This Asian Glazed Salmon is a tasty treat with a sweet and tangy sauce that makes your mouth water! It’s quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
I love that it cooks fast and goes well with rice or veggies. Plus, the glaze is so good, you’ll want to lick the plate clean! Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the star here. If you can’t find salmon, try using trout or even a thicker white fish like halibut. They will give a nice texture, but cooking times may vary.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is my go-to to keep it less salty but still flavorful. If needed, you can substitute it with tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a different flavor profile.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness to the glaze. If you’re vegan, maple syrup or agave nectar works great as a substitute!
Rice Vinegar: This adds a bit of tang. If you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be good alternatives for a similar effect.
Sriracha: For heat, I love adding sriracha. If you prefer milder flavors, you can skip it or use a dash of black pepper instead.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Salmon?
Cooking salmon can seem tricky, but it’s quite straightforward! Follow these steps to ensure your salmon is juicy and flaky.
- Start with Dry Fillets: Make sure to pat the salmon dry. This helps it sear well in the pan!
- Medium-High Heat: Preheat your skillet well before adding oil. This ensures a good sear.
- Cooking Time: Cook the first side for about 4-5 minutes. Flip it once it’s golden brown. The skin-side down first will give a crispy texture!
- Baste for Flavor: After flipping, continuously spoon the glaze over the salmon while it cooks. This infuses flavor and helps it caramelize nicely.
Following these tips will help you achieve tender and delicious salmon every time! Enjoy this dish with your favorite sides for a full meal.
Asian Glazed Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional for heat)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (toasted)
For Serving:
- Steamed white rice
- Steamed bok choy or greens
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Asian Glazed Salmon recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook, totaling around 20 minutes from start to finish. A quick, healthy meal that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
First, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear. Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
2. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sriracha (if you like a bit of spice). This will create a delicious glaze for your salmon.
3. Heat the Oil:
In a large non-stick skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking, so your salmon can fry nicely.
4. Cook the Salmon:
Add the seasoned salmon fillets to the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes on the first side. Look for a nice golden brown color. Then, carefully flip the fillets over.
5. Add the Glaze:
Pour the glaze over the salmon fillets after flipping. Make sure to spoon the sauce over the salmon as it cooks for another 3-4 minutes until it’s cooked through and nicely caramelized.
6. Serve with Rice:
Once the salmon is done, remove it from the pan and place it over a bed of steamed white rice. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan on top of the salmon for extra flavor.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish your dish with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve right away with your steamed bok choy or any other greens on the side. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
This Asian Glazed Salmon has a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic notes, making every bite delightful. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking! The best way to do this is to leave it in the fridge overnight, or you can place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you need a substitute for honey, maple syrup or agave nectar work great! They’ll provide the sweetness needed for the glaze without changing the flavor too much.
How Can I Store Leftover Salmon?
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven or microwave to avoid drying it out. You can also enjoy it cold in salads!
What Should I Serve with Asian Glazed Salmon?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed white rice and sautéed greens like bok choy. You can also try serving it with quinoa or a light Asian-style salad for variety!