This Honey Soy Sauce Glazed Salmon is a delicious dish that shines with sweet and savory flavors. The glaze makes the salmon shiny and tasty, making your dinner feel a bit fancy!
What’s great is how quick this meal comes together. In just about 20 minutes, you can enjoy a warm, tasty dinner. I love serving it over rice with veggies on the side—it’s perfect!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the star here. You can choose skin-on for a crispy texture or skinless for easier eating. If salmon isn’t available, try other fish like trout or tilapia. They can work well with this glaze.
Honey: Honey gives a sweet touch to the glaze. If you’re looking for a lighter option, maple syrup can be a good substitute. Just keep in mind it will change the flavor a bit.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is my go-to to control saltiness. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos work as a great alternative. It’s a bit sweeter but still gives that umami kick.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a wonderful zing! If you don’t have fresh ginger, ground ginger can work in a pinch; just use less (1/4 teaspoon) since it’s more concentrated.
Rice Vinegar: This adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it, any vinegar like apple cider or white wine will do. Lemon juice can also be a fresh alternative.
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Salmon Skin?
Getting that crispy skin on the salmon is crucial for texture and flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a hot skillet—you’ll want it at medium-high heat before adding oil.
- Make sure the salmon skin is dry. Patting it down with paper towels helps achieve that crispiness.
- Place the salmon skin-side down without moving it for the first cooking time. This lets the skin fry nicely.
- Flip it carefully once it’s cooked about two-thirds through. Spoon the glaze over it for flavor while it finishes cooking.
Following these steps helps you achieve that perfect crunch on the skin while keeping the fish moist and flavorful!
Honey Soy Sauce Glazed Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Honey Soy Sauce Glazed Salmon takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 10 minutes to cook, bringing your total to around 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy. Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
2. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar or lemon juice, and optional chili flakes for a kick. Set this delicious glaze mixture aside for later.
3. Sear the Salmon:
Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down if applicable. Let them cook without moving them for about 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is nice and crisp and the salmon is cooked about two-thirds of the way through.
4. Add the Glaze:
Gently flip the salmon fillets and pour the honey soy glaze over them. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, spooning the glaze over the salmon as it cooks. This step allows the glaze to thicken and create a beautiful, shiny coating on the salmon.
5. Finish and Serve:
Once cooked through, remove the salmon from the skillet. Be sure to spoon any remaining glaze over the fillets for extra flavor. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you’d like. Serve immediately with steamed rice and sautéed or steamed vegetables on the side for a complete meal.
Enjoy your flavorful, sticky, and savory Honey Soy Sauce Glazed Salmon!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking. The best way to thaw it is by placing it in the fridge overnight or sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about an hour.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for a substitute for honey, maple syrup is a great alternative. It will add a slightly different flavor but still bring that desired sweetness. You can also use agave syrup as another option.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love spice, you can increase the amount of chili flakes in the glaze or add a splash of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce when mixing the glaze. Just remember to taste as you go to achieve your desired level of heat!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover glazed salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, or gently warm it in the microwave.
