This honey soy sauce glazed salmon is a real treat! It’s sweet, savory, and super easy to make. Just a few ingredients turn plain salmon into something special!
I love how quick it is to whip up this dish, which means I can enjoy a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the leftover glaze works as a great dip! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is key here. I recommend using wild-caught if you can find it. If salmon isn’t available, try using trout or any firm white fish like cod or halibut as a substitute!
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness without losing flavor. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, tamari is an excellent alternative.
Honey: Honey gives that lovely sweetness. You can swap it with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan version, but honey’s unique flavor is hard to beat!
Rice Vinegar: This adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar works great. Just remember, rice vinegar is milder than other types.
Ginger: Fresh ginger is best for its zing! If you only have ground ginger, use about 1/4 teaspoon. But fresh really makes a difference in flavor.
How Can I Make Sure My Salmon is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking salmon can be tricky, but it’s all about the timing and technique. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start by drying the salmon fillets with paper towels—this helps achieve a beautifully crisp skin.
- Medium-high heat is essential. Wait until the oil shimmers before adding the fish.
- Cook skin-side down first; this helps the fish hold its shape. Cooking about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy is key!
- When flipping, be gentle to avoid breaking the fillets. Use a spatula to support the salmon all the way underneath.
- Finally, spoon the glaze over the salmon to keep it moist and packed with flavor while cooking.
Following these tips will leave you with perfectly glazed, tender salmon every time!
Honey Soy Sauce Glazed Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil (for cooking)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious honey soy sauce glazed salmon recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at about 20 minutes to create a delightful meal that is sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. This mixture will be the tasty glaze that brings everything together.
2. Prepare the Salmon:
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the salmon get a nice sear when cooking, which adds great flavor.
3. Heat the Pan:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. It’s hot enough when you see the oil shimmering.
4. Cook the Salmon:
When the oil is hot, carefully add the salmon fillets to the skillet, skin-side down if they have skin. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and the salmon is cooked halfway through.
5. Add the Glaze:
Now it’s time to flip the salmon! Gently turn the fillets over and pour the honey soy glaze over the top. Be careful as the pan might splatter a bit!
6. Finish Cooking:
Cook for another 3-4 minutes, spooning the glaze over the salmon as it thickens and caramelizes. The salmon should be fully cooked and beautifully glazed.
7. Serve:
Remove the salmon from the skillet and place it on serving plates. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over the fillets to get all that delicious flavor.
8. Garnish:
Sprinkle the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the salmon for a nice touch.
9. Pair it Up:
Serve your honey soy sauce glazed salmon with some steamed vegetables and rice or quinoa, making it a complete, delightful meal!
Enjoy your beautifully glazed, flavorful salmon with a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. For a quicker method, you can submerge the sealed salmon in cold water for about 30 minutes, then pat dry before proceeding with the recipe.
What If I Don’t Have Honey?
If you don’t have honey on hand, you can substitute it with maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar dissolved in a little warm water. Each will give a slightly different flavor but will still create a delicious glaze!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover glazed salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using it, as it may thicken in the fridge!
