Soy Ginger Salmon
A quick and flavorful Soy Ginger Salmon recipe featuring tender salmon fillets marinated in a savory Asian-inspired mixture of fresh ginger, soy sauce, garlic, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Ready in under 20 minutes, this healthy dinner combines bold umami flavors with a hint of sweetness and a fresh zing, perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for any occasion.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-searing (alternative: Baking or Grilling)
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Salmon
- 4 fresh salmon fillets (skin-on for extra crispiness)
Marinade
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
- Extra sesame oil or leftover marinade for drizzling
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until well combined. This marinade balances salty, sweet, and tangy notes to infuse the salmon with flavor.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the fillets are fully coated and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and the salmon is mostly cooked through. Flip the fillets carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes, brushing with reserved marinade while cooking.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer cooked salmon to a serving plate. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and optional red pepper flakes. Drizzle with extra sesame oil or leftover marinade for an added flavor boost before serving.
Notes
- Fresh Salmon Matters: Using fresh, high-quality salmon improves taste and texture significantly.
- Don’t Over-Marinate: Keep marinating to 15–30 minutes to prevent the fish from becoming too salty or changing texture.
- Pat the Salmon Dry: Before cooking, gently pat the salmon dry to ensure crispy skin.
- Use Medium-High Heat: This helps achieve a crisp exterior while maintaining a juicy interior.
- Reserve Some Marinade: Always save some marinade for basting while cooking or drizzling after cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: salmon, soy ginger salmon, Asian salmon recipe, healthy salmon dinner, quick salmon recipe, gluten free salmon, pan-seared salmon, umami marinade