Baked Asian Salmon (Printable)

Salmon fillets baked in a savory-sweet soy ginger glaze, ready in under 30 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless

→ Marinade

02 - 1/4 cup soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce if needed)
03 - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
04 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
05 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or lime juice
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
07 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
08 - 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili paste (optional, for heat)
09 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
10 - 2 tablespoons green onions, finely sliced (for garnish)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
02 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha until well combined.
03 - Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking tray. Generously brush or spoon the marinade over each fillet, reserving a small amount for finishing after baking.
04 - Allow the salmon to marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
05 - Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is just cooked through.
06 - Remove from the oven, drizzle with any remaining marinade, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
07 - Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or sautéed vegetables.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The glaze caramelizes in the oven and creates this gorgeous, sticky crust that makes people think you spent far more effort than you actually did.
  • It works with whatever salmon you have, skin on, skin off, fresh, or even gently thawed from frozen, and it never lets me down.
02 -
  • Do not marinate the salmon for longer than 30 minutes or the acid in the rice vinegar will start breaking down the flesh and turn it mushy.
  • If you want a crispy caramelized top, flip the broiler on for the last two minutes and watch it like a hawk because it goes from perfect to burnt in seconds.
03 -
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for about one minute before sprinkling them on, the aroma doubles and the flavor triples.
  • If your honey has crystallized, warm it in the microwave for ten seconds before whisking and it will blend into the glaze seamlessly.

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