This recipe has become a staple in our house for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy asian salmon recipe to make. Seriously, it takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, which is a lifesaver on those hectic days when I’m juggling work, school pickups, and everything in between. Second, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey creates a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. And third, it’s healthy! Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and other essential nutrients, making this easy asian salmon recipe a guilt-free indulgence.
I remember the first time I made this easy asian salmon recipe. I was trying to impress my in-laws, who are notorious food critics. I was so nervous that I almost burned the garlic (a common occurrence in my kitchen!). But thankfully, everything turned out perfectly, and they raved about how delicious the salmon was. From that day on, this easy asian salmon recipe became a regular on our family menu.
Over the years, I’ve tweaked and perfected this easy asian salmon recipe to suit our family’s tastes. I’ve experimented with different marinades, cooking methods, and serving suggestions. And I’m finally ready to share my ultimate version with you. I know that you and your family are going to love it.
One of the struggles I’ve faced over the years is getting the salmon perfectly cooked. It’s so easy to overcook it and end up with dry, tasteless fish. But I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that I’m going to share with you in this recipe. Trust me, by the end of this, you’ll have the perfect easy asian salmon recipe down!
So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Okay, let’s talk ingredients. The beauty of this easy asian salmon recipe is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. And if not, they’re readily available at any grocery store.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1.5 pounds salmon fillets, skin on or off: I usually buy salmon fillets with the skin on because I find that it helps to keep the fish moist and flavorful. But if you prefer skinless, that’s perfectly fine too. Just make sure that the salmon is fresh and of good quality.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: I prefer low-sodium soy sauce to control the amount of salt in the dish. But if you like a saltier flavor, you can use regular soy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons honey: The honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the saltiness of the soy sauce. You can also use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Rice vinegar adds a subtle tanginess that brightens up the flavor of the marinade. If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty, aromatic flavor that is characteristic of Asian cuisine. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must in this easy asian salmon recipe. It adds a pungent, savory flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. I always use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger: Fresh ginger is another essential ingredient in this recipe. It adds a warm, spicy flavor that is simply irresistible. I like to use a microplane to grate the ginger, but you can also use a ginger grater or a sharp knife.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a little bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish: These are optional, but they add a nice touch of color and flavor to the finished dish.
One of my kitchen secrets is to always use high-quality soy sauce. It really makes a difference in the overall flavor of the easy asian salmon recipe. I also like to buy my salmon from a reputable fishmonger to ensure that it’s fresh and sustainably sourced.
For a budget-friendly option, you can often find frozen salmon fillets at your local grocery store. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Also, if I am in a time crunch I will sub in ginger paste instead of fresh ginger! The most important thing is that you find the flavors and ingredients that make this easy asian salmon recipe your own!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, now for the fun part – cooking! Don’t be intimidated; this easy asian salmon recipe is truly a breeze. I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. Salmon fillets are rich in omega-3 acids, but any fish is a great source of lean protein. Feel free to also experiment with other types of fish in this recipe, but you may have to alter the cooking time. If you want to add extra nutrients into the recipe, marinating the salmon with kale or spinach can be a great way to add some needed vitamins!
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). This marinade is what gives the easy asian salmon recipe its amazing flavor.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the salmon, making sure that it’s evenly coated. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Don’t marinate for longer than 30 minutes, as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the salmon.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will make cleanup a breeze. Consider using a non-stick baking sheet to avoid the need for parchment paper.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the marinated salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon fillets.
- I’ve learned the hard way that it’s better to slightly undercook the salmon than to overcook it. Overcooked salmon is dry and tasteless, while slightly undercooked salmon is moist and flavorful. A good way to tell if the salmon is done is to insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet and gently twist. If the salmon flakes easily, it’s ready.
- Broil for Extra Glaze (Optional): For an extra glossy glaze, broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time, watching carefully to prevent burning. I love doing this, because this easy asian salmon recipe looks so much better with a nice glaze! Make sure to keep an eye on the glaze to avoid burning.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful fish. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
My family loves watching me cook this easy asian salmon recipe because the smell fills the house! When cooking this recipe, I always set a timer. I have overcooked the salmon a few times, but with practice you will get it perfect every time!
