Over the years, this easy asian salmon recipe has become a staple in our house. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but also impressive enough to serve to guests. I even made it for my book club once, and everyone asked for the recipe! It’s one of those dishes that just works.
There was this one time when I completely forgot the garlic. I know, right? How do you forget the garlic in an Asian-inspired dish? But the easy asian salmon recipe still turned out amazing! It just proved to me that the recipe is so flexible that even if you miss an ingredient, it’ll still be delicious.
It really fits into our busy family life because it’s ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, clean-up is a breeze, which is always a huge bonus on those hectic weeknights. I initially created this recipe out of desperation for a quick and tasty meal, but it’s since become a regular feature on our dinner table. It’s one of those recipes that I can almost make with my eyes closed!
Trust me, once you try this easy asian salmon recipe, it’ll become a regular in your kitchen too. It’s just too good and too easy not to!
Ingredients for Easy Asian Salmon
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this fantastic dish:
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
I always use fresh salmon for my easy asian salmon recipe because it just tastes so much better. I find that the frozen stuff can sometimes be a little watery. But if you’re in a pinch, frozen works just fine too! Just make sure you thaw it completely before you start. For best results, thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures it thaws evenly and retains its moisture.
When making easy asian salmon recipe, you can find rice vinegar in the Asian aisle of most grocery stores. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar, but just use a little less, maybe half a tablespoon. It has a stronger flavor. Rice vinegar adds a subtle sweetness and acidity that balances the flavors perfectly.
Here’s a easy asian salmon recipe trick I learned from my mom: always pat your salmon dry with paper towels before cooking. This helps it get a nice, crispy sear. I swear, it makes all the difference! Removing excess moisture is key to achieving that perfect golden-brown crust.
For busy families making easy asian salmon recipe, pre-minced garlic and ginger are your best friends. No shame in taking those shortcuts! They save so much time, and honestly, the flavor difference is negligible. These time-saving hacks can make weeknight cooking so much easier.
For cost-saving tips for easy asian salmon recipe ingredients, buy salmon when it’s on sale and freeze it in individual portions. That way, you always have some on hand when you need it. Freezing salmon properly can extend its shelf life and save you money.
To store leftover easy asian salmon recipe ingredients, keep your ginger in the freezer. It’ll last for months! Just grate it straight from frozen when you need it. Freezing ginger is a great way to prevent it from drying out and going to waste.
How to Make Easy Asian Salmon: Step-by-Step
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. This is your teriyaki marinade for the easy asian salmon recipe, and it’s what gives it that amazing flavor! A well-balanced marinade is essential for infusing the salmon with delicious flavors.
- Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the salmon is evenly coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. Don’t marinate it for too long, or the salmon will get mushy. This easy asian salmon recipe is best with a short marinating time. A short marinating time is sufficient to allow the flavors to penetrate the salmon without compromising its texture.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is nice and hot before you add the salmon. This will help it get a good sear. For the best pan seared asian salmon, use a skillet that is large enough to fit all of the filets without overcrowding. A hot skillet is crucial for achieving a beautiful sear and preventing the salmon from sticking.
- Remove the salmon from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the marinade. Carefully place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down if you’re using skin-on fillets. I learned the hard way with easy asian salmon recipe that adding salmon to oil that isn’t hot enough will cause the fish to stick and cook unevenly. Discarding the marinade prevents it from burning in the skillet and ensures the salmon cooks evenly.
- Cook the salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets. Don’t worry if your easy asian salmon recipe salmon isn’t perfectly cooked the first time. It takes a little practice to get it just right! Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon, so it’s important to keep a close eye on it.
- While the easy asian salmon recipe is cooking, I usually chop some green onions and get the side dishes ready. Efficiency is key, my friend! Preparing your side dishes while the salmon is cooking helps to streamline the cooking process.
- Your easy asian salmon recipe should smell like a delicious combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. It’s seriously mouthwatering! The aroma will fill your kitchen and make everyone hungry! The enticing aroma is a sign that your salmon is cooking to perfection.
- Once the salmon is cooked, transfer it to a plate and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Garnishing adds a touch of elegance and enhances the visual appeal of the dish.
- Alternatively, for baked asian salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the marinated salmon on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through. Baking is a great alternative if you prefer a hands-off cooking method.
- And remember, for the best ginger garlic salmon, don’t be shy with the ginger and garlic! They’re the stars of the show! These two ingredients are essential for creating that signature Asian-inspired flavor.
