Baked Salmon with Soy Sauce Glaze

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin on or off)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)

For the Soy Sauce Glaze:

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or fresh lime juice)

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)

• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water (for thickening, optional)

Garnish (optional):

• Sliced green onions

• Toasted sesame seeds

• Lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.

2. Make the Glaze:

• In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.

• Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes.

• If you want a thicker glaze, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer another 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.

3. Prep the Salmon:

• Pat salmon fillets dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.

• Place the fillets in the greased baking dish, skin-side down if applicable.

4. Glaze and Bake:

• Brush a generous amount of the soy glaze over each fillet, reserving some for serving.

• Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 125–130°F (52–54°C) for medium.

5. Serve:

• Drizzle with remaining glaze and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime.

• Pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, sautéed greens, or roasted broccoli.

Tip:

If you want a slightly caramelized finish, you can broil the salmon during the last 1–2 minutes—just watch closely so it doesn’t burn.