This Honey Soy Sauce Glazed Salmon is a tasty combo of sweet and salty flavors that make your taste buds dance! It’s quick to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Don’t be surprised if your family asks for seconds! I like to serve it with rice and steamed veggies—easy peasy and oh-so-delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is fantastic for this recipe. If you can’t find it, you can use trout or another fatty fish like mackerel. Frozen salmon works too, just make sure it’s thawed properly before cooking.
Soy Sauce: I prefer low-sodium soy sauce to keep it from being too salty, especially since the honey adds sweetness. If you’re gluten-free, try tamari or coconut aminos. Both are good options!
Honey: Honey gives a lovely sweetness. If you need a vegan alternative, use maple syrup or agave syrup. Just note that the flavor will be a bit different with these substitutes.
Rice Vinegar: This adds a tangy kick. If you don’t have it, use apple cider vinegar or even white vinegar. Just use it sparingly, as they can be more potent.
Sesame Oil: This adds a nice nutty flavor. If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute with olive oil. Just remember, it won’t taste quite the same!
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Salmon?
Cooking salmon just right can be tricky. Here are some tips for getting it perfectly flaky and juicy:
- Choose fillets that are even in thickness for uniform cooking.
- Preheat your skillet well so that the salmon sears nicely. You want a good sizzle when it hits the pan.
- Cook on medium-high heat. It allows the outside to sear while keeping the inside tender.
- Don’t rush flipping! Wait until the salmon naturally releases from the pan before turning it.
- For a perfectly cooked fillet, cook it for about 3-4 minutes on each side. The salmon should be opaque and easily flake with a fork.
With these tips, your salmon will turn out beautifully every time! Enjoy your meal with rice and veggies for a complete dish.
How to Make Honey Soy Sauce Glazed Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 3 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thicker glaze)
For Garnishing:
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced thinly
- Cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil) for the pan
Optional Sides:
- Steamed white rice
- Roasted or steamed asparagus
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 30 minutes. You’ll spend about 15-20 minutes marinating the salmon and another 10-15 minutes cooking the dish. Quick and easy for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Make sure everything is well combined—this is going to flavor your salmon deliciously!
2. Marinate the Salmon:
Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or zip-top bag, and pour half of the marinade over them. Let the salmon sit in the refrigerator to marinate for 15-20 minutes. This step helps infuse all those yummy flavors into the fish!
3. Cook the Salmon:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of cooking oil to coat the pan. Once it’s hot, carefully remove the salmon from the marinade (discard the used marinade to avoid contamination) and place the fillets in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want the salmon to have a nice sear and be almost cooked through.
4. Make the Glaze:
While the salmon is cooking, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. If you’d like a thicker glaze, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened. This will add a delicious coating to your salmon!
5. Glaze and Garnish:
During the last minute of cooking, brush or spoon the glaze over the cooked salmon fillets in the skillet. This will give them a beautiful, sticky coating. Then, remove the salmon from heat and place it on serving plates.
6. Serve:
Drizzle any remaining glaze from the saucepan over the salmon. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra bit of flavor and crunch. Serve hot alongside steamed rice and your choice of vegetables—like roasted or steamed asparagus. Enjoy every bite of your tasty Honey Soy Sauce Glazed Salmon!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before marinating. This ensures the marinade penetrates and flavors the fish well.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you need a honey alternative, maple syrup or agave syrup work great as substitutes. Just keep in mind that the flavor will slightly change, but it will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover glazed salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Gently reheat it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat to keep it moist. Adding a splash of water can help prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade for a kick. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference!
