Easy Asian Salmon Recipes: Quick Glazed Perfection

Welcome to Sweet Emily, where we make baking and cooking simple for busy parents and beginners! Discover how incredibly simple it is to prepare these amazing Asian salmon recipes that are bursting with flavor. With fast prep and minimum ingredients, you can achieve delicious glazed perfection. These recipes are perfect for weeknight dinners, bringing restaurant-quality taste right to your table without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love These Asian Salmon Recipes

• Lightning-Fast Dinner: Get a delicious meal on the table in just 15 minutes. These quick Asian salmon recipes are perfect for busy evenings.
• Effortless Flavor: A simple, pantry-friendly marinade creates deep, savory, and sweet notes with minimal effort.
• Perfectly Glazed: The broiler delivers a beautiful, caramelized crust that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Healthy & Satisfying: Salmon is packed with beneficial omega-3s, making this a nutritious choice for the whole family. Research from institutions like Healthline highlights that omega-3 fatty acids from salmon oil can support heart and brain health.
• Weeknight Staple: Easy enough for any day of the week, this recipe quickly becomes a go-to for its convenience and taste.
• Versatile Sides: It pairs wonderfully with many different side dishes, from rice to steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

To create these fantastic Asian salmon recipes, you’ll need just a few simple items that pack a big punch of flavor. Get ready to transform ordinary salmon into an extraordinary meal!

For the Salmon:

• 2 x 180g / 6oz salmon fillets, skinless
• Oil spray (olive oil, canola oil etc)

For the Marinade:

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce

For Serving (Optional):

• Sesame seeds
• Scallions/shallots, finely sliced
• Steamed Asian Greens
• Cooked rice

Notes & Substitutions

• Salmon: You can use either skin-on or skinless salmon fillets for this recipe. Adjust cooking time slightly for thicker cuts.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can create a similar sweet-spicy profile. Combine honey or maple syrup with a touch of sriracha for an alternative.
• Ginger/Garlic: Freshly grated ginger and crushed garlic yield the best and most vibrant flavor. Pre-minced varieties work in a pinch, but fresh is highly recommended.
• Oyster Sauce: Oyster sauce is crucial for the deep, umami-rich flavor and glossy texture of this glaze. It’s hard to substitute effectively without changing the dish’s character. Look for it in the Asian aisle of your grocery store.

Equipment

Gathering your equipment before you begin makes cooking smooth and enjoyable. You won’t need anything fancy for these delicious Asian salmon recipes!

• Shallow bowl for marinating
• Baking sheet, suitable for high heat
• Grill/broiler (oven setting)
• Meat thermometer (optional, but highly recommended for perfect doneness)

Instructions

These quick Asian salmon recipes come together in a flash thanks to the broiler, creating a beautiful glaze. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked, flavorful salmon every time.

1. Prepare Marinade: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the fresh grated ginger, crushed garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sweet chili sauce until well combined. This is the heart of your flavorful glaze.
2. Marinate Salmon: Add the salmon fillets to the bowl, turning to coat them thoroughly in the marinade. Ensure each piece is evenly covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. You can also marinate it for up to overnight for deeper flavor development.
3. Preheat Broiler: Before cooking, preheat your oven broiler to its high setting. Position an oven rack approximately 25 cm / 10 inches from the heat source. This distance helps achieve a golden, caramelized crust without burning the salmon too quickly.
4. Prepare for Broiling: Carefully remove the marinated salmon from the bowl and place it onto a clean baking tray. You do not need to oil the tray or line it with paper, as high heat can burn paper. Dab a small amount of the remaining glaze onto the top surface of each salmon fillet. Avoid pouring any excess marinade onto the tray, as it will pool around the salmon and may burn during broiling.
5. Broil First Side: Place the baking tray with the salmon under the preheated broiler. Cook for 7 minutes. This initial broiling period begins to cook the salmon and caramelize the top glaze.
6. Add Oil & Finish: After 7 minutes, carefully remove the tray from the oven. Lightly spray the surface of the salmon generously with oil. Return the tray to the broiler and cook for an additional 1 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on the salmon during this final stage. It is done when the surface is beautifully caramelized and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
7. Check Doneness: For perfectly cooked salmon, aim for an internal temperature of 50°C / 122°F for medium-rare. A meat thermometer ensures accuracy and prevents overcooking. Salmon cooks very quickly under the broiler, so watch it closely.
8. Serve Immediately: Garnish your freshly cooked salmon with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and finely sliced scallions or shallots. Serve these delicious Asian salmon recipes hot alongside fluffy cooked rice and steamed Asian greens for a complete and satisfying meal.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Prevent Overcooking: Salmon cooks very fast, especially under a broiler. Keep a watchful eye on it during the final minutes to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
• Perfect Caramelization: Broiling is key to achieving that desirable, slightly crispy, caramelized glaze. It creates a wonderful texture and concentrates the flavors of the marinade.
• Avoid Burnt Glaze: Do not pour any excess marinade onto the baking tray with the salmon. The sugars in the glaze can burn quickly and create a bitter taste if they pool.
• Easy Cleanup: Soak your baking tray immediately after serving. This prevents the caramelized glaze from sticking permanently, making cleanup much easier.
• Internal Temperature: For precision and perfectly cooked salmon, invest in a good meat thermometer. It takes the guesswork out of knowing when your fish is done.
• Best Cooking Method: Broiling or grilling are the recommended methods for these Asian salmon recipes to achieve that signature glaze.
• Other Methods: These Asian salmon recipes are not suitable for pan-frying, BBQ, or traditional oven baking, as the glaze performs best under direct, high heat.

