This honey soy sauce glazed salmon is a real treat! The sweet and salty glaze makes the fish flavorful and shiny, perfect for any dinner. It’s easy to whip up too!
I love serving this salmon with rice and veggies, and it’s ready in no time! Plus, the kids enjoy it, which is a win for me! 🍣💖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the star here. If salmon is out of reach, you can substitute with other fatty fish like trout or mackerel for a similar texture and flavor.
Honey: The honey gives that sweet touch. If you’re vegan or want a lighter option, maple syrup works beautifully. Agave nectar is another good choice!
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is preferred to keep the dish from being too salty. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari instead. Coconut aminos is a great soy sauce alternative as well!
Rice Vinegar: This adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can do the job, but use a bit less since they can be stronger in flavor.
Ginger & Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic really enhance the flavors. You can use ground ginger and garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is always best for that extra zing!
How Do I Get Crispy Salmon Skin?
Crispy skin makes for a delightful contrast to the tender salmon meat. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Start with dry salmon fillets. Pat them with paper towels to remove moisture.
- Heat the oil until it’s shimmering before adding the salmon skin-side down. This high heat helps crisp the skin.
- Avoid moving the salmon while it cooks for the first few minutes; this allows the skin to sear properly.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time; about 4-5 minutes on the first side should do the trick, depending on thickness.
When you flip it, the skin will be nice and crispy, making the dish even more enjoyable!
Honey Soy Sauce Glazed Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for serving)
- Steamed or roasted vegetables (like asparagus and carrots) for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a few minutes whisking together the glaze, seasoning the salmon, and cooking it until perfectly glazed and flavorful. Dinner will be ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Honey Soy Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar (or lemon juice), minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil (if using) to create a delicious glaze. Set it aside for later!
2. Prepare the Salmon:
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels; this helps to get that nice crispy skin. Then, season them lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Heat the Skillet:
Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. You want it to shimmer a bit before adding the salmon.
4. Cook the Salmon:
Carefully add the salmon fillets skin-side down (if applicable) to the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes. This helps the skin get crispy and allows the salmon to cook halfway through.
5. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Gently flip the salmon using a spatula and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side. Be careful not to break the fillets!
6. Add the Glaze:
Lower the heat to medium and pour the honey soy glaze over the salmon in the skillet. Use a spoon to glaze the salmon as it bubbles away, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the fish beautifully.
7. Serve the Salmon:
Remove the salmon from the skillet and place it on a serving plate. Drizzle any remaining delicious glaze from the skillet over the top of the salmon.
8. Garnish and Enjoy!
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with lemon slices and your choice of steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus and carrots. Enjoy your tasty, glossy honey soy sauce glazed salmon!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thoroughly thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or using a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Once thawed, pat it dry before cooking to achieve that crispy skin!
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you want to replace honey, maple syrup is a great alternative for a similar sweetness. Agave nectar also works well if you’re looking for a vegan option!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven or microwave, being careful not to overcook the fish as it may dry out.
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the honey soy glaze a day in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container, and give it a quick whisk before using it to coat the salmon.