Description
Sesame ginger salmon delivers a perfect balance of Asian-inspired flavors with omega-rich fish and zesty marinade. Packed with nutrition and quick to prepare, this dish promises a delightful meal you can easily master in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces/170 grams each, skin-on)
Marinade Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Garnish and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (toasted if desired)
Instructions
- Craft a zesty marinade by whisking soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic in a small bowl until thoroughly blended.
- Position salmon fillets in a shallow dish, ensuring they are ready for flavor infusion.
- Generously coat salmon with the prepared marinade, rotating fillets to guarantee even coverage.
- Allow salmon to marinate at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, preventing excessive salt absorption.
- For pan-searing, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat with a light oil drizzle.
- Carefully place marinated salmon skin-side down in the hot skillet.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes until the bottom develops a golden crust, then gently flip the fillet.
- Continue cooking for an additional 2–3 minutes, ensuring the salmon reaches a flaky, tender consistency.
- Alternatively, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) for a baking method.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, arranging salmon skin-side down.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, brushing with remaining marinade midway through cooking.
- Verify doneness by checking if the salmon easily flakes with a fork.
- Transfer cooked salmon to serving plates, creating an appetizing presentation.
- Enhance the dish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and delicate green onion slices.
- Complement the salmon with steamed rice, tender noodles, or vibrant stir-fried vegetables for a complete, nutritious meal.
Notes
- Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version that maintains rich umami flavor.
- Let salmon rest at room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent drying out.
- Pat salmon dry with paper towels before marinating to help seasoning adhere better and achieve perfect caramelization.
- For extra crispy skin, use a cast-iron skillet and start with skin-side down to create a golden, crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg