Glazed Salmon : This perfectly cooked salmon, tender and flaky on the inside, with a caramelized, flavorful glaze that tantalizes your taste buds.
Why Glazed Salmon Deserves a Spot on Your Menu
Glazed Salmon isn’t just a weeknight dinner savior; it’s also a culinary masterpiece that can be elevated for special occasions. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: a harmonious combination of sweet, savory, and sometimes spicy flavors that accentuate the rich, buttery texture of the salmon.
Variations to Keep Things Exciting
- Maple Mustard Glazed Salmon: Combine maple syrup and whole grain mustard for a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Asian-Inspired Teriyaki Salmon: Use teriyaki sauce, grated ginger, and a touch of garlic to create a rich, umami-packed dish.
- Spicy Honey Glazed Salmon: Mix honey with a bit of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a glaze that has both sweetness and a fiery kick.
- Orange Ginger Glazed Salmon: Use fresh orange juice and zest, combined with ginger and soy sauce, for a citrusy flavor twist.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Glazed Salmon
- Don’t Overcook: Salmon can quickly turn dry if overcooked. The perfect internal temperature for salmon is 145°F (63°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, look for the flesh to be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and citrus juice make a huge difference in the flavor profile. Avoid bottled lemon juice or dried garlic if possible.
- Pat the Salmon Dry: This ensures the glaze sticks well and helps achieve a nice sear on the fillets.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender bite.
How to Serve Glazed Salmon
The versatility of glazed salmon means it pairs well with various sides, from simple grains to vibrant salads. Here are some ideas:
- Over Rice: Serve with steamed jasmine rice or a hearty wild rice blend for a complete meal.
- With Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a fresh cucumber salad add a refreshing balance.
- In a Bowl: Make a salmon bowl with quinoa, avocado, edamame, shredded carrots, and a drizzle of extra glaze.
- As Tacos: Flake the salmon and stuff into soft tortillas, topped with a crunchy slaw and a dollop of spicy aioli.
How to Store and Reheat Glazed Salmon
- Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked salmon, but note that the texture may change slightly. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or enjoy it cold in salads to preserve the texture.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for glazed salmon recipes?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before applying the glaze to ensure it cooks evenly.
How do I know when my salmon is cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, the flesh should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the glaze up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just warm it up before using.
What kind of salmon is best for glazing?
Wild-caught varieties like sockeye or king salmon are preferred for their robust flavor, but farmed salmon works well too, especially if you prefer a milder taste.
Glazed Salmon
Glazed Salmon : This perfectly cooked salmon, tender and flaky on the inside, with a caramelized, flavorful glaze that tantalizes your taste buds.
Ingredients
- Olive Oil: ¾ teaspoon, divided
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
- Brown Sugar: ⅓ cup, packed
- Soy Sauce: ¼ cup
- Lemon Juice: ½ lemon, freshly squeezed
- Honey: 1 teaspoon
- Sea Salt: ¼ teaspoon, plus more for garnish
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, plus more for garnish
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon
- Salmon Fillets: 4 fillets (6 ounces each)
- Additional Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Heat ¼ teaspoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté minced garlic until it’s just golden and fragrant.
- In a bowl, combine the sautéed garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, the remaining ½ teaspoon olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
- Place the salmon fillets in a large resealable plastic bag, pour in the marinade, and seal. Massage to coat the fillets evenly and refrigerate for 1 hour to soak in all that flavor.
- Remove the salmon from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid, and reserve 3 tablespoons of the marinade. Discard the rest. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon fillets and pour the reserved marinade over them.
- Cover and cook the salmon for 2-3 minutes per side, spooning the pan sauce over the fillets occasionally, until they are beautifully browned and flake easily with a fork. Sprinkle with a little extra sea salt and black pepper. Serve hot and bask in the compliments!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 613Total Fat 36gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 26gCholesterol 184mgSodium 198mgCarbohydrates 3gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 65g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Glazed Salmon is a dish that beautifully marries simplicity with sophistication. With a few pantry staples and some fresh salmon, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. Whether you’re craving a simple weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing main course, this guide has you covered.
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