Asian Baked Salmon Recipe

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Looking for a mouthwatering yet fuss-free dinner option? Let me introduce you to my Asian Baked Salmon recipe! With a savory-sweet marinade bursting with soy sauce, sesame oil, and zesty orange juice, this dish promises to take your weeknight dinner game to new level. Serve with stir-fried veggies and white or brown rice.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Salmon Recipe

I love a good piece of salmon. LOVE IT. This Asian Baked Salmon Recipe is no different. Ginger and garlic together are a match made in heaven. I made a marinade, soaked this huge fillet in it, and then stuck it in the oven. Super easy and do-able. Even on a weekday. Serve it alongside some rice, couscous, or pasta, and voila!

Ingredients Needed for Asian Baked Salmon

Made with simple ingredients and minimal prep, this Asian-style salmon is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something deliciously wholesome. Here is what you’ll need to make this recipe:

• Fresh salmon fillets– Whether you opt for individual portions or a whole half fish, be sure to choose high-quality, fresh salmon for the best results. Costco is usually where I get my salmon, they consistently have fresh cuts and has the best price.

Asian Marinade Ingredients

• Soy sauce– forms the base of the marinade, infusing the salmon with rich umami flavor.
• Orange juice– Bright and tangy, orange juice adds a refreshing citrus note to balance the richness of the salmon.
• Sesame oil– With its distinctive nutty flavor, sesame oil adds depth and complexity to the marinade.
• Garlic and fresh ginger– These aromatic ingredients lend a flavorful kick to the marinade, complementing the natural sweetness of the salmon. Ground ginger is fine to use if you don’t have fresh.
• Honey– A touch of honey brings a hint of sweetness to the marinade, balancing out the savory and tangy flavors.
• Black pepper– A dash of black pepper adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor to the marinade.
• Sesame seeds– (for garnish, optional) Toasted sesame seeds make for a delightful finishing touch, adding a nutty crunch to the dish.

Variations

• Lime juice– Swap out the orange juice for lime juice for a citrusy twist.
• Brown Sugar– Substitute brown sugar for honey for a deeper, caramelized flavor.
• Hot Sauce– Add a splash of hoisin sauce or sriracha sauce or sweet chili sauce for extra complexity and heat.

If you love love love Salmon, try these other fish recipes: Baja Fish Tacos, Crispy Red Fish Sandwiches & Old Bay Home Fries, Southwest Cod Cakes with Mexican Sweet Rice, and Fish Sticks Recipe with Cucumber Dill Sauce.

How to Make Asian Baked Salmon

For full recipe details, including ingredient measurements, see the printable recipe card down below. Here are step-by-step directions on how to make the marinade and bake the salmon:

Make the Asian Marinade

The first step to this delicious recipe is this Asian Salmon Marinade. It will slightly change the color of your salmon but don’t be concerned, it’s all just good flavor.

1. In a large bowl, zip-top bag or container with a good fitting lid, mix all ingredients together excluding the salmon. Place each salmon filet (or whole half piece of fish) in marinade, cover with plastic wrap or lid and refrigerate for an hour or so. The longer you marinate, the better!

Bake Salmon

Next step is to bake your salmon. I have found fish, in general, bakes best at a high temperature for a shorter period of time. This Asian salmon is no different. I recommend baking at 350° F for 10-15 minutes or until just baked. Of course, the time will vary slightly based on how thick your piece of fish is and how hot your oven runs, but this is a great guideline. To prevent the salmon from sticking to the foil, you can lightly grease it with a bit of olive oil or use parchment paper instead.

2. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350° F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place fish on foil, salmon skin-side down and bake about 15 minutes (if baking one large filet) or about 10 minutes for individual portions.
3. Top with sesame seeds and serve hot.

Pro Tip: The best secret to juicy salmon? Be sure not to overcook it. Using an instant read thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 145° F at the thickest part of the fish.

Storing + Make Ahead Instructions for Asian Salmon

While I would much rather enjoy seafood fresh the same day it’s made, I know sometimes there are leftovers. Allow salmon to cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Enjoy it cold straight from the fridge or gently reheat it using a low-slow reheating method to preserve its moisture.

Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing fish that has been cooked. The texture turns mushy and not very good.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the marinade and marinate the salmon in advance, then simply bake it when ready to enjoy.

Side Dishes to Serve With Asian Baked Salmon

Need help thinking up side dishes to go with this Asian Salmon Recipe? I’ve got you covered. Here are some of my favorites.

• Famous Butter Rice
• Easy Fried Rice Recipe
• Roasted Veggie and Quinoa Salad
• Oven Roasted Asparagus Recipe
• Asian Slaw Recipe with Peanuts
• Pan Fried Potatoes

More Salmon Recipes to Try!

• Baked Salmon with Garlic Parmesan Bread Crumbs
• Honey Butter Sesame Salmon
• Leftover Salmon Croquettes
• Mom’s Famous Salmon Dip

This Asian Baked Salmon recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, it’s a delicious and healthy meal option that’s perfect for any occasion. The printable recipe card is below, enjoy!

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.