Delicious 30-Minute Asian Salmon Recipe: Easy Ginger Garlic Marinade for a Healthy Dinner

Craving a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly quick dinner? Look no further than this fantastic Asian Salmon recipe. With a vibrant ginger garlic salmon marinade, this dish delivers moist, flaky perfection in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for even the busiest weeknights. Serve it alongside fluffy rice and your favorite fresh vegetables for a complete, balanced, and utterly satisfying meal.

Asian salmon in bowl with rice and vegetables

Life can get hectic. Whether you’re juggling a demanding work schedule, managing family responsibilities, or simply in the midst of a significant life change like moving, finding time and energy to prepare a wholesome meal can feel like an impossible task. I’ve been there myself. Back in 2014, my kitchen was so tiny I had to use my stovetop as a cutting board and plug appliances in the dining room! Prepping a meal often meant a constant dance of washing dishes just to clear enough space for an onion.

A few years later, I finally moved into a larger apartment with the luxury of ample kitchen counter space. While this was a huge upgrade, the moving process itself brought its own challenges. Days were spent tirelessly packing boxes, sifting through pantry items, and cleaning. The thought of an elaborate dinner was simply out of the question. That’s when this simple yet incredibly flavorful ginger garlic salmon dish became my ultimate savior.

It was born out of necessity: a mere four ingredients for the marinade and ready in a remarkable 30 minutes. What’s even better? A significant portion of that time – about 20 minutes – is dedicated to the salmon marinating. This precious downtime allowed me to tick off a few more boxes on my moving checklist, or simply sit down for a moment of much-needed rest. Beyond its convenience, it’s also a brilliant way to utilize fresh produce in your fridge, pairing beautifully with crisp green onion salad or a hearty freekeh salad.

Fast forward to today, years after the move, and this easy Asian salmon recipe remains a staple in my kitchen. I find myself preparing it 1-2 times a month, especially after a long grocery run when I’m too exhausted for a complex culinary endeavor but also too budget-conscious for takeout. It’s my go-to for fresh, healthy eating without the fuss. I simply pick up fresh salmon, store it in the fridge, and effortlessly transform it into a gourmet-tasting meal with minimal effort.

While the salmon absorbs all the wonderful flavors of the garlic and ginger, I often whip up a quick green onion salad and pop it in the fridge. By the time the fish is perfectly cooked, the salad has chilled to refreshing perfection, ready to be served. This recipe truly is a lifesaver, whether you’re navigating big life changes, living a demanding lifestyle, or just winding down after a long day’s work. It’s the ultimate solution for a delicious, healthy dinner that doesn’t demand your entire evening.

Asian Salmon with fork in bowl with vegetables and rice

Why Salmon is a Superfood: Health Benefits You’ll Love

Beyond its incredible flavor and versatility, salmon is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s widely celebrated for being one of the best sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. This lean protein also provides a significant boost of Vitamin D, B vitamins (like B12 and B6), and vital minerals such as selenium and potassium. Incorporating salmon into your diet regularly can contribute to stronger bones, improved mood, and even healthier skin and hair. Choosing a healthy salmon recipe like this means you’re not just enjoying a tasty meal, but also nourishing your body with essential nutrients.

Ingredients For This Quick & Healthy Asian Salmon

To create this incredibly delicious ginger garlic salmon, you’ll only need a few staple ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the powerful flavors these core components deliver:

Soy sauce: I always opt for regular sodium soy sauce. It provides the perfect level of saltiness to the salmon without needing any additional salt. If you prefer or only have reduced-sodium soy sauce on hand, taste the marinade first and consider adding a tiny pinch of kosher salt if needed to balance the flavors.
Ginger paste: This is my secret weapon for speed! Ginger paste eliminates the need to peel and finely mince fresh ginger, saving precious minutes. However, if you enjoy the process or don’t have paste, freshly grated or very finely minced ginger works wonderfully. Aim for the same measurement.
Garlic: Minced garlic offers a robust flavor. Similar to ginger, garlic paste is a fantastic time-saver. You can also use garlic powder (be careful not to confuse it with garlic salt, which would make the marinade too salty), though fresh or paste is always preferred for the best aroma and taste.
Salmon fillet: For the best results, always look for fresh salmon with the skin still on. While you can certainly cook skinless salmon, the crispy, flavorful skin is truly a highlight of this dish and adds incredible texture. When selecting, look for vibrant, firm flesh.
Olive oil: A good quality olive oil is essential for pan-frying the salmon. It helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown sear and prevents sticking. You can also use another high-heat cooking oil like avocado oil.

How Much Salmon To Buy for Your Asian Dinner

This Asian salmon recipe is perfectly portioned for two people. I recommend purchasing salmon fillets that are about 6-8 ounces per person. This ensures a satisfying meal where you won’t be left hungry, especially if salmon is the star of your plate. If you plan to serve it with a generous amount of rice and fresh vegetables, you can slightly reduce the fillet size, perhaps aiming for 5-6 ounces per person, to balance the overall meal.

Crafting Your Perfect Asian Salmon: Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Making this flavorful ginger garlic salmon is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps to achieve perfectly cooked, moist, and flaky fish every time:

1. Prepare the Ginger Garlic Marinade

In a small container or a plastic freezer bag (which makes cleanup a breeze!), whisk together the soy sauce, ginger paste (or minced ginger), and minced garlic. Ensure all ingredients are well combined. This simple marinade is where all the magic begins, infusing your salmon with incredible depth of flavor.

