Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines the rich flavor of salmon with a delicious, tangy marinade made from soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic. The result is a perfectly grilled salmon with a slightly sweet, savory glaze and a nutty crunch from sesame seeds. It’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and a great healthy dinner option that pairs well with a variety of sides.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup light soy sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 pound salmon fillets
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Whisk together the soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic in a bowl until the marinade is well mixed. Set aside ¼ of the marinade.
- Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the remaining marinade over the fish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 5 minutes.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the salmon from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and place it skin-side up into the hot oil. Cook for 4 minutes. Discard the unused marinade from the dish.
- Flip the salmon fillets over and drizzle the reserved marinade over them. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Continue cooking until the salmon flakes easily with a fork, about 5 to 7 minutes. Flip the salmon once more, remove the skin, and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Additional Time: 5 minutes (for marinating)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade for some heat.
- Grilled Version: You can also grill the salmon on an outdoor grill instead of cooking it in a skillet.
- Citrus Twist: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or orange juice to the marinade for a citrusy flavor boost.
- Low Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content of the dish.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace salmon with grilled tofu or another plant-based protein, marinating it in the same sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the salmon in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. For the best texture, avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the fish.
FAQs
1. Can I use another type of fish?
Yes, this marinade works well with other fish like trout or tuna, although cooking times may vary.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to the marinade for some heat.
3. Can I use regular soy sauce instead of light soy sauce?
Yes, but light soy sauce has a slightly less salty taste. You can use regular soy sauce and adjust the salt level to your taste.
4. Can I grill the salmon instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely! Grill the salmon fillets over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side.
5. Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
6. How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork, typically after 5-7 minutes of cooking.
7. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.
8. Can I use olive oil instead of sesame oil?
You can use olive oil, but sesame oil adds a distinctive nutty flavor that’s key to this dish.
9. Is it necessary to remove the skin?
It’s optional, but removing the skin allows for a better texture when serving, especially if you’re looking for a crisp exterior.
10. Can I add vegetables to the marinade?
Yes, vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini can be marinated with the salmon for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Sesame Grilled Salmon is a delicious, quick, and healthy dinner option that combines tender salmon with a flavorful marinade. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its balance of savory and sweet flavors. Pair it with your favorite sides for a well-rounded meal!
Sesame Grilled Salmon
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
This Sesame Grilled Salmon is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender salmon fillets marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then grilled to perfection and topped with sesame seeds. Serve with grilled veggies or wild rice for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
¼ cup light soy sauce
1 ½ tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pound salmon fillets
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- Whisk together the soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic in a bowl until the marinade is well mixed. Set aside ¼ of the marinade.
- Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the remaining marinade over the fish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 5 minutes.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the salmon from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and place it skin-side up into the hot oil. Cook for 4 minutes. Discard the unused marinade from the dish.
- Flip the salmon fillets over and drizzle the reserved marinade over them. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Continue cooking until the salmon flakes easily with a fork, about 5 to 7 minutes. Flip the salmon once more, remove the skin, and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
For a spicy variation, add a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade.
Grill the salmon on an outdoor grill for a smoky flavor instead of pan-frying.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or orange juice to the marinade for a citrusy boost.
Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content.
For a vegetarian version, replace salmon with tofu or another plant-based protein and marinate in the same sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
