Baked saffron salmon kabobs in the oven can be made with a 5-ingredient marinade in 15 minutes. These spicy salmon bites are one of the easiest appetizers you can make with salmon.
Clean the salmon and chop into 1-1/2 inch cubes. Dice the onions and bell peppers into 1 inch cubes.
Season the salmon with salt, pepper and lime juice. Keep aside for 5 minutes while you prepare the marinade.
Mix the ingredients for the marinade in a small bowl.
Add the marinade to the salmon and mix well.
Toss the cubed onions and peppers along with salmon and mix well. Let them marinate for 10 minutes. (note1)
Preheat the oven to 120°C/ 250°F. Thread the salmon with the vegetables onto the skewers as shown.
Arrange the skewers on a baking tray or sheet pan and place in the middle rack of the oven. (remember to line the dish with baking paper to catch the drippings so that cleaning up becomes easier)Bake for 15 minutes. Check for doneness using a fork to push through the flesh. The salmon kabab should still be pink but should flake easily.
Drizzle some lime juice, garnish with coriander leaves and enjoy!
Video
Notes
If time permits, marinate the salmon longer. It can be marinated up to 1 hour in advance.
The ginger and garlic paste can be replaced with powdered versions. (halve the quantities- 1/2 teaspoon each)
Ensure that you set the oven at the specified temperature and not higher. Cooking at a low temperature gives you perfectly cooked tender, juicy salmon skewers.
This recipe can be easily multiplied and is perfect for entertaining. The marinating time and cooking time remain the same, whatever the quantity of kabobs you plan to make. Just ensure that you have enough baking trays!
You can find more tips in the post above.
Variations:
The peppers and onions remain crunchy after cooking. If you want vegetables that are softened and well-cooked, thread them in separate skewers and cook them separately. Bake them at 200 °C/400 °F for 25 minutes.
Since this is a baked recipe, the salmon will still be pink after cooking. If you like well-browned salmon, brush the salmon and vegetables with olive oil before placing them in the oven.
Make-ahead option:Baked salmon and vegetables stay fresh for 3 days in the refrigerator or 2 weeks in the freezer. Thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat them in the oven at the same temperature 120°C/ 250°F for 5 minutes. The texture of salmon may slightly change, but would still taste great.Marinated salmon and vegetables should be cooked within one hour of marinating.