This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ginger soy salmon is all about that sticky, savory-sweet glaze. It starts with a quick marinade with soy sauce, honey, fresh ginger, and lots of garlic, then gets roasted until the edges caramelize and the inside stays flaky. While it bakes, you simmer down the leftover marinade into a glaze that takes it over the top. Think easy weeknight dinner, but with actual flavor.

A fork flaking off a piece of garlic soy salmon on a dinner plate.
Email this recipe!
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Here’s Why This Ginger Garlic Salmon Recipe Works

Double-duty marinade and glaze: One quick mix does it all. First to marinate, then boiled down to a thick glaze for extra punch.

Fresh ginger + garlic = flavor: Grated ginger and minced garlic infuse every bite without overwhelming the fish.

Flexible and forgiving: Use maple syrup instead of honey, lemon juice instead of rice vinegar. This marinade can take it.

No grill required: High-heat oven roasting gives you charred edges and juicy fish, no grill (or smoke alarm) needed.

A side of salmon topped with a garlic ginger soy glaze.

For a different flavor profile, check out my ginger miso salmon. It’s rich, savory, and glazed with a punchy sauce.

Recipe Tips

Marinate briefly, but not too long: 30 to 60 minutes is plenty. Go longer and the vinegar can start to “cook” the fish.

Line your pan or grease well: The glaze gets sticky, so use parchment or oil to avoid welded-on salmon skin.

Don’t skip the glaze boil: Boiling the reserved marinade is essential, both for safety and for that glossy, concentrated finish.

Watch the cook time: Salmon thickness varies, so start checking at 15 minutes to avoid dry fish.

Garnish: Sesame seeds and green onions add crunch and brightness.

If you’re after something richer, try my salmon Oscar. It’s topped with crab, hollandaise, and asparagus for a classic steakhouse-style seafood dinner.

A serving of ginger garlic salmon on a bed of rice with bok choy.

For a cozy, savory twist, try my salmon Marsala. Pan-seared salmon in a rich wine sauce

Soy Ginger Garlic Salmon

This ginger garlic salmon hits that sweet spot between easy and impressive. The quick marinade brings big flavor, the glaze adds depth, and it all comes together with minimal effort. Serve it straight from the pan with rice or greens, and let the crispy edges and sticky glaze do the talking.

Pin this now to find it later!

Pin It
A fork flaking a piece of garlic ginger soy salmon on a bed of rice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
No ratings yet

Garlic Ginger Soy Salmon

This ginger garlic salmon starts with a bold marinade of soy, honey, ginger, and garlic, then roasts until the edges caramelize and the fish flakes easily. A quick glaze from the reserved marinade adds rich, sticky flavor, finished with scallions and sesame seeds for crunch.

If you make this recipe, please leave a star rating and comment.

Servings: 6 servings
Email me this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Ingredients 

  • 2 to 3 pounds whole salmon fillet, skin-on, or 4 to 6 smaller salmon fillets
  • cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons honey, (or maple syrup)
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, (or lemon juice)
  • 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
  • 6 to 7 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce, (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, (for greasing pan)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, (for garnish)

Instructions 

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, chili garlic paste, and sesame oil until smooth.
    Reducing the marinade in a saucepan.
  • Place the salmon fillet in a shallow tray. (I used the one that came with the salmon when I purchased it, but a 13 × 9-inch baking dish or a large zip-top bag will also work.) Pour the marinade over the salmon, coating it evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes.
    Pouring a marinade over a side of salmon.
  • While the salmon is marinating, preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with neutral oil.
  • Remove the salmon from the marinade and place it skin-side down on the prepared sheet pan. Reserve the marinade for later. Bake the salmon for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 125–130°F (for medium-rare) or 140°F (for medium).
    A whole salmon fillet on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • While the salmon bakes, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until slightly thickened into a glaze. Stir occasionally and watch closely to avoid burning.
    Reducing the marinade in a saucepan.
  • Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Spoon the reduced glaze over the top, then sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
    Brushing marinade over the top of a whole side of salmon.

Notes

Marinate, but don’t overdo it: 30 to 60 minutes is ideal. Any longer, and the vinegar can start to “cook” the fish like ceviche.
Use parchment or grease your pan: The glaze gets sticky as it bakes, so line your sheet pan or lightly oil it to avoid stubborn cleanup.
Boil the reserved marinade: This step isn’t optional. Boiling makes it food-safe and reduces it to a thick, glossy glaze.
Check early for doneness: Salmon thickness varies, so start checking around 15 minutes. You’re looking for flakes and an internal temp of 125–130°F for medium-rare.
Smaller fillets work too: You can use smaller portions instead of a whole side. Just arrange skin-side down and bake as directed. The cook time stays roughly the same.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving, Calories: 155kcal, Carbohydrates: 11g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Sodium: 803mg, Potassium: 55mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 0.3IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 10mg, Iron: 0.5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

iconLike this recipe? Rate & comment below!
A dinner plate with a serving of salmon glazed in ginger soy.

About Dahn Boquist

Dahn Boquist is a retired nurse turned recipe developer, home cook, and baker with years of hands-on experience creating and testing from-scratch recipes. She specializes in whole-food cooking with creative twists on classic dishes. When she’s not in the kitchen, she enjoys sharing meals with family, exploring the Pacific Northwest, and spending time with her grandchildren.

You May Also Like

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating