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When it’s hot out, I’m all about big flavor in less time. This honey-ginger glazed salmon hits that sweet-spicy balance, with crunchy, caramelized edges and a bright limey kick.
It’s pantry-friendly, weeknight-easy, and extra summery with a juicy nectarine slaw on top. Dinner in about 20 minutes—no fuss, all the cozy, cookout vibes.
I’ve been wanting to make a crispy glazed salmon like this one for forever now. One of my favorite flavors is sweet and spicy and I love the combo on pretty much any kind of seafood. Since my motto right now is all things simple, easy, and healthy…ish, I figured this salmon would be prefect for today! Plus, with the 4th of July this past Tuesday, a lot of us have been on vacation this past week. Therefore, I thought we all might be in need of a healthier recipe as we start to close out the week. But don’t worry, as I do on most Fridays, I’ve got something sweet for you guys tomorrow!
Okok, here’s how this salmon goes down. You’ll want to find really good salmon fillets with the skin on. Yes you guys, leave that skin on. It’s add flavor while the salmon cooks, keeping the fish moist. Plus the crispy skin is actually incredibly delicious.<– kind weird to some, but I swear it’s really good!
The sauce is a simple base of honey, chiles, a little soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and lime…that’s it. I know it doesn’t seem like much but I promise it is so good. The honey thickens and glazes the salmon creating the perfect sticky sauce to coat the fish. Because I like a little spice to balance out the sweet honey, I also added some chili paste and ginger.
To top the dish off I made an Asian summer slaw with purple cabbage, thinly sliced nectarines, and a mix of other veggies.
When I served this to my family before leaving for Mexico I made a side of rice and doubled the slaw! It’s a great healthy dinner for just about any night of the week.
FAQ:
Can I use skinless salmon?
Yes—broil a bit less and rely on the glaze for shine since you won’t get crispy skin. Line the pan to prevent sticking.
My glaze started to burn under the broiler—what happened?
Broilers vary; pull the pan once the skin blisters and the bubbles look slow and syrupy. If needed, finish on the stovetop over low to re-glaze.
No sambal oelek—what’s the best swap?
Try a smaller amount of sriracha for milder, sweeter heat, or a little gochujang for thicker, deeper flavor. Add lime to keep things bright.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Keep fish and slaw separate in airtight containers for 2–3 days. Rewarm fish gently until just heated, or enjoy cold, flaked over rice or greens.
WATCH THE HOW-TO VIDEO:
20 Minute Crispy Honey Ginger Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sambal oelek
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- zest and juice of lime
Asian Summer Slaw
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/2 head purple cabbage, shredded
- 2 nectarines thinly, sliced
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 carrots, shredded
- red or green jalapeños, chopped
- pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the broiler to high.2. Rub the salmon all over with sesame oil. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium high heat. 3. In a small bowl, combine honey, sambal oelek, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, lime zest and juice. Pour the sauce into the skillet and allow it to boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and add salmon, skin side up. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 2-3minutes, watching closely until the salmon skin is crisp. 4. In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients for the slaw and toss to combine.5. Serve the salmon topped with the slaw and drizzled with any extra sauce in the pan. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
For real, this sauce is perfection.
This sounds so good, I’m trying it tomorrow. I’ve never heard of sambal oelek though, what is it and where would I find it?
Well I had a Senior Moment in the supermarket and bought skinless salmon and satsumas instead of nectarines. And it was wonderful!
Will definitely be doing it again. I can’t wait to have it as it actually should be!
Ah it happens to everyone! SO glad it was still yummy! Thanks Jess!
I made this last night and it was fabulous! And the sauce WAS perfection! I’m making it again this weekend for company. You are the best!
I made this last night and it was incredible! Sauce WAS perfection as was
the whole mix of yummy flavors! I’m having company this weekend and will make it again! You are the best!
Wooo!! That is so so awesome! I hope your company loves it as much as you did ?
I’m like you, I LOVE crispy salmon skin. The slaw on the top sounds like perfection. I’m going to have to give this a try soon.
I hope you love this Britt! Thank you!
This salmon looks and sounds delicious! Can’t wait to give it a try!
Thank you Kelly!
what great pics and looks totally delicious. I can’t wait to make this. THanks for sharing
Thank you so much Karen! I hope you love it!
Yummy – love the crispy skin on salmon!! Will be making this tonight for sure!
Awesome! Let me know how you like it Leah! Thank you!
As an asian I’m definitely going to try this. Looks so yummy!
Perfect! I hope you love it! Thank you!
This salmon sounds amazing, and I love that it’s crispy! Plus, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
I hope you love it Andrea! Thank you!!
Thanks, Tieghan! Do you use the light sesame oil or the dark (toasted)?
I use light for cooking and dark for serving. Light is better for cooking. Let me know if you have any other questions. Hope you love this recipe!
I love Asian flavors in this beautiful summer salmon dish. Especially sambal oelek sounds amazing to me. I will definitely be making this dish.
Yay! I hope it turns out amazing for you Edyta! Thank you!
I totally agree with you Tieghan. This Salmon is a summer recipe, and the salmon looks beautiful and super delicious
Thanks so much Carlos! I hope you love this salmon recipe!
Yeah, summer is the best. Just love light summer dishes and this salmon looks perfect ?
Thank you so much!
Love how colourful a dish this is – as well as being super simple! Shall have to give it a go (I’m mostly terrified of cooking fish to be honest, I’ve so little experience due to some of my family being allergic, but I think it’s time to put my big girl pants on and give it a go!)
Rebecca
xx
Yes give this a go! I hope you love it & it turns out amazing Rebecca! Thank you!