I’ve been cooking a lot of Asian-inspired dishes lately. I don’t know if it’s because of the anticipation to my upcoming trip to Tokyo and Seoul or my need to reconnect back to my roots in Chicago. Whatever the reason it’s inspired me to make this Asian Glazed Baked Salmon. Keep reading if you can say ‘delicious’.
What I love about the Asian Glazed Baked Salmon is that it takes very minimal effort to create something so flavorful and unforgettable. You’re basically making a marinade, pouring it over the salmon and then baking it in the oven. In about 20 minutes it’s done, ready to serve. It’s doesn’t get any easier than that.
My favorite way to serve this Asian Glazed Baked Salmon is with steamed rice and a side of simple stir-fried spinach. The recipe for the spinach is included in this recipe. For steamed rice refer to the package instructions, or better yet use a rice cooker (a must-have gadget in my kitchen) if you have one.
Asian Glazed Salmon with Spinach
A delicious salmon recipe that is full of flavor. A perfect weeknight meal, but also perfect on a busy weekend.
Ingredients
- 5 salmon fillets
- 500g pre-washed spinach
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (plus a bit more for cooking the spinach)
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, finely grated
- dash of black pepper
Directions
- Step 1 Make the marinade. In a small bowl (or jar with a lid) whisk together olive oil, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger and black pepper. Mix vigorously or tighten the lid on the jar and shake well. Set aside for 30 minutes to let the flavors marry, or better yet leave it overnight in the refrigerator.
- Step 2 When you are ready to make the salmon preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius. Pat dry your salmon fillets with a paper towel. In an oven-proof pan add the salmon fillets and 3/4 of the marinade. (You need the reserved 1/4 marinade for the spinach later.) Make sure salmon is completely covered with the marinade. Let it sit on the counter until the oven is at the right temperature.
- Step 3 Place salmon in the oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes, depending on how well done you like your salmon. For best results check the salmon 2-3 times during baking and spoon some marinade (that ends up at the bottom of the pan) back on top of the fillets. Sprinkle chopped scallions and black sesame seeds over salmon as garnish (optional).
- Step 4 To make the spinach, heat 2 tablespoons in a frying pan or skillet. Add your spinach and the reserved marinade. Toss gently. The spinach should wilt in a minute or 2 which means it is ready.