ketumbar)
- 1, tied in knot Pandan leaf (optional for aroma)
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Prepare the marinade by mixing yogurt
Prepare the marinade by mixing yogurt, kunyit powder, cumin, coriander powder, salt, lime juice, chopped serai, and garam masala in a bowl.
Step 2 · Coat the salmon fillets evenly with the marinade
Coat the salmon fillets evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
Step 3 · Preheat oven to 200°C
Preheat oven to 200°C. Line a baking tray with foil and brush with minyak zaitun. Place salmon fillets on tray. Optionally place pandan leaf beside salmon for aroma.
Step 4 · Bake salmon for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and slightly ...
Bake salmon for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and slightly charred at the edges.
Step 5 · Garnish with fresh coriander leaves
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with a side salad and sambal yogurt dip.
Step 6 · For sambal yogurt dip
For sambal yogurt dip, mix 2 tbsp yogurt with 1 tsp sambal oelek and a squeeze of lime.
Why this recipe is healthy
Tandoori Salmon is grilled, not fried, reducing unnecessary fats. The marinade uses yogurt instead of cream, lowering saturated fat. Local herbs like serai and coriander enhance flavor without extra calories. Salmon’s healthy fats and lean protein make it perfect for weight loss, muscle building, and diabetes management while maintaining authentic Malaysian flavors.
A note on tradition
Tandoori Salmon is a contemporary Malaysian dish inspired by North Indian tandoori cooking, embraced by the Indian community especially in Negeri Sembilan and Kuala Lumpur. It’s popular in fusion restaurants and mamak stalls, often served during lunch with fresh salads and sambal dips. The use of local ingredients like lemongrass and pandan reflects Malaysia’s multicultural food heritage, making this dish an icon of culinary adaptability.