Description

Some recipes just hit every single note—flavor, ease, texture, and that satisfying moment when you take the first bite and go, oh yes, this one’s going into rotation. That’s what this Savory Soy Seared Salmon delivers.

Seared until golden and crisp on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, this salmon gets a rich glaze of soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of honey that caramelizes beautifully in the pan. It’s fast, packed with flavor, and makes you feel like a total pro in the kitchen—even if you’re cooking it between meetings or after a long day.

Ingredients

Scale

4 salmon fillets (5–6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
1 tablespoon sesame oil or neutral oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional but delicious)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional garnish: sesame seeds, green onions, or chili flakes

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Instructions

Pat the salmon dry
Moisture prevents a good sear—so pat those fillets dry with paper towels. Season lightly with black pepper.
Make the sauce
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, vinegar (or lime), garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
Sear the salmon
Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high. When hot, add salmon, skin-side down if applicable. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until a golden crust forms.
Flip and glaze
Flip salmon and cook another 2–3 minutes. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the salmon in the last minute and let it bubble, thicken, and coat the fish.
Spoon and serve
Spoon the thickened sauce over the top. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds or green onions if you like.

Notes

For the best sear, make sure to pat the salmon fillets completely dry before cooking.

Add the sauce only during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking to prevent burning the honey or garlic.

This recipe works beautifully with both skin-on and skinless salmon—just adjust cooking time slightly for thicker fillets.

Want extra sauce? Double the glaze and reserve half to drizzle over rice or veggies when serving.

Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to better control salt levels, especially if you plan to serve with salted sides.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-seared
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with glaze
Calories: 320
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 640mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 33g
Cholesterol: 75mg