This Asian Glazed Salmon is a treat! With a sweet and savory glaze made from soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, it’s packed with flavor. Plus, it’s quick to make!
You won’t believe how simple it is to whip this up on a busy night. I love serving it with some rice and veggies—perfect for a tasty dinner that feels fancy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh or frozen salmon works well for this recipe. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you can use tilapia or cod, but keep in mind they’ll have a milder flavor. Personally, I love using wild-caught salmon for its rich taste.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is great for controlling saltiness. If you’re gluten-free, opt for tamari instead. For a lighter flavor, coconut aminos can be a good substitute. Just know it will change the taste slightly.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both add sweetness! If you want a vegan option, go for agave syrup. I often use honey for its unique flavor, but maple syrup works surprisingly well too.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic really shine here. If fresh isn’t available, use 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder each. However, fresh really brings out the best flavors!
Sriracha or Chili Sauce: This is optional for heat. If you prefer less spice, use a small pinch of red pepper flakes instead. I find that a little heat really elevates the dish!
How Do I Get That Perfectly Caramelized Glaze?
The glaze is what transforms this salmon! First, simmer the sauce on medium heat to meld the flavors. When it thickens after adding the cornstarch slurry, pay attention. This is your moment for that shiny, sticky glaze.
- Cook the sauce until it reaches a syrupy consistency, stirring often.
- Once you apply the glaze to the salmon, keep basting it regularly.
- Don’t rush the flipping! Let it sear on one side to achieve that crispiness.
And remember, a little patience pays off! This glaze is what makes the dish truly special.
How to Make Asian Glazed Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on or off as preferred
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
- Steamed or sautéed greens (e.g., bok choy, broccoli)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Asian Glazed Salmon recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, followed by about 10 minutes of cooking time, making the total time around 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sriracha (if you’re adding a little heat). Stir everything together well, and heat it over medium heat.
2. Simmer the Sauce:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes. This will help to meld all the flavors together.
3. Thicken the Glaze:
Add the cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch with water) to the saucepan, and continue cooking, stirring occasionally. You’ll see the sauce begin to thicken and become glossy—this should take about 1-2 minutes. Once it’s thickened, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
4. Sear the Salmon:
Next, heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil it to keep the salmon from sticking. Place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down if that’s how you prefer it, and don’t move them for about 4-5 minutes. We want to achieve a crispy skin while the salmon cooks through.
5. Glaze and Flip:
Once the salmon is mostly cooked, flip it over carefully and brush a generous amount of the prepared glaze on top. Cook for another 2-4 minutes, basting frequently with the glaze, until the salmon is cooked to your liking and has a beautiful caramelized finish.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the salmon from the heat and drizzle any remaining glaze over the top. To serve, place a nice scoop of cooked white rice on each plate, put the glazed salmon fillet on top, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Pair it with some steamed or sautéed greens for a perfectly balanced meal!
Enjoy your flavorful, glossy Asian Glazed Salmon!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it fully before cooking. The best way is to let it sit in the fridge overnight. For a quicker method, you can place the salmon in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour.
What If I Don’t Have Rice Vinegar?
No worries! You can substitute rice vinegar with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. If you have none of those, lemon juice can add a nice acidity, but use it sparingly as it can be stronger.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Place any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat to avoid drying it out.
What Can I Serve with Asian Glazed Salmon?
This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed white rice and sautéed greens like bok choy, asparagus, or broccoli. For a complete meal, a side salad with a light dressing would be fantastic too!