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- 4 fresh salmon fillets (6 ounces each) - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon green onions, finely chopped (for garnish) - 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish) - Salt and pepper, to taste You can swap low-sodium soy sauce with regular soy sauce for a stronger taste. If you want a sweeter glaze, use maple syrup instead of honey. For a nutty flavor, try using peanut oil instead of sesame oil. If you don’t have fresh ginger, ground ginger works too, just use less. - Medium mixing bowl - Whisk - Shallow dish or resealable plastic bag - Baking sheet - Parchment paper or cooking spray - Small saucepan - Fork for testing doneness - Measuring cups and spoons - Knife and cutting board {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather your ingredients. You need fresh salmon fillets, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and some seasoning. In a medium bowl, whisk the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar until smooth. This mix is your marinade. Next, place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the fillets. Make sure to cover all the fish well. Cover the dish or seal the bag and put it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but 2 hours gives even better flavor. Marinating is key for flavor. The soy sauce adds saltiness, while honey brings sweetness. Garlic and ginger provide depth. The rice vinegar balances it all out. When you let the salmon soak, it absorbs these great tastes. You can use a plastic bag for easy mixing, too. Just turn it around a few times to coat every piece. When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly. Take the salmon out of the marinade and let any extra drip off. Place the fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet. Lightly sprinkle salt and pepper on top for extra flavor. Bake the salmon for 12 to 15 minutes. It should flake easily when you test it with a fork. While it bakes, pour the leftover marinade into a small pot. Heat it over medium until it simmers and thickens for about 5 to 7 minutes. Once the salmon is done, drizzle the thickened glaze over each piece. This gives your dish a shiny finish! To cook salmon well, focus on time and temperature. Bake it at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes. The salmon should flake easily with a fork when done. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 145°F (63°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy. Don’t skip marinating the salmon. It adds great flavor and moisture. Avoid cooking it too long, or it will dry out. Always use a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup. Also, don’t forget to season with salt and pepper before baking. These seasonings enhance the dish's taste. Serve your Sweet Soy Glazed Salmon on a clean white plate. Pair it with steamed vegetables for color and nutrition. A side of fluffy rice also complements the flavors. Drizzle extra marinade over the salmon for more taste. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful touch. Enjoy the meal with family or friends! Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, to deepen the flavor profile and enhance the sweetness of the glaze. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and ginger rather than powdered versions. Fresh ingredients provide a more vibrant flavor and aromatic quality to the dish. Check for Doneness: To ensure perfectly cooked salmon, check for doneness using a fork; it should flake easily. Avoid overcooking to maintain a moist texture. Elevate the Presentation: Serve the salmon on a bed of steamed rice or sautéed greens, and drizzle with the thickened glaze for a restaurant-quality look that’s visually appealing. {{image_4}} You can switch things up with different marinades. Try a teriyaki sauce for a stronger flavor. You could also mix maple syrup with soy sauce for a sweet twist. A citrus marinade with orange juice and lime adds a fresh taste. Each variation gives your dish a new kick. To make this dish fit your needs, swap the soy sauce for tamari if you’re gluten-free. Use agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan option. If you want less fat, you can skip sesame oil. Just add a little olive oil for flavor. Each swap still keeps your salmon tasty and healthy. You can grill or bake your salmon. Grilling gives it a smoky flavor. It’s perfect for warm days. Just preheat your grill to medium heat. Cook the fillets skin-side down for about 6 to 8 minutes. Baking is easy too. It keeps the salmon moist. Just follow the baking steps from the recipe. Both methods work well. Choose what suits your style! After enjoying your sweet soy glazed salmon, you may have leftovers. To store them, let the salmon cool down first. Once cool, place the fillets into an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well. This keeps the salmon fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When you're ready to eat your leftover salmon, reheating is key. For best results, use the oven. Preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet covered with foil. Heat it gently for about 10 minutes. This method helps keep the fish moist and flavorful. You can also use a microwave. Just cover the salmon with a damp paper towel and heat for about 30 seconds. Check if it's warm enough, and repeat if needed. If you want to freeze your salmon, it's easy. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. Frozen salmon is best used within three months for the best taste. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. The best type of salmon is wild-caught salmon. It has a rich flavor and firm texture. You can also use farmed salmon, which is more common. Look for fillets that are bright in color and have no dark spots. They should be moist and smell fresh. Atlantic salmon is often available and works well for this recipe. Yes, you can use regular soy sauce. However, it will add more salt to your dish. If you prefer a less salty flavor, stick with low-sodium soy sauce. This choice allows the other flavors, like honey and garlic, to shine. You can also mix half low-sodium and half regular soy sauce for a balanced taste. To check if your salmon is cooked, look for a few signs. The fish should flake easily with a fork. The color will change from bright pink to a lighter shade. If you have a food thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. We explored various aspects of cooking salmon, from ingredients to techniques. You learned about key ingredients, helpful substitutions, and the tools you need. The step-by-step instructions outlined marinating and baking processes. I shared tips to avoid common mistakes and variations for different diets. Lastly, we covered how to store leftovers and addressed common questions. Cooking salmon can be simple and fun. With practice, you’ll master this dish quickly. Enjoy your delicious salmon creation!

Sweet Soy Glazed Salmon

A delicious salmon dish marinated in a sweet soy glaze, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar. Whisk these ingredients together until they are fully blended, creating a delightful marinade for the salmon.
  • Transfer the salmon fillets into a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the top. Ensure each fillet is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse (up to 2 hours for even richer taste).
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the salmon.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup or lightly grease it to prevent the fish from sticking.
  • After marinating, take the salmon fillets out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Arrange the fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Lightly season each salmon fillet with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
  • Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. It should flake easily when tested with a fork, indicating it's cooked to your preference.
  • While the salmon is baking, pour any remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, cooking for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
  • Once the salmon is cooked, drizzle the thickened glaze over each fillet for a glossy finish.
  • To serve, garnish your Sweet Soy Glazed Salmon with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds, adding a touch of color and crunch.

Notes

Serve with steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
Keyword easy recipe, glazed, honey, salmon, soy sauce