This Honey Soy Sauce Glazed Salmon is a mouthwatering dish that’s super easy to make! The mix of sweet honey and savory soy sauce brings out amazing flavors in the salmon.
You’ll love how quick it is to whip up—just marinate, bake, and enjoy! Pair it with rice or veggies, and you’ve got a fancy meal without breaking a sweat. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon Fillets: Fresh salmon is key for this dish, but you can use salmon steaks or even skinless fillets. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider trout or tilapia, which also pair well with the glaze.
Soy Sauce: I prefer using low-sodium soy sauce to keep the flavors balanced without being overly salty. If you’re gluten-free, tamari is a great substitute.
Honey: For a different flavor, maple syrup is a lovely alternative to honey. If you need a vegan option, agave syrup works too!
Rice Vinegar: This adds a nice tang, but if you don’t have it, lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can easily step in.
Fresh Ginger: Sometimes I use ground ginger in a pinch, but use half the amount since it’s more concentrated. Fresh ginger gives a nice zing!
How Do I Get the Salmon Just Right?
Getting perfectly cooked salmon can be tricky, but here’s how you can nail it:
- Preheat your oven to the correct temperature to ensure even cooking.
- Cook salmon skin-side down to keep it moist. This also helps keep the flesh from overcooking.
- Stick to the baking time and check for doneness. It should flake easily with a fork but remain tender inside.
If you like your salmon extra crispy, you can finish it under the broiler for the last couple of minutes. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning! Happy cooking!
Honey Soy Sauce Glazed Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Glaze:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish:
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- Fresh dill or green onions
- Lemon slices (optional)
- Steamed asparagus or other veggies, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 12-15 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 25-30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and delicious option for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the salmon cooks evenly and gets that perfect glaze.
2. Make the Honey Soy Sauce Mixture:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. This sweet and savory mixture is what will make your salmon so tasty!
3. Prepare the Salmon:
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on a lined baking sheet. Lightly season the fillets with salt and black pepper for extra flavor.
4. Coat the Salmon:
Spoon or brush about half of the honey soy sauce mixture over the salmon. Make sure the fillets are well coated so every bit has that delicious flavor!
5. Bake the Salmon:
Put the salmon in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. The salmon should be cooked through and flake easily with a fork when it’s done. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Thicken the Remaining Sauce:
While the salmon is baking, take the rest of the sauce mixture and pour it into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat and if you want a thicker glaze, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Keep stirring for about 1-2 minutes until it thickens, then remove from heat.
7. Drizzle with Glaze:
Once the salmon is done baking, take it out of the oven and spoon the thickened glaze over the top of the fillets. This will add that final touch of flavor and shine!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle the salmon with sesame seeds and fresh dill or chopped green onions. Lemon slices are a nice touch too! Serve your glazed salmon immediately with steamed asparagus or your favorite veggies.
Enjoy your beautifully glazed, flavorful honey soy salmon! It’s a dish that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight or quickly by placing it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like a heat kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the honey soy sauce mixture. Adjust the amount to your taste for the perfect level of spiciness!
Can I Make This Dish in a Skillet Instead of the Oven?
Absolutely! Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the salmon skin-side down, and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Flip it and cook for another 4-5 minutes, brushing with the sauce as you go for maximum flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep the salmon moist. Enjoy your delicious meal again!