Serving, Storage & Variations

These versatile Asian salmon recipes are delightful on their own, but pairing them with the right sides elevates the meal.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with fragrant jasmine rice to soak up any extra delicious glaze.
• Pair with steamed bok choy or green beans for a fresh, healthy counterpoint.
• Add a side of quick stir-fried vegetables for a more substantial meal.

Storage

• Refrigerate any leftover salmon promptly in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.

Reheating

• Gently reheat leftover salmon in a preheated oven at 135°C (275°F) for about 10-15 minutes, or until just warmed through, to prevent drying. You can also microwave it briefly on a lower power setting.

Flavor Variations

• Spicier: For those who love a kick, add a dash of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• Sweeter: If you prefer a sweeter profile, increase the amount of sweet chili sauce or add a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar to the marinade.
• Tangier: A splash of fresh lime juice added just before serving can brighten the flavors and add a pleasant tang.

Protein Variations

• Chicken: This glaze works wonderfully with thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Tofu: For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu steaks. Press the tofu well to remove excess water before marinating and broiling.

Nutrition

Enjoying these delicious Asian salmon recipes also means benefiting from their nutritional value. Salmon is a fantastic source of lean protein and healthy fats.

Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.

FAQ

You’ve got questions about these amazing Asian salmon recipes, and we’ve got answers! Here are some common queries.

• Can I use frozen salmon?
  Yes, absolutely. Ensure you thaw the frozen salmon completely in the refrigerator overnight before marinating and cooking.
• Can I pan-fry this salmon?
  It’s not recommended to pan-fry this specific recipe. The sweet glaze will burn quickly and stick to the pan under direct heat.
• How long should I marinate the salmon?
  Marinate the salmon for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate. For deeper flavor, marinate up to overnight in the refrigerator.
• Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
  Yes, you can prepare the marinade several days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
  While crucial for depth, if you truly can’t find it, consider a mix of hoisin sauce and a dash of fish sauce, though the flavor profile will shift.

Conclusion

Embrace the ease and incredible flavor that these quick Asian salmon recipes bring to your kitchen. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you can create a truly memorable meal that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant. Quick, delicious, and incredibly satisfying, this glazed salmon is a perfect weeknight meal solution for busy families and beginners alike. Enjoy your homemade Asian salmon and savor every bite of this delightful dish!

Easy Asian Salmon Recipes: Quick Glazed Perfection

This recipe features perfectly glazed salmon, marinated for maximum flavor and then quickly grilled to a caramelized finish. Serve with rice and steamed Asian greens for a complete meal.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 x 180g / 6oz salmon fillets skinless
• Oil spray olive oil, canola oil etc
• 1 tsp fresh ginger finely grated
• 1 garlic clove crushed
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• Sesame seeds
• Scallions/shallots finely sliced
• Steamed Asian Greens
• Rice

Equipment

• Shallow bowl
• Grill
• Broiler
• Baking tray
• Grater
• Garlic press

Method

 

Main Instructions

1. Combine the ginger, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sweet chili sauce in a shallow bowl to create the marinade. Add the salmon fillets, ensuring they are fully coated, then cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
2. Preheat your grill or broiler on high, positioning the rack about 25 cm (10 inches) from the heat source.
3. Place the marinated salmon on a baking tray without oil or paper. Dab any remaining glaze onto the salmon, being careful not to let excess glaze pool around the fillets, which could burn.
4. Grill/broil for 7 minutes, then remove and generously spray the surface with oil. Return to the grill for another 1 to 3 minutes until the surface is caramelized and the salmon flakes easily, ensuring not to overcook.
5. Serve the cooked salmon immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and finely sliced scallions or shallots. Accompany with rice and steamed Asian greens on the side.

Notes

For medium-rare salmon, aim for an internal temperature of 50°C (122°F). Be careful not to overcook the salmon to keep it moist and tender.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com