Honey Soy Glazed Salmon Recipe

There’s something utterly transformative about the moment when honey meets soy sauce and ginger in perfect harmony, and believe me, this glazed salmon is the delicious proof that a handful of simple ingredients can pull off a culinary miracle in your kitchen.

The savory and sweet flavors of my Honey Soy Glazed Salmon make it truly exceptional. Salmon fillets are the backbone of this dish.

Nevada Honey Glow’s honey and soy sauce glaze is nothing less than fantastic, infused with fresh lemon juice and just the right amount of garlic and ginger. The perfectly cooked salmon melts in your mouth like butter.

To bring this dish together, I’ve used a little olive oil, which is a surprisingly underused ingredient in the realm of fish cookery. It provides that melting-in-your-mouth texture.

For garnish, I topped it with sesame seeds and green onions.

Ingredients

• Salmon Fillets: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein source.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami flavor, contains sodium, enhances savory taste.
• Honey: Natural sweetener, adds sweetness and slight caramelization.
• Lemon Juice: Provides tangy acidity, enhances flavors, vitamin C source.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth, potential health benefits, strong flavor.
• Ginger: Warm and spicy, aids digestion, adds fresh zest.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh green onions (optional, for garnish)

How to Make this

1. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, and lemon juice with the olive oil, then whisk in the minced garlic, and the grated ginger, and finally season with black pepper.

2. In an even more shallow dish, place the salmon fillets and pour the well-stirred marinade over the fillets, completely coating them. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 30 minutes if you want a more delicate flavor, or 1 hour for a more robust one. Deep flavors penetrate better with more time, but there is a point at which the marinade starts to become too potent, and the salmon too pickled.

3. Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) to warm up while you prepare the baking sheet. Easy cleanup is the name of the game today, so line your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

4. Take the salmon out of the marinade and put the fillets on the prepared baking sheet. The skin should be down, and the fillets should be in a single layer. These will bake in a hot oven for about 10 to 12 minutes.

5. Place the salmon in the oven that has been set to preheat and bake it for 12-15 minutes. Watch for the time to elapse and check the doneness of the fish as you approach the end of the baking time. It should flake easily with a fork when it is finished cooking.

6. In the meantime, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and warm it over medium heat. Stir it while it comes to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for a few minutes, until it thickens just enough to lightly coat the back of a spoon.

7. When the salmon has finished baking, take it from the oven and slather it with the sauce, which you have reduced to a thick, luscious marinade. This final step will give your salmon an extra flavor pop.

8. If you are using them, then sprinkle them over the baked salmon. This will give the dish a delicious and much-needed nutty flavor and crunch. Sesame seeds are my go-to when I want to do something simple and create a big impact with very little effort.

9. Chop the fresh green onions and use them as a garnish to provide color and freshness to the dish.

10. Serve the hot honey soy glazed salmon with your choice of side dishes, like steamed rice, or roasted vegetables, and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Small bowl
2. Whisk
3. Shallow dish
4. Plastic wrap or lid for covering
5. Baking sheet
6. Parchment paper or aluminum foil
7. Small saucepan
8. Spoon for stirring
9. Fork for checking doneness
10. Knife for chopping
11. Cutting board

FAQ

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?You can use frozen salmon fillets. Just be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
• What can I substitute for fresh ginger?If you don’t have fresh ginger on hand, you can substitute it with 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.
• Is there a substitute for soy sauce?If you seek a gluten-free option, utilize tamari or coconut aminos.
• How can I make this dish spicier?In the glaze, for some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a little bit of sriracha.
• What side dishes pair well with honey soy glazed salmon?The salmon is nicely complemented by steamed vegetables, jasmine rice or a fresh green salad.
• Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?Certainly, you have the option to make the marinade as much as 2 days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
• How do I know when the salmon is done?When it is done, the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Its internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C).

Honey Soy Glazed Salmon Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Olive oil can be replaced with sesame oil, which will give a nuttier taste.
Lemon juice, fresh: For a different citrus note, substitute with lime juice.
If fresh ginger is unavailable, use 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger.
Tamari or coconut aminos can be used for a gluten-free option of soy sauce.
Sweetening Statistics (2020): Honey remained the dominant sweetener in 2020, representing 30.5% of the sweetening market. For comparison, powdered sugar constituted 13.4% of the market. While honey has been the most popular sweetener over the past few decades, the Alternative Sweetener Enzyme is expected to give Honey a run for its sweet monofloral and polyfloral monies.

Pro Tips

1. Pat the Salmon Dry: Before placing the salmon fillets in the marinade, pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade adhere better and enhances the flavor absorption.