Dark Chilli Chocolate Salmon

Ingredients

Serves 4 | Ready in ±25 minutes

  • 4 Woolworths Salmon Portions (±150–180g each)
  • Salt & freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Dark Chilli Chocolate Sauce

  • 40 g good-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
  • 1 tsp mild chilli powder or smoked chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
  • Juice of ½ lime or orange
  • 2 tbsp warm water or light stock

To Finish (optional but recommended)

  • Lime or orange zest
  • Fresh coriander or micro herbs
  • Extra chilli flakes for heat

Three Streams Smokehouse is proud to partner with Woolworths South Africa in the retail sector, supplying sustainably sourced and responsibly farmed Norwegian Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and a variety of other premium-quality seafood products.

As of 2024, we are honoured to not only supply Woolworths in the Deli, Frozen, and Primal categories but also to have taken over the management and supply of their Fresh Seafood Counters.

This partnership means that Three Streams Smokehouse now proudly supplies an extensive range of seafood products to Woolworths stores across the Western Cape, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal regions.

Method

Season the salmon

Pat salmon dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
Pan-sear
Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
Sear salmon skin-side down (if applicable) for 3–4 minutes until crisp.
Flip and cook for a further 2 minutes until just cooked through.
Remove from pan and set aside.

Make the sauce

Reduce heat to low.
Add dark chocolate, chilli, smoked paprika, sugar, vinegar, soy, garlic, citrus juice, and warm water to the same pan.
Stir gently until melted and glossy.
Don’t let it boil.

Glaze

Return salmon to the pan and spoon the sauce over the fillets for 1–2 minutes until lacquered and rich.

Serve

Finish with citrus zest, fresh herbs, and a final pinch of chilli flakes.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy mash, polenta, or sweet potato purée
Charred broccoli or tenderstem with lemon
Coconut rice to balance the heat
A glass of bold red or chilled rosé.

Why it Works

The bitterness of dark chocolate, smoky chilli, and natural richness of Woolworths salmon create a deep, savoury-sweet flavour that feels indulgent without being heavy.

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