This Honey Soy Sauce Glazed Salmon is a true treat! The sweet and salty sauce makes the fish super tasty, and it cooks up quickly. Perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner!
I love how the glaze makes the salmon shine like a star! Serve it with rice or veggies, and enjoy a meal that looks fancy but is so easy to whip up at home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: The salmon fillets are the star of this dish! If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use trout or other firm fish like cod. For a leaner option, consider using chicken breasts, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Soy Sauce: A low sodium soy sauce keeps the dish healthier. If you want to avoid soy altogether, try tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative. It will change the flavor slightly but still tastes great!
Honey: I use regular honey, but for a vegan option, agave syrup works well as a substitute. You can also use maple syrup for a different sweetness profile, which I find delicious!
Vinegar: Rice vinegar lends a mild tang, but you can swap it for apple cider vinegar or even white wine vinegar in a pinch. Just remember that each type has a unique flavor, so taste as you go!
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger provide that lovely kick. For convenience, you could use jarred versions, but I recommend fresh for the best flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder and ground ginger can be used as substitutes too.
How Do You Get the Salmon to Be Cooked Just Right?
Cooking salmon perfectly can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll master it in no time! Start by heating your skillet well; it helps get a great sear on the fish.
- Skin Side Down: If your salmon has skin, always start cooking skin-side down. This gives you a nice crispy surface.
- Cook Time: On medium-high heat, cook for about 4-5 minutes on the first side and 2 minutes on the second side. The salmon should be pink and tender in the center.
- Glaze Application: Pour the glaze over the salmon after flipping it to avoid burning the sugars. Let it simmer for just a few minutes until it thickens and sticks to the fish.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the salmon rest for a minute after cooking; this helps keep it moist!
These steps will help you enjoy perfectly cooked salmon every time, full of flavor and deliciousness!
Honey Soy Sauce Glazed Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil (for cooking)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (optional, for thickening glaze)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for serving)
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious honey soy sauce glazed salmon will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook, making it a quick and easy meal that’s ready in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed. This glaze is what gives your salmon its sweet and savory flavor!
2. Heat the Skillet:
Take a large non-stick skillet and heat the olive or sesame oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot so the salmon gets a nice sear.
3. Cook the Salmon:
Carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if they have skin. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp or the bottom is golden if the skin is removed. This step is key for flavor and texture!
4. Flip the Fillets:
Using a spatula, gently flip the salmon fillets over and cook for another 2 minutes. This gives them a bit of a sear on both sides.
5. Add the Glaze:
Now pour the prepared honey soy glaze over the salmon in the skillet. It should start bubbling slightly!
6. Simmer and Thicken:
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. Spoon the glaze over the salmon occasionally while it cooks. After about 3-4 minutes, the sauce will thicken slightly and the salmon should be cooked through. If you want it thicker, stir in the cornstarch slurry!
7. Serve It Up:
Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the salmon to plates and spoon any leftover glaze from the skillet over them. This is where the real flavor is!
8. Add the Garnish:
Sprinkle some chopped parsley or cilantro over the salmon and a few sesame seeds if you’re using them. They add a beautiful touch!
9. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve the salmon with steamed white rice and fresh lemon slices on the side. The brightness of the lemon will complement the sweet and savory flavors of the dish perfectly.
Now dig in and enjoy the moist salmon fillets with that glossy honey soy glaze! It’s a wonderful meal that’s both fragrant and satisfying.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. This ensures it cooks evenly!
What if I Don’t Have Honey?
If you’re out of honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness. Each option will slightly alter the flavor, but they’ll still work beautifully with the other ingredients!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying it out.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! You can add veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas into the skillet while the salmon cooks. Just ensure they are cut into small pieces, so they cook quickly and pair well with the salmon.