2. Marinate the Salmon

Carefully place your salmon fillets, skin side up, into the marinade. Make sure both sides of the fish are adequately coated. Let the salmon marinate at room temperature for precisely 20 minutes. This timing is crucial – marinating for much longer, especially with soy sauce, can cause the delicate fish to become overly saturated and develop a mushy, soggy texture. If you’re not ready to cook after 20 minutes, remove the salmon from the marinade, pat it dry, and refrigerate until you are ready to proceed.

3. Pan-Sear to Perfection

Once the salmon is marinated and you’re ready to cook, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil begins to shimmer, indicating it’s hot enough. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and carefully add the salmon fillets, skin side down. This initial low-to-medium heat allows the skin to crisp up beautifully without burning.

4. Cook for Optimal Doneness

Cook the salmon skin-side down until you see the fillets cook about two-thirds of the way up their sides. For a perfectly moist, medium-rare finish, a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part should register 120°F (about 49°C). This usually takes about 5-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish. If the fish initially sticks to the pan, resist the urge to flip immediately; give it another minute of cooking time, and it should release easily as the skin crisps.

5. Finish Cooking and Serve

Once the desired doneness is reached on the first side, flip the salmon and cook for just 1-2 more minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature will rise a few more degrees as it rests. Avoid overcooking, as salmon can quickly become dry. Once cooked, transfer the salmon to plates immediately.

Mastering Salmon Doneness: How Long to Cook Salmon

Here’s a fun fact that surprises many: you can enjoy salmon medium-rare, much like a perfectly cooked steak. In fact, I highly recommend not cooking it beyond this stage. For optimal moistness and flakiness, aim for an internal temperature of 120-125°F (49-52°C) in the thickest part of the fillet. At this temperature, the salmon will be incredibly tender and juicy, practically melting in your mouth.

While you *can* cook salmon to well-done (145°F or 63°C), you run a much higher risk of overcooking it, resulting in a dry, less flavorful texture. Trust me, embrace the medium-rare salmon; it’s a game-changer for flavor and texture!

Is it OK to Eat Salmon Skin? Absolutely!

My absolute favorite part of cooking salmon is the incredibly crispy skin. When I first started cooking with salmon in college (usually when it was on sale!), I was unsure what to do with the skin. Should I eat it? Remove it?

While you *can* remove it after cooking, please, trust me on this – leave it on during cooking and eat it! When pan-seared correctly, salmon skin becomes wonderfully crisp and flavorful, adding an amazing textural contrast to the tender flesh. It’s packed with beneficial nutrients too. If you’re really adamant about removing it, do me a favor: fry it up separately until perfectly crisp and send it my way! I’ll gladly devour all of your crispy salmon skin.

Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Asian Salmon

This versatile Asian salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to complete your healthy dinner:

Rice: Steamed white or brown rice is a classic choice, soaking up all the delicious marinade juices.
Noodles: A light serving of ramen, soba, or even simple rice vermicelli can be a great accompaniment.
Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or bok choy steamed lightly and perhaps drizzled with a touch of sesame oil complement the salmon perfectly.
Salads: As mentioned, a fresh green onion salad or a hearty freekeh salad works wonderfully. Any crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette would also be excellent.
Roasted Root Vegetables: Roasted carrots or sweet potatoes can add a comforting sweetness.

More Delicious Fish Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with seafood, here are more fantastic fish recipes to inspire your next meal:

Baked Fish and Chips

Fish Tostadas

Salmon Sandwich from Foxes Love Lemons

Frequently Asked Questions About Asian Salmon

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?: Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before marinating. Pat it very dry with paper towels before adding it to the marinade to ensure it crisps up nicely.
Can I bake or grill this Asian salmon instead of pan-frying?: Absolutely! For baking, place the marinated salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, skin-side down. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-18 minutes, or until it reaches your desired doneness. For grilling, place the salmon skin-side down on a well-oiled grill over medium-high heat for about 4-6 minutes, then flip and grill for another 2-4 minutes.
What if I don’t have ginger paste or fresh ginger?: While fresh is always best, if you’re in a pinch, you can use ground ginger. Use about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, adjusting to your taste. Remember, ground ginger is more concentrated than fresh.
How do I store leftover Asian salmon?: Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. While delicious cold, it can also be gently reheated.
What’s the best way to reheat salmon without drying it out?: To reheat, place the salmon in an oven-safe dish, cover it loosely with foil, and warm it in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until just heated through. Avoid using the microwave if possible, as it can quickly dry out the fish.

Asian Salmon Recipe

Yield:
2 servings

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

This moist and flaky Asian Salmon recipe with a ginger garlic salmon marinade is ready in 30 minutes! Serve with rice and fresh vegetables for a complete healthy dinner.

Ingredients

1/4 cup regular-sodium soy sauce (if using reduced sodium, you may need a pinch of kosher salt)
2 teaspoons ginger paste or finely chopped ginger
1 garlic clove, minced
2 salmon fillets with skin (about 6-8 ounces each)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Whisk together the soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in a container or plastic freezer bag.
Add the salmon, making sure both sides are coated in the marinade then let it sit skin side up.
Marinate for 20 minutes. Remove fillets and pat dry.
Don’t let the salmon marinate much longer than this or they may get oversaturated and soggy. If you’re not ready to cook, remove it from the marinade and refrigerate until ready.
In a large skillet heat the oil over medium high heat until it starts to shimmer. Turn the heat down to medium low and add the salmon skin side down.
Cook until the fillets are cooked 2/3 of the way up the sides and a thermometer registers 120F, about 5-8 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish. If the fish sticks, cook another minute longer then try again.
Flip and cook for 1-2 minutes or until it flakes easily.

Notes

Serve with Green Onion Salad or Freekeh