Crispy Blooming Salmon with Sweet & Sour Sauce

If you’re looking for a showstopping salmon dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, Crispy Blooming Salmon is it. With its blooming, crisscrossed shape and ultra-crispy texture, this dish is paired with a tangy sweet and sour sauce that brings the perfect balance of flavor. It’s quick, eye-catching, and delicious—ideal for impressing at dinner or enjoying as a treat-yourself meal.

Crispy Blooming Salmon Recipe

Servings: 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

For the crispy blooming salmon:
1 pound salmon fillets, skin on
1/10 teaspoon salt
1/10 teaspoon white pepper
2/3 cup cornstarch
4 cups oil, for frying

For the sweet and sour sauce:
1 cup (237 ml) water
3 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon cilantro stems, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon red bell pepper, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 tablespoons water

Crispy Blooming Salmon Instructions

1. Prepare the salmon

• Slice each salmon fillet crosswise, about ½ inch apart, without cutting through the skin. Then slice lengthwise in the same way to create a crisscross pattern. Repeat for all fillets.
• Season with salt and white pepper.
• Coat with cornstarch and shake off the excess.

2. Fry the salmon

• Heat oil in a pot over high heat until it reaches 325°F (163°C).
• Carefully add the salmon fillets and fry until golden brown, about 3 minutes.
• Remove and drain on paper towels.

3. Make the sweet and sour sauce

• In a pot over medium heat, combine water, ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, cilantro stems, and red bell pepper.
• Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
• Cook until thickened, then remove from heat.

4. Serve

• Serve the sauce on the side or drizzle it over the crispy salmon.

Tips & notes

• Frying oil reuse: Let oil cool completely. Strain through a coffee filter or cheesecloth into a clean glass jar. Store in a cool, dry place.
• Disposing used oil: If the oil is dark or cloudy, dispose of it properly. Cool completely, seal in a non-breakable container, and place it in the trash. Never pour oil down the drain.