Caramelized soy-glazed salmon with a sticky, sweet-savory coating that comes together in 15 minutes flat.
Why This Soy Glazed Salmon Works
Seafood cooks fast, which means dinner is on the table in minutes. The key is not overcooking it. The sauce does the heavy lifting on flavor so you just need simple seasoning on the protein.
A quick soy-honey-garlic glaze transforms plain salmon into something you would order at a nice restaurant. The glaze caramelizes under the broiler, creating a shiny, sticky coating with crispy edges. Fast, impressive, and incredibly flavorful. This Asian glazed salmon is a keeper.
Fire up your broiler and whisk that glaze. Let’s make it together.
Ingredients
Soy Glazed Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Optional add-ins:
- Red pepper flakes
- Lime juice
- Sriracha
- Steamed bok choy
How to Make Soy Glazed Salmon
- Glaze. Whisk soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
- Brush. Place salmon fillets skin-side down on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush generously with half the glaze. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Broil. Broil on high for 7 to 9 minutes until the salmon flakes easily and the glaze is caramelized and bubbly. Brush with the remaining glaze halfway through.
- Serve. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables.
Tips for the Best Soy Glazed Salmon
- Watch the salmon closely under the broiler. The honey in the glaze can burn fast.
- Position the oven rack 6 inches below the broiler element for even cooking.
- Brush with glaze twice for a thicker, stickier coating.
- The salmon is done when it flakes with a fork and the internal temp hits 145F.
- Line the baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup since the glaze gets sticky.
Fun Variations to Try
- Add a tablespoon of miso paste to the glaze for a deeper umami flavor.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness.
- Top with a sesame-ginger slaw for crunch.
- Make it spicy with a teaspoon of sriracha in the glaze.
- Serve over soba noodles instead of rice.
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Can I make Soy Glazed Salmon ahead of time?
You can marinate or prep the ingredients ahead. Cook fresh for the best flavor and texture when you are ready to eat.
What side dishes go well with Soy Glazed Salmon?
Steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad are all excellent sides that complement this dish perfectly.
How do I store leftover Soy Glazed Salmon?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I use a different protein in this recipe?
Yes, you can swap the protein for chicken, shrimp, tofu, or whatever you prefer. Adjust the cook time as needed.
How do I know when the protein is cooked through?
Use an instant-read thermometer. Chicken should reach 165F, salmon 145F, and shrimp should be pink and opaque.
Ingredients
Method
- Glaze. Whisk soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
- Brush. Place salmon fillets skin-side down on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush generously with half the glaze. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Broil. Broil on high for 7 to 9 minutes until the salmon flakes easily and the glaze is caramelized and bubbly. Brush with the remaining glaze halfway through.
- Serve. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables.
Notes
Watch the salmon closely under the broiler. The honey in the glaze can burn fast. Position the oven rack 6 inches below the broiler element for even cooking. Brush with glaze twice for a thicker, stickier coating.
FAQ
Can I bake this instead of broiling?
Yes. Bake at 400F for 12 to 15 minutes. You won’t get the same caramelized top, but the flavor is still great.
What rice goes best with soy glazed salmon?
Steamed jasmine rice or sushi rice both work well. The sticky rice soaks up the extra glaze nicely.
Can I use this glaze on other proteins?
Absolutely. It works great on chicken thighs, shrimp, or tofu. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
How do I prevent the honey from burning?
Keep the oven rack 6 inches from the broiler and watch closely. If it starts to darken too fast, move it to a lower rack.
