Save This quick ginger-sesame glazed salmon has become my weeknight dinner superhero. The sweet-savory glaze caramelizes beautifully on the salmon while the snap peas provide the perfect crisp counterpoint. I discovered this recipe during a busy work week when I needed something impressive yet effortless, and it has remained in my regular rotation ever since.
I first created this recipe when trying to impress my in-laws with minimal effort. They were so impressed by the complex flavors that they requested the recipe before leaving. Now it's their go-to for entertaining as well.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets: preferably skin-on for added flavor and to help the fish stay together during cooking
- Sugar snap peas: provide a perfect crisp texture contrast and vibrant color look for bright green pods without blemishes
- Soy sauce: forms the savory umami base of our glaze choose low sodium if watching salt intake
- Honey: creates that beautiful caramelization and balances the saltiness of the soy sauce
- Toasted sesame oil: adds incredible nutty depth use pure toasted oil rather than blends for best flavor
- Rice vinegar: provides subtle acidity that brightens the entire dish
- Fresh ginger: delivers zingy warmth that pairs perfectly with salmon always use fresh rather than powdered for this recipe
- Garlic cloves: add aromatic depth and complexity
- Sriracha: optional but adds a pleasant warmth without overwhelming heat
- Sesame seeds: provide visual appeal and textural contrast
Instructions
- Prep Your Oven and Tray:
- Start by preheating your oven to exactly 200°C or 400°F. Line a baking tray completely with parchment paper, ensuring it extends slightly over the edges to catch any glaze that might bubble over. This preparation step saves significant cleanup time later.
- Create The Glaze:
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha if using. Whisk thoroughly until the honey is completely dissolved and ingredients are well incorporated. This glaze is the flavor foundation of our dish, so take your time ensuring everything is perfectly blended.
- Prepare The Salmon:
- Arrange your salmon fillets skin side down on the prepared tray, leaving at least an inch between each piece to ensure even cooking. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the top and sides of each fillet with about half of your prepared glaze, ensuring every bit of exposed flesh is covered. The skin side doesn't need glazing as it will be in contact with the tray.
- Add The Vegetables:
- Distribute the trimmed snap peas around the salmon fillets, trying not to overlap them too much. Drizzle them lightly with olive oil and season with just a small pinch of salt and pepper. The snap peas will absorb some of the salmon flavor while cooking, so minimal seasoning is needed.
- Roast To Perfection:
- Place the tray in the middle rack of your preheated oven and roast for 10 to 12 minutes. For medium salmon, look for flesh that is just turning opaque but still has a slight translucence in the very center. The snap peas should be bright green and tender crisp, not browning or shriveled.
- Reduce The Remaining Glaze:
- While the salmon roasts, pour the remaining glaze into a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning the sugars.
- Finish With Final Glaze:
- When the salmon is done, remove the tray from the oven and brush each fillet with your reduced glaze, creating a beautiful shiny coating. Immediately sprinkle with sesame seeds, which will slightly adhere to the warm glaze.
- Garnish And Serve:
- Transfer the salmon and snap peas to serving plates, then top with sliced spring onions and an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds. Add lime wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their portions, adding a bright citrus note that complements the rich flavors.
Pin it The ginger in this recipe is truly the secret weapon. I keep fresh ginger root in my freezer and grate it while still frozen for the most intense flavor. My husband, who normally dislikes fish, requests this salmon regularly because the ginger-sesame combination transforms the salmon into something truly special.
Perfect Pairings
This salmon dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or brown rice which soaks up the extra glaze magnificently. For a lower carb option, cauliflower rice works surprisingly well. The neutral base allows the complex flavors of the glaze to shine through while making the meal more substantial. I also love serving this with a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a touch of sesame oil to echo the flavors in the main dish.
Make-Ahead Tips
While salmon is best cooked fresh, you can prepare the glaze up to three days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply bring it to room temperature before using. You can also trim the snap peas a day in advance and store them in a sealed container with a damp paper towel to maintain freshness. Having these components ready makes this already quick meal even more weeknight friendly.
Ingredient Substitutions
No snap peas? Green beans, asparagus, or broccoli florets work wonderfully as alternatives. Each vegetable brings its own character to the dish while maintaining that essential crisp texture contrast.
For those avoiding refined sugars, maple syrup makes an excellent substitute for honey with a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.
If you cannot find fresh ginger, ginger paste from a tube can work in a pinch though the flavor will be slightly less vibrant.
Cultural Context
This recipe draws inspiration from various Asian cuisines, particularly Japanese and Chinese cooking traditions where the combination of soy, ginger, and sesame is foundational. The cooking method of glazing fish has roots in traditional Japanese teriyaki preparation, while the bright vegetables and quick cooking time reflect Chinese stir-fry techniques. I've simplified these traditions into an accessible weeknight meal that honors these flavors while fitting into a modern busy lifestyle.
Seasonal Adaptations
Spring use the freshest snap peas at their peak season
Summer add thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch and color
Fall incorporate small cubes of roasted butternut squash alongside the snap peas
Success Stories
This recipe converted my fish-hating brother-in-law into a salmon enthusiast. He now makes it regularly for his own family, proving that the right preparation can overcome even the strongest food aversions. Another reader shared that she served this at a dinner party with zero cooking stress and received more compliments than when she spent hours on complex recipes. The simplicity combined with impressive results makes this a true winner for entertaining.
Pin it This recipe offers a perfect blend of flavor and ease, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without the fuss. Enjoy this delicious and healthy salmon dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes, thaw frozen fillets thoroughly and pat dry before glazing and baking for the best texture.
- → What can I substitute for honey?
Maple syrup or agave work well as alternatives, maintaining the glaze's sweetness and stickiness.
- → Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Simply swap regular soy sauce for tamari to keep the dish gluten-free and enjoy the same flavor.
- → How do I know when the salmon is cooked?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and be opaque in the center when it’s fully cooked.
- → Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Try adding sliced bell peppers or carrots for extra color, crunch, and nutrients.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa make excellent accompaniments for a more filling meal.