This salmon recipe is a modern favorite that balances sweet honey with savory soy sauce, creating a rich umami flavor. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and vitamin D, making it heart-healthy and nutritious. Each serving contains around 350 calories. People allergic to fish or soy should avoid this dish. Perfect for a quick, elegant, and healthy dinner.
Ingredients (serves 2):
- 2 salmon fillets (150–200 g each, skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Equipment Needed:
- Baking tray
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Spoon or brush for glazing
- Knife and cutting board
Time: Prep 10 min | Cook 15 min
Step-by-Step Instructions (20 Detailed Steps)
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Line the baking tray with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Rinse salmon fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Check for and remove any pin bones using tweezers.
- Place salmon fillets on the lined baking tray, spaced apart.
- In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and olive oil.
- Whisk the mixture until smooth and well-blended.
- Taste a small amount and adjust sweetness or salt if needed.
- Using a spoon or brush, apply a generous layer of the glaze on top of each fillet.
- Flip the fillets over and brush the glaze lightly on the bottom side.
- Let the fillets sit for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Place the tray in the preheated oven on the middle rack.
- Bake for 10 minutes, checking carefully to avoid overcooking.
- After 10 minutes, baste the fillets again with the pan juices for added moisture.
- Rotate the baking tray if your oven has hot spots for even cooking.
- Continue baking for another 2–3 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Optionally, switch to broil mode for 2 minutes to caramelize the glaze slightly on top.
- Remove the tray from the oven and let the salmon rest for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve on plates, spooning extra glaze from the tray over the fillets.
- Garnish with lemon wedges or fresh herbs if desired.
Beginner Tips:
- Patting salmon dry ensures the glaze sticks properly.
- Do not overbake; salmon cooks quickly and dries out easily.
- Use a gentle touch when flipping fillets to prevent breaking.
- Basting multiple times enhances flavor and keeps fish moist.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.