This sesame ginger salmon is tangy, sweet, and baked to perfection. The glaze on top is infused with sesame oil and soy sauce to enhance the dish’s vibrant flavor even more. Serve as a healthy weeknight meal that everyone will enjoy!
Salmon is one of my favorite types of fish to eat. In addition to being extremely nutritious, it’s quick and easy to prepare, plus has great flavor and texture! This sesame ginger glaze makes the salmon irresistibly yummy.
The glaze hits all the right notes
This delicious glaze uses traditional Asian flavors to coat the outside of the fish, giving each bite depth and lasting flavor. Aromatics such as ginger and garlic are combined with soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, and chili sauce, which all simmer and blend together. While it may seem like this recipe has a lengthy ingredient list, I promise it comes together in no time and isn’t a heavy lift in the kitchen.
Easy salmon recipe
This preparation of salmon could not be easier or more delicious. By the time you preheat the oven, the glaze will have been made. It’s worth taking the steps to thicken the sauce because it clings to the salmon more.
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What you’ll need to make this sesame ginger salmon
- Salmon– fresh or thawed from frozen
- Garlic/ginger– aromatics add a lot of flavor. Fresh grated ginger is essential in Asian cooking. I peel large pieces and wrap them in tight saran and keep them in the freezer. This way I always have some available if I need just a little ginger grated in a meal.
- Soy sauce– preferably low or reduced sodium; can use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute
- Sesame oil– has a strong nutty flavor and is an important flavor to Asian cuisine
- Rice vinegar– be sure to avoid ‘seasoned’ rice vinegar as this means there’s added sugar and salt
- Honey– adds some sweetness and balances the salt and spice
- Chili sauce (sriracha or any other spice or hot sauce)- adjust according to heat preference
- Cornstarch– add 1 teaspoon cornstarch to 1 Tablespoon water and stir until cornstarch is completely dissolved. This slurry will be added to the simmering sauce to thicken it into a nice glaze.
- Garnishes– sesame seeds add crunch and scallions add color and freshness
Nutrition
Not only is salmon delicious, it’s also extremely good for you. Salmon contains high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and is rich in micronutrients like B-vitamins, vitamin D, potassium, and selenium. Most people don’t get enough omega-3s in their diet. Incorporating fish at least 2 times per week is an important way to add these heart-healthy fats and gain all the health benefits:
- Important for brain, nerve, and eye development for infants
- Lower risk of heart disease and certain cancers
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Reduce the risk of cognitive decline
- They are also important for eye health, muscle activity and immune function
Sides to serve with sesame ginger salmon
The sides can be kept simple as the salmon is full of flavor. I’ll often serve it with roasted or steamed vegetables, rice or quinoa, or even cauliflower rice. It also pairs well with my fried rice recipe. Also, if you enjoy salmon, try my Asian salmon burgers to change up the way you eat fish!
Add this recipe to your staples
This sesame ginger salmon is a great recipe to have in your recipe arsenal. You can enjoy a delicious, healthy dinner in 30 minutes or less! It’s my favorite way to prepare salmon and I hope it becomes yours as well!
Here’s some other healthy weeknight dishes
- Lemon Garlic Marinated Chicken
- Tofu Parmesan
- Stuffed Mexican Sweet Potato
- Hearty Healthy Chili
- Lentil Vegetable Soup
- Kale Caesar Salad
Sesame Ginger Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 5-6 oz filets salmon (or 1-1 ½ lb whole piece)
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 Tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- ¼ cup soy sauce low sodium
- 2 Tablespoons toasted sesame oil divided
- 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar unseasoned
- 1 ½ Tablespoons honey
- 1-2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce or sriracha, or other spicy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon water
Optional garnishes
- Scallions sliced
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or aluminum lightly greased).
- Make the glaze: Heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Once hot add 1 Tablespoon of the sesame oil. Add the garlic and ginger and stir for a minute until fragrant. Add the soy sauce, remaining tablespoon sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, and chili sauce. Bring to a low simmer.
- As the sauce is heating up, in a small dish mix the cornstarch with the water until cornstarch is completely dissolved. Add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce and stir to combine. Continue to simmer until sauce thickens 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. *See notes
- Place the salmon skin side down on the parchment lined baking sheet. Brush the salmon lightly with the glaze and bake. After ten minutes, brush the salmon again with the glaze and place back in the oven to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes pending thickness and how you like your salmon cooked.
- Remove from the oven. Garnish the cooked salmon with the sesame seeds and scallions. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
* When the sauce is done thickening, I remove a small amount to drizzle on when the salmon is done cooking. You want to keep this separate from the sauce you are using to glaze the raw the salmon, so you don’t cross-contaminate. You can substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce
If you enjoy fish, what’s your favorite way to prepare your favorite? Share in the comments below. Also, be sure to stay in touch and follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest
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