Baked Asian Salmon
Baked Asian Salmon is a delightful dish that combines fresh salmon with a savory Asian-inspired sauce, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but also packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving it over brown rice or quinoa, this meal will impress your family and friends while keeping things light and healthy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With a total cooking time of just 25 minutes, you can have a delectable meal ready in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of reduced sodium soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and hoisin sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze for the salmon.
- Healthy Option: Baked Asian Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in calories, making it a smart choice for health-conscious eaters.
- Versatile Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with brown rice or quinoa, allowing you to customize it to your taste.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors of the salmon and sesame seeds make this dish visually appealing for any dinner table.
Tools and Preparation
To make Baked Asian Salmon, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for cooking the salmon, ensuring it bakes evenly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for marinating the salmon and mixing the sauce ingredients.
Ingredients
Baked Asian Salmon – A light and flavorful 30 minute asian meal! Fresh salmon topped with a delicious asian sauce that’s great served over brown rice or quinoa!
For the Salmon
- 1 pound fresh salmon, cut into 2 pieces
For the Marinade and Sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon sriracha
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame seeds
How to Make Baked Asian Salmon
Step 1: Marinate the Salmon
- Pat dry the salmon pieces with a paper towel.
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
- Place the salmon in the bowl, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature ensures that the salmon cooks perfectly without drying out.
Step 3: Bake the Salmon
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Place the marinated salmon on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
- While the salmon is baking, mix together remaining ingredients—hoisin sauce, sriracha, and another portion of reduced sodium soy sauce—in a small mixing bowl.
Step 5: Serve
- Once baked, remove the salmon from the oven.
- Serve it over brown rice or quinoa.
- Drizzle with prepared sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving immediately.
Enjoy your delicious Baked Asian Salmon!
How to Serve Baked Asian Salmon
Baked Asian Salmon is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some delicious ways to serve this flavorful salmon.
Over Brown Rice
- Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture, making it an excellent base for the salmon.
Quinoa Salad
- A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers and bell peppers complements the rich taste of the salmon.
Steamed Vegetables
- Lightly steamed broccoli or asparagus enhances the meal’s nutritional value and adds vibrant color to your plate.
Drizzled with Extra Sauce
- A bit more of the homemade sauce on top can elevate the dish’s flavor profile, adding extra zest.
With Lemon Wedges
- Fresh lemon wedges provide a tangy contrast that brightens the overall taste of the meal.
Garnished with Green Onions
- Chopped green onions offer a fresh crunch and a pop of color that enhances presentation.
How to Perfect Baked Asian Salmon
Perfecting your Baked Asian Salmon takes just a few simple steps. Follow these tips for an unforgettable meal.
-
Marinate Well: Allowing the salmon to marinate for at least 15 minutes enhances its flavor profile.
-
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will give your dish a more vibrant taste compared to dried alternatives.
-
Check Doneness: Ensure your salmon is cooked but still moist. It should flake easily with a fork when done.
-
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add more spices or sauces according to your preference for a unique twist on this recipe.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Asian Salmon
Choosing the right side dishes can elevate your Baked Asian Salmon experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Stir-Fried Bok Choy: This mildly sweet leafy green is quick to prepare and adds excellent flavor.
- Coconut Rice: Sweet coconut rice provides a creamy balance against savory salmon.
- Miso Soup: A light miso soup makes for an authentic Japanese pairing that warms up the meal.
- Pickled Vegetables: Quick-pickled cucumbers or radishes add a delightful crunch and acidity.
- Egg Fried Rice: This classic dish is hearty and can soak up all those tasty flavors from the salmon.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice can be seasoned similarly to rice for added flavor.
- Asian Noodle Salad: Cold noodles tossed in sesame dressing create a refreshing contrast to warm salmon.
- Sautéed Spinach with Garlic: This nutritious side is easy to make and complements the main dish nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Baked Asian Salmon, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Not marinating long enough: A short marinade won’t allow the flavors to penetrate the salmon. Aim for at least 15 minutes for optimal taste.
- Skipping the drying step: If you don’t pat dry the salmon, it may not bake evenly. Always dry your fish with a paper towel before marinating.
- Overcooking the salmon: Cooking too long can lead to dry salmon. Bake just until it flakes easily with a fork, usually around 15 minutes.
- Ignoring the sauce: The sauce adds essential flavor, so don’t skip making it. Mix it while the salmon is baking to save time.
- Forgetting to preheat the oven: Skipping this step can affect cooking time and texture. Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Baked Asian Salmon in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Baked Asian Salmon
- Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Baked Asian Salmon
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Baked Asian Salmon that might help you prepare this dish better.
Can I use frozen salmon for Baked Asian Salmon?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating and baking.
What can I serve with Baked Asian Salmon?
Baked Asian Salmon pairs well with brown rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How do I know when my salmon is done?
Your salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F.
Can I adjust the spice level of the recipe?
Absolutely! You can add more or less sriracha based on your personal heat preference.
Final Thoughts
Baked Asian Salmon is a delightful dish that combines fresh flavors and quick preparation. It’s versatile enough to pair with various sides and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Try it today and enjoy this easy yet satisfying meal!
Baked Asian Salmon
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 2 people 1x
Description
Baked Asian Salmon is a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe showcases fresh salmon fillets glazed with a savory Asian-inspired sauce featuring soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and hoisin. Ready in just 30 minutes, Baked Asian Salmon is a healthy meal option that’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids and pairs beautifully with brown rice or quinoa. The vibrant colors and delicious aroma will impress your family and friends while keeping your dinner table light and inviting.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh salmon
- 1 ½ tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- ¼ teaspoon sriracha
- ¼ teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Marinate the salmon: Pat dry the salmon pieces. Combine soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Coat the salmon well in the mixture and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Bake the salmon: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the marinated salmon on the sheet and bake for about 15 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix hoisin sauce, sriracha, and another portion of soy sauce.
- Serve: Plate the salmon over brown rice or quinoa, drizzle with the sauce, and sprinkle sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 piece of salmon (170g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
