This Honey Soy Sauce Glazed Salmon is super tasty and easy to make! The sweet and salty glaze gives the fish a yummy shine that’s hard to resist.
I love how quick this recipe is—just marinate the salmon, pop it in the oven, and dinner’s ready! Pair it with rice or veggies for a full meal. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the star here. If you can’t find salmon, you can use another fatty fish like trout or even tuna. Just remember that cooking times may vary!
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is my go-to to control the saltiness. If you’re gluten-free, try tamari or coconut aminos as great alternatives.
Honey: The sweetness balances the saltiness. You could use maple syrup or agave nectar as a vegan option, but start with a bit less since they can be sweeter.
Rice Vinegar: It adds a tangy note. If you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar works well and is often in most kitchens. White vinegar is okay too, but use a little less as it’s sharper.
How Do I Make Sure My Salmon is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking salmon can be tricky—it’s easy to undercook or overcook it! Here’s my tip for getting it just right:
- Start with medium-high heat to get a nice sear on the salmon, which takes about 3-4 minutes for the first side.
- When flipping, be gentle to keep the fillet intact. After flipping, spoon the glaze over it; this adds flavor and keeps it moist.
- A good rule of thumb is to cook until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. A thermometer should read 145°F for safe eating.
With these ingredients and techniques, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s sure to impress!
Honey Soy Sauce Glazed Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, so you can get this delicious meal ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick dinner on a busy night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). This will be your delicious marinade.
2. Marinate the Salmon:
Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a ziplock bag. Pour half of the marinade over the salmon, making sure it’s well coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for more flavor.
3. Cook the Salmon:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the salmon fillets. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on one side until they’re nicely browned.
4. Flip and Glaze:
Gently flip the salmon fillets over and pour the reserved marinade around them in the pan. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, spooning the glaze over the salmon as it thickens and becomes sticky. The salmon should be cooked through and have a shiny, caramelized look.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the salmon is ready, remove it from the heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh chopped parsley or green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables or salad for a complete meal!
Enjoy the luscious, glossy, sweet-savory flavor of this honey soy sauce glazed salmon!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure it’s completely thawed before cooking. The best way to thaw it is to put it in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker thaw.
How to Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, simply omit the red pepper flakes from the recipe. For extra heat, consider adding a dash of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade and marinate the salmon the night before. Just keep it in the refrigerator and cook it when you’re ready to eat. This will enhance the flavors even more!
What Should I Serve With Honey Soy Sauce Glazed Salmon?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa, along with sautéed or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it over a bed of greens for a lighter option.
