This Asian Glazed Salmon is a tasty treat! It features tender salmon fillets coated in a sweet and tangy soy sauce glaze with hints of garlic and ginger. Yum!
Cooking this dish makes me feel like a master chef, and the smell? Simply irresistible! I love to serve it over rice for a complete meal. Can’t wait for you to try it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are best for this dish, but you can use frozen ones. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight. If you’re not a fan of salmon, try using trout or another oily fish like mackerel for similar results.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is great to keep the dish from being too salty. You can substitute it with tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a lighter flavor and sweeter taste.
Honey/Maple Syrup: Honey adds a lovely sweetness, but maple syrup is a perfect vegan alternative. If you need it to be sugar-free, consider using agave syrup or a sugar substitute like stevia.
Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar gives a gentle tang, but feel free to use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar if you don’t have it on hand. They provide a similar flavor without straying too far.
Ginger: Fresh ginger is the best choice for this recipe. However, if you don’t have it, you can use ground ginger (1/4 teaspoon) for a quicker option, but the flavor won’t be as bright.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Glaze on My Salmon?
Getting that shiny, sticky glaze is key to this dish. The glaze’s flavor needs to meld and thicken, which happens during cooking. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by mixing all glaze ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Let it simmer gently; this helps the flavors develop while the sugar dissolves.
- Adding cornstarch slurry is important for thickening the glaze. Stir it into the simmering sauce until it coats the back of a spoon – this should only take a couple of minutes!
- Remember to reserve some glaze for topping after cooking. It enhances that fresh, vibrant flavor once plated.
- Lastly, while broiling at the end, keep a close eye to avoid burning. Just a minute or two can make a big difference!
How to Make Asian Glazed Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on or off
For The Glaze:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
For Serving:
- Steamed white rice
- Steamed greens (bok choy or similar)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to cook, depending on your oven and the thickness of the salmon. In total, you should have this delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes or less! Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Glaze:
Start by putting all the glaze ingredients—soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes—into a small saucepan over medium heat. Give it a good stir to combine everything well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and the flavors blend nicely.
2. Thicken the Sauce:
Now, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Keep stirring as the sauce simmers for another 1-2 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This will give the glaze that lovely, sticky texture. Once thick, remove it from the heat and set aside before you prep the salmon.
3. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and cover a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. This will make clean-up a breeze later on!
4. Get Ready to Bake:
Arrange the salmon fillets on the baking sheet, skin-side down (if they have skin). Using a brush or a spoon, generously glaze each fillet with the sweet and savory mixture. Don’t forget to save some glaze for drizzling after baking!
5. Bake the Salmon:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake the salmon for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it; your salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork but remains moist inside. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets.
6. Finish with a Broil (Optional):
If you want a caramelized finish, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to make sure it doesn’t burn!
7. Serve it Up:
Take the salmon out of the oven and drizzle any remaining glaze over the top. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for some extra flavor and crunch. Serve immediately with steaming white rice and your choice of greens like bok choy. Enjoy your beautifully plated Asian Glazed Salmon!
And there you have it! A delightful meal that’s sweet, savory, and perfect for any occasion.
Can I Use Fresh Salmon instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh salmon is typically more flavorful and has a better texture, but you can use frozen salmon. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best results.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Both options provide a similar taste without the gluten.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them, gently reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat to prevent the salmon from drying out.
What Can I Substitute for Rice Vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as alternatives. Each will give a similar tang without changing the overall flavor profile too much.
