Tasty Asian Glazed Salmon for Dinner is a simple, flavorful dish that brings together sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes all coated in a shiny, sticky glaze. The salmon stays tender and juicy while the sauce, made from soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a few spices, gives it a delicious kick that feels like a treat but is really easy to make.
I love making this salmon when I want a meal that’s quick but still feels special. The glaze is so good you almost want to lick it right off the plate! One tip I’ve found helpful is to gently baste the salmon with the glaze while it cooks to build up layers of flavor and keep it moist. It’s a little trick I swear by every time.
For dinner, I usually serve this salmon over a bed of steamed rice or with some crunchy Asian slaw on the side. It’s perfect when I want something fresh and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it looks great on the plate and always gets compliments from family and friends, which feels nice after a busy day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: I like skin-on fillets because the skin crisps up nicely and adds texture. If you prefer, skinless works, but be gentle when cooking so it doesn’t stick.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness. You can swap for tamari if you want gluten-free.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both add sweetness and help create a sticky glaze. Maple syrup gives a deeper flavor if you want to try something different.
Rice Vinegar: Adds tang to balance the sweetness. If unavailable, a mild white vinegar works fine.
Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma that’s signature in Asian cooking. If not available, you can use a mild oil, but you’ll miss that flavor punch.
Fresh Ginger & Garlic: These give fresh, sharp notes. Fresh is best but pre-minced or powdered can work in a pinch—just use less to avoid overpowering.
Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: Great for garnish. They add crunch and a pop of freshness that finishes the dish beautifully.
How Do I Get the Salmon Skin Crispy and Glaze Perfectly Sticky?
The key to crispy skin and a shiny glaze is cooking with care and timing. Here’s what works best:
- Heat the pan well and use oil to prevent sticking.
- Place salmon skin-side down without moving it for 4-5 minutes so skin crisps up nicely.
- Flip gently to avoid breaking the fillet.
- Baste with the reserved glaze several times after flipping to build flavor and get that sticky coating.
- Cook until salmon flakes easily but still stays moist inside—about 3-4 minutes after flipping.
Patience and gentle handling here make all the difference. If you rush or flip too soon, the skin won’t crisp and the glaze won’t stick well.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Nonstick skillet – perfect for cooking salmon evenly and preventing it from sticking.
- Mixing bowl – to whisk together your tasty Asian glaze easily.
- Whisk or fork – helps blend the glaze ingredients smoothly.
- Spatula or fish turner – makes flipping the salmon gentle and easy.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to get your sauce ingredients just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use miso paste in the glaze for a rich, umami twist that deepens the flavor.
- Swap salmon for firm white fish like cod or halibut for a lighter option.
- Add sliced fresh chili or a dash of sriracha for extra heat if you like it spicy.
- Stir in chopped fresh cilantro or basil just before serving for a fresh herb note.
Tasty Asian Glazed Salmon For Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salmon and Glaze:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
For Garnish and Serving:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Optional: shredded cabbage slaw or steamed rice for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare your glaze and marinate the salmon, then 10 minutes to cook. Total time is around 20-25 minutes, perfect for a quick and tasty dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Delicious Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and brown sugar. Stir until everything is mixed well and the sugar dissolves a bit.
2. Marinate the Salmon:
Put the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour half of the glaze over the salmon, making sure to coat all sides. Let the fish sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, or you can chill it in the fridge for up to 30 minutes. Keep the other half of the glaze for later.
3. Cook the Salmon with Crispy Skin:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. When hot, carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Don’t move the fish so the skin gets crispy. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is golden and the salmon is cooked about halfway through.
4. Flip and Baste the Salmon:
Gently turn the salmon fillets over. Use a spoon or brush to baste the top with the reserved glaze. Cook another 3 to 4 minutes, basting once or twice more, until the salmon is fully cooked (it should flake easily and look opaque). The glaze should be a shiny, sticky coating.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Take the salmon out of the pan and plate it. Spoon any leftover glaze from the pan over the top. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh, crunchy finish. Serve hot with steamed rice or a crunchy cabbage slaw on the side to complete your meal.
Enjoy your tasty, Asian-glazed salmon dinner that’s bursting with flavor and quick to make!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight before marinating and cooking. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better searing and glaze adhesion.
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before using to ensure it coats the salmon nicely.
How Should I Store Leftover Salmon?
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or briefly in the microwave to avoid drying it out.
Can I Substitute the Sesame Oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute with a light vegetable or canola oil, but the nutty flavor will be milder. Adding a few drops of toasted sesame seeds when garnishing helps bring back some of that signature taste.