Serving Ideas
Now that you’ve cooked your delicious easy asian salmon recipe, it’s time to serve it up! This dish is so versatile that it pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my family’s favorite serving suggestions:
- Rice and Steamed Vegetables: This is my go-to serving option for this easy asian salmon recipe. I like to serve the salmon over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice, along with some steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce from the salmon, and the vegetables add a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. For a low-carb alternative, try cauliflower rice.
- Noodles: Another great option is to serve the salmon with noodles. I like to use soba noodles or udon noodles, tossed with a little bit of sesame oil and soy sauce. Add some stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Salad: For a lighter meal, you can serve the salmon over a bed of mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette. Add some avocado and cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Sushi Bowls: My kids love it when I make sushi bowls with this easy asian salmon recipe. I simply combine cooked rice, salmon, avocado, cucumber, and seaweed in a bowl and drizzle it with a little bit of soy sauce and sriracha mayo. This is a fun and interactive way to enjoy the salmon.
I also like to serve this easy asian salmon recipe with a variety of dipping sauces, such as sriracha mayo, yum yum sauce, or teriyaki sauce. My kids love dipping their salmon and vegetables in the sauces. It is the only way I can get them to eat their veggies sometimes!
The presentation of this dish is really simple. I like to arrange the salmon fillets on a platter and garnish them with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. I also like to add a few lemon wedges for a pop of color. This easy asian salmon recipe tastes amazing and is simple to look at!
FAQs
I’ve received a lot of questions about this easy asian salmon recipe over the years, so I thought I’d compile a list of the most frequently asked questions and provide you with some helpful answers.
Q: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can definitely use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. I like to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. To speed up the thawing process, you can place the salmon in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour.
Q: Can I marinate the salmon for longer than 30 minutes?
A: I don’t recommend marinating the salmon for longer than 30 minutes, as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the salmon and make it mushy. If you want to prepare it in advance, you can marinate it for up to 30 minutes and then store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook it.
Q: Can I bake the salmon at a different temperature?
A: Yes, you can bake the salmon at a different temperature. I prefer to bake it at 400°F (200°C) because I find that it cooks the salmon evenly without drying it out. But you can also bake it at 375°F (190°C) for a slightly longer time, or at 425°F (220°C) for a slightly shorter time.
Q: How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?
A: A good way to tell if the salmon is done is to insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet and gently twist. If the salmon flakes easily, it’s ready. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon. The FDA recommends cooking fish to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can find out more about the recommended temperatures for fish and other food at this FDA Guidance on Safe Internal Cooking Temperatures for Fish.
Q: Can I grill the salmon instead of baking it?
A: Yes, you can definitely grill the salmon. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the salmon for 3-5 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through. For an easy asian salmon recipe that is grilled, I like to use cedar planks! Soaking the cedar planks in water for about 30 minutes before grilling will help to prevent them from burning.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this easy asian salmon recipe ahead of time. You can marinate the salmon and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also cook the salmon and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the salmon gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it – my easy asian salmon recipe! I truly hope you and your family enjoy it as much as we do. It’s a dish that’s close to my heart, and I love sharing it with others. And remember a quick sear in a hot pan or under the broiler will make this easy asian salmon recipe even more irresistible.
Before I go, I wanted to share a few final tips that I’ve learned over the years:
- Always use fresh, high-quality salmon. It makes a world of difference in the flavor and texture of the dish. Look for salmon that is bright in color and has a fresh, clean smell.
- Don’t overcook the salmon. It’s better to slightly undercook it than to overcook it. Overcooked salmon is dry and lacks flavor.
- Experiment with different marinades and serving suggestions. Find what works best for your family’s tastes. You can try adding different spices, herbs, or sauces to the marinade to customize the flavor.
My family enjoys making this easy asian salmon recipe because it is delicious and healthy! If you love this recipe you should try out my salmon sushi bake recipe.
I would love to hear how this easy asian salmon recipe turns out for you. Please feel free to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. I’m always happy to answer any questions you may have. And if you like this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and family! Also, check out more about the Health Benefits of Salmon .
Happy cooking, and I hope this becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine!
PrintEasy Asian Salmon Recipe
This Asian Salmon recipe is incredibly easy to make and only requires 5 simple steps! The flavorful marinade and quick cooking time make it a perfect weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the marinade generously over the salmon fillets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the salmon for 30 minutes before baking. Serve with rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 500
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 80
Keywords: salmon, asian, easy, healthy, fish