In my kitchen, easy asian salmon recipe usually takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights!
Serving Suggestions
The kids love our easy asian salmon recipe when I serve it with steamed rice and roasted broccoli. It’s a complete and balanced meal that they actually enjoy! I love hearing them say, “Mom, this is so good!” It makes all the effort worthwhile.
My go-to side dishes that pair with easy asian salmon recipe are edamame, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad. They’re all light and refreshing, and they complement the richness of the salmon perfectly. The bright flavors of the salad really cut through the richness of the soy glazed salmon.
This easy asian salmon recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or even a special occasion. It’s so versatile!
For easy asian salmon recipe presentation tips, I like to arrange the salmon on a platter with the rice and vegetables, and then drizzle a little extra teriyaki sauce over everything. It makes it look extra fancy!
If you have extra easy asian salmon recipe, you can flake it and add it to salads, tacos, or even make salmon patties. It’s delicious in so many different ways!
For seasonal easy asian salmon recipe variations, try adding some orange zest in the winter for a bright citrusy flavor, or some chopped mango in the summer for a tropical twist. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Experimenting with different flavors is a great way to keep things interesting.
My friends always ask for this easy asian salmon recipe recipe whenever I make it for them. They’re always so impressed by how flavorful and easy it is!
FAQs About Easy Asian Salmon
- Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before you start cooking. You know what I do when my easy asian salmon recipe calls for frozen salmon? I put the frozen salmon in a ziplock bag then place the bag in a bowl with cold water to thaw. It’s much faster than thawing in the refrigerator!
- Can I marinate the salmon for longer than 30 minutes?I wouldn’t recommend it. The acid in the marinade can start to break down the salmon and make it mushy. I’ve made that mistake with easy asian salmon recipe before, and it wasn’t pretty!
- Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing it?Yes, definitely! Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the marinated salmon for about 12-15 minutes, or until it’s cooked through. I actually prefer baking the easy asian salmon recipe sometimes because it’s even easier!
- What if I don’t have rice vinegar?You can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, but use a little less, as they have a stronger flavor. You know what I do when my easy asian salmon recipe lacks rice wine vinegar? I once used lemon juice and it was delicious.
- Can I add other vegetables to the marinade?Sure! Some chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms would be delicious. My family likes it best when I keep the easy asian salmon recipe simple and just stick to the main ingredients, but feel free to experiment!
- What if I don’t like honey?You can substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar. You know what I do when my easy asian salmon recipe calls for honey but I don’t have any on hand? I use brown sugar and it tastes just as good.
- The salmon is sticking to the pan! What am I doing wrong?Make sure your pan is hot enough before you add the salmon. Also, pat the salmon dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. I learned this the hard way with easy asian salmon recipe!
My Final Thoughts
This easy asian salmon recipe recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder that even the simplest meals can be incredibly delicious and satisfying. It’s a dish that I can always count on to please my family and friends, and it’s a testament to the power of good food to bring people together.
Here are my easy asian salmon recipe Pro Tips:
- Don’t overcook the salmon! It’s better to err on the side of undercooked than overcooked. Salmon continues to cook even after you take it off the heat.
- Use a good quality soy sauce. It makes a big difference in the flavor of the marinade.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors. Try adding some chili garlic sauce for a little heat, or some orange zest for a bright citrusy flavor.
I’ve tried a few variations of this easy asian salmon recipe with my family. One time I added some pineapple chunks to the pan while the salmon was cooking, and it was a huge hit! Another time I made it with coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and it was just as delicious and gluten-free! And then there was the time I tried adding sriracha to the marinade… let’s just say that one was a little too spicy for the kids!
My son loves the teriyaki salmon version the best, while my daughter prefers the ginger garlic salmon. My husband is a fan of the classic soy glazed salmon, and I personally love experimenting with different flavor combinations.
I hope you make this easy asian salmon recipe your own and have fun experimenting with different flavors and variations. Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on it! Remember, cooking is all about having fun and creating something delicious that you and your family will love. This recipe is just a starting point – the possibilities are endless!
So, go ahead and give this easy asian salmon recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Happy cooking!
PrintEasy Asian Salmon Recipe: 10 Simple Steps
This is an amazing and easy Asian salmon recipe that you can make in just 10 simple steps. It’s packed with flavor and healthy ingredients.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon fillet
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place salmon fillet on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Pour the sauce over the salmon fillet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
For a spicier flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also marinate the salmon for 30 minutes before baking for a more intense flavor.