Easy Broiled Salmon Recipe: A Fresh Catch for Dinner Tonight

Succulent salmon meets culinary magic in this irresistible broiled salmon recipe that promises restaurant-quality flavor in minutes.

The technique of broiling salmon ensures a perfectly crisp exterior while keeping the fish tender and flaky inside.

Each bite delivers a delectable blend of smoky char and delicate fish essence.

Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum taste, making this dish a weeknight dinner champion.

Fresh salmon fillets respond beautifully to high heat, caramelizing edges and sealing in natural juices.

With just a few simple seasonings, you can transform an ordinary piece of fish into an extraordinary meal.

Let this broiled salmon become your new go-to recipe for quick, impressive dining.

Why Broiled Salmon Is Worth the Effort

• Discover a quick marinade that transforms ordinary salmon into a mouthwatering dish packed with Asian-inspired zesty tastes.
• Broiling delivers perfectly cooked salmon without complicated techniques, making it ideal for home cooks with minimal culinary skills.
• Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can whip up a gourmet-style meal in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner parties.
• Salmon provides excellent protein and omega-3 fatty acids, creating a nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on taste or satisfaction.

Ingredients That Keep It Simple and Bold

Main Ingredients:

Salmon Fillets: Premium cuts of fresh salmon that provide the protein base for this delicious recipe.

• Sugar or Sweetener: Adds a balanced sweetness to the marinade and helps create a glossy finish.
• Soy Sauce: Provides a rich, savory flavor and helps tenderize the salmon.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes a nutty, authentic Asian-inspired flavor to the dish.
• Ginger Paste: Offers a warm, spicy undertone that complements the salmon's natural taste.

• Cooking Spray: Prevents the salmon from sticking to the parchment paper during broiling.
• Parchment Paper: Creates a non-stick surface for easy cooking and cleanup.
• Scallions, Sesame Seeds, Cilantro: Fresh garnishes that add color, texture, and additional layers of flavor to the finished dish.

Broiling Salmon: Quick Steps and Tips

Step 1: Create Magical Marinade

• Sugar or sweetener
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Ginger paste

Whisk until smooth and slightly thick.

Pro tip: If sugar resists dissolving, warm the bowl in microwave for 10 seconds.

Step 2: Marinate and Infuse

Transfer salmon fillets into large resealable bag or container.

Set aside 2 tablespoons marinade for later glazing.

Pour remaining marinade over fish, ensuring complete coverage.

Seal and refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes to maximize flavor absorption.

Step 3: Prepare Broiling Setup

Heat broiler to high temperature.

Line baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.

Remove salmon, letting excess marinade drip off to prevent burning during cooking.

Step 4: Broil to Perfection

Position salmon 6 inches from heating element.

Broil for 6-8 minutes, rotating pan midway for even cooking.

Fish is ready when it flakes easily and internal temperature reaches 120°F.

Monitor closely to prevent overcooking.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Brush reserved marinade over cooked salmon for glossy finish.

• Thinly sliced scallions
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro

Serve immediately while piping hot.

Pro-Level Advice for Crispy Broiled Edges

• Use a resealable bag to coat salmon evenly, ensuring maximum flavor absorption without wasting marinade.
• Remove excess marinade before broiling to avoid charring and maintain a clean, appetizing appearance of the fish.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked salmon at 120°F, avoiding dry or undercooked texture.
• Brush reserved marinade after cooking to add a glossy, intense taste layer that elevates the entire dish.
• Sprinkle fresh scallions, sesame seeds, and cilantro just before serving to add color, texture, and bright flavor notes.

Storing Broiled Salmon Without Drying Out

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the fish completely to prevent drying out.
• Wrap salmon individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 275°F. Place salmon in a baking dish, add a splash of water to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Check periodically to avoid overcooking.
• Place salmon on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking between each interval. Stop heating when fish is warmed through to prevent rubbery texture.

Dishes That Balance Broiled Salmon

Elevate Seafood Harmony: Pair Soy-Ginger Salmon with Complementary Flavors

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the salmon's rich, umami-packed marinade and refresh the palate with its bright, citrusy notes.
• Asian-Inspired Side Kick: Serve steamed jasmine rice with a light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, creating a perfect canvas that absorbs the salmon's ginger-soy glaze and provides textural contrast.
• Fresh Veggie Balance: Toss a quick cucumber and wakame seaweed salad dressed with rice vinegar and a touch of honey, offering a cool, crunchy counterpoint to the warm, succulent broiled salmon.
• Zesty Herbal Finish: Garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions to amplify the dish's aromatic profile, adding a vibrant, clean layer that brightens the entire eating experience.

Fresh Seasoning Combos to Experiment With

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to create a gluten-free marinade while maintaining the rich umami flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce carbohydrate content without compromising the marinade's taste.
• Spicy Salmon Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the marinade for a kick of heat that transforms the original recipe into a zesty seafood experience.
• Herb-Infused Version: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or parsley into the marinade for a bright, garden-fresh flavor that complements the salmon's natural richness.

FAQs

• Why marinate salmon before broiling?

Marinating helps tenderize the fish, infuse deep flavors, and create a more moist and delicious result. The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger adds complexity and helps break down the fish’s proteins.

• Can I use fresh ginger instead of ginger paste?

Absolutely! Finely grate fresh ginger as a direct substitute for ginger paste. Fresh ginger provides a more vibrant and slightly spicier flavor compared to the paste.

• How do I know if the salmon is perfectly cooked?

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer – it should read 120°F. Alternatively, gently press the fish with a fork; if it flakes easily and looks opaque, it’s ready. The fish should be moist and not dried out.

• Is it necessary to reserve some marinade for glazing?

Yes! Reserving a small amount of marinade creates a glossy, flavorful finish when brushed over the cooked salmon. This extra step enhances the overall taste and presentation of the dish.

Broiled Salmon Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent broiled salmon brings Mediterranean coastal flavors straight to your kitchen with minimal prep and maximum taste. Quick, elegant preparation guarantees you’ll savor restaurant-quality seafood without complex cooking techniques.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces/170 grams each, skin on or off)

Marinade and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons ginger paste

Optional Garnishes:

• Thinly sliced scallions
• Black and white sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

1. Create a silky marinade by whisking sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger paste in a small bowl until smooth. Warm mixture briefly in microwave if sugar doesn’t dissolve completely.
2. Transfer salmon fillets into a large resealable container, preserving 2 tablespoons of marinade for later glazing. Coat fish thoroughly with remaining marinade and refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
3. Heat broiler to high and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet with light cooking spray. Remove salmon, allowing excess marinade to drip off to prevent burning during intense broiling.
4. Position salmon 6 inches from broiler heating element. Cook for 6-8 minutes, rotating pan midway to ensure even caramelization. Fish is ready when internal temperature reaches 120°F and flakes easily with gentle fork pressure.
5. Drizzle reserved marinade over broiled salmon to create a glossy finish. Garnish with delicate scallion slivers, sprinkle of sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while flavors and temperature are optimal.

Notes

• Swap sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully under the broiler.
• For a low-carb version, replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to maintain the glaze’s consistency without adding extra carbohydrates.
• Ensure your salmon is at room temperature before broiling to guarantee even cooking and prevent dry edges while keeping the center tender and succulent.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 405
• Sugar: 3.5 g
• Sodium: 190 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg