Honey Soy Glazed Salmon

$- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred) - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - 2 green onions, finely chopped - Salt and pepper to taste You can swap some ingredients if needed. Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option. If you don't have rice vinegar, try apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. For sesame oil, olive oil works too, but it will change the flavor slightly. Fresh ginger can be replaced with ground ginger. Just use less, about 1/4 teaspoon. When choosing salmon, look for bright and shiny skin. The flesh should feel firm and spring back when pressed. Fresh salmon should smell like the sea, not fishy. If you buy it from a market, ask if it's wild-caught. Wild salmon usually has a better taste and texture than farmed salmon. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You need soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. In a medium bowl, whisk them together. Make sure they mix well. This marinade gives the salmon its sweet and salty flavor. Next, take your salmon fillets. Place them in a shallow dish or a resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the salmon. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, marinate for 1 to 2 hours. This lets the salmon soak in all those yummy flavors. Now, you can choose how to cook your salmon. You can grill it or use a skillet. If you grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin side down on the grill. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side. The salmon is done when it reaches 145°F and flakes easily. If you prefer a skillet, heat it over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Cook the salmon for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side as well. Both methods yield tasty results, so pick what you like best! To make a great glaze, use the leftover marinade. After cooking the salmon, boil the marinade in a small saucepan. Simmer it for about five minutes. This makes the glaze thicker and richer. The heat brings out the flavors from the garlic and ginger. You want a sweet and savory mix that coats the salmon well. Cook the salmon for about four to five minutes on each side. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F. This ensures the salmon is fully cooked yet still moist. If grilling, place the salmon skin-side down first. If using a skillet, add a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Serve the salmon on a bed of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa. This adds a nice touch and balances the dish. Pair it with sautéed vegetables for added color and nutrition. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions. This makes it look gourmet and adds crunch. Enjoy your meal fresh off the grill or skillet! Pro Tips Marination Time: For the best flavor, allow the salmon to marinate for 1-2 hours. This will enhance the sweetness and umami depth of the glaze. Cooking Temperature: Ensure your grill or skillet is at medium-high heat before cooking the salmon. This helps create a nice sear while keeping the fish tender. Thickening the Glaze: Boiling the leftover marinade not only makes it safe to eat but also intensifies the flavors. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-thickening. Serving Suggestions: Pair the salmon with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa, and add sautéed vegetables to create a balanced meal that's visually appealing. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavors in this dish. Here are some ideas: - Maple syrup instead of honey gives a rich taste. - Coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for a soy-free option. - Apple cider vinegar works well if you don’t have rice vinegar. To boost the taste, try these tips: - Add chili flakes for some heat. - Incorporate lime juice for a zesty kick. - Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for added freshness. If you want to try other seafood, consider: - Tilapia for a milder fish that absorbs flavors well. - Shrimp can be marinated and grilled for a quick meal. - Swordfish offers a firm texture that holds up on the grill. Each of these options adds a unique twist to your meal while keeping it simple and delicious. After a great meal, you may have leftover salmon. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to do this within two hours of cooking. The salmon will stay good in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a good option. When reheating salmon, aim to keep it moist. You can use the oven, microwave, or a skillet. If using the oven, preheat it to 275°F. Place the salmon on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes. If using a microwave, cover the salmon with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds to avoid overcooking. Skillets work too; add a few drops of water and cover. If you have more salmon than you can eat, freezing is easy. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. Label the bag with the date. Frozen salmon stays fresh for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before cooking. This keeps the texture nice and firm. You should marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, aim for 1 to 2 hours. This longer soak helps the flavors soak in and makes the fish taste better. Just keep it in the fridge while it marinates. The honey and soy mix will make your salmon sweet and savory. Yes, you can use other fish! While salmon is great, try using trout or tuna. These fish also have a nice flavor and can handle marinades well. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish. Thinner pieces will cook faster. Honey soy glazed salmon pairs well with many sides. You can serve it on a bed of jasmine rice or quinoa. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas add color and nutrients. For a fresh touch, add a salad with a light dressing. Don't forget to garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds for a nice look! This blog post covered how to make honey soy glazed salmon. We discussed ingredients, including alternatives and tips for choosing quality salmon. You learned step-by-step how to prepare the marinade, marinate, and cook your salmon using different methods. We also shared tips for the best glaze and serving ideas. Finally, we talked about storing and reheating leftovers, along with answers to common questions. With these easy steps, you can enjoy delicious salmon meals at home. Don't hesitate to try different flavors and make it your own!$

A flavorful dish featuring salmon fillets marinated in a sweet and savory honey soy glaze.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets salmon (6 oz each)
0.25 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
0.25 cup honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 green onions finely chopped
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the salmon is well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours for deeper flavor.
Preheat your grill or a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the salmon from the marinade (do not discard the marinade) and season with salt and pepper.
If grilling, place the salmon skin side down on the grill grates and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the salmon is flaky. If using a skillet, add a little oil and cook the salmon for about 4-5 minutes per side.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring the leftover marinade to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. This will be your glaze.
Once the salmon is cooked, drizzle the thickened glaze over the fillets and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish.
Serve immediately, and enjoy your flavorful, sweet and savory salmon!

Notes

Serve the salmon on a bed of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa, with a side of sautéed vegetables. Garnish with extra green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a vibrant look.

Keyword grilled, honey, salmon, soy sauce