This Asian Glazed Salmon is a tasty dish that brings a sweet and tangy flavor to your dinner table. The glaze is made with soy sauce, honey, and ginger, creating a yummy sauce!
Salmon cooks up so nicely with this glaze that I can’t resist seconds. Serve it with some rice and veggies on the side, and you’ll have a meal everyone loves. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are ideal for this dish. If salmon isn’t available, try using trout or tilapia for a similar flavor and texture.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is perfect for controlling salt levels. For a gluten-free option, you can use tamari or coconut aminos.
Honey: Honey gives a lovely sweetness. If you’re vegan or avoiding honey, use maple syrup or agave syrup instead.
Rice Vinegar: This adds a nice tang. You can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or regular white vinegar if needed.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic bring great flavor, but you can use powdered versions if you don’t have fresh on hand. Just remember, use less powder since it’s more concentrated!
How Do I Get My Salmon to Cook Perfectly?
Cooking salmon perfectly can be tricky, but it’s all about timing and temperature.
- Make sure your oven is preheated to 400°F (200°C) before baking.
- Cooking time usually varies between 10-12 minutes, depending on thickness. Look for salmon that flakes easily with a fork to know it’s done.
- For extra flavor, brush with the reserved glaze right before it finishes baking to enhance that glossy finish.
- Let it rest for a couple of minutes after baking. This helps the juices settle in!
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly baked salmon every time. Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Asian Glazed Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (black and white mixed)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Steamed rice and bok choy or steamed greens (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 12 minutes of cooking time. Plus, you can marinate the salmon while you prepare other ingredients, making it great for a quick dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar, and sriracha if you want a little heat. This sweet and tangy glaze will make your salmon shine! Set the glaze aside.
2. Marinate the Salmon:
Take your salmon fillets and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Place them into a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour half of the prepared glaze over them. Reserve the other half for later. Let the salmon marinate for about 15-30 minutes at room temperature or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator. This helps the flavors soak in!
3. Prepare to Bake:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the marinated salmon on the baking sheet, skin-side down. Brush a little bit of the reserved glaze on top of each fillet for extra flavor.
4. Bake the Salmon:
Sprinkle the tops of the fillets with toasted sesame seeds. Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through. It should be tender and moist!
5. Thicken the Remaining Glaze:
While the salmon is baking, take the remaining glaze and heat it in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly for about 2-3 minutes. Once it’s thickened, remove it from the heat.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the salmon is done baking, drizzle the thickened glaze generously over the fillets. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions for a fresh finish. Serve your Asian glazed salmon hot with steamed rice and your choice of steamed bok choy or other greens on the side. Enjoy this delicious, vibrant meal with family or friends!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure it’s fully thawed before marinating! Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Pat it dry before seasoning and marinating.
What Can I Use Instead of Honey?
If you prefer a vegan option, maple syrup or agave syrup works as a great substitute for honey. They will still give your glaze the necessary sweetness and flavor!
Can I Prepare the Glaze in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make the glaze a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just remember to reheat it slightly before using it to ensure it’s easy to drizzle over the salmon.
How Do I Store Leftover Salmon?
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it to maintain its moisture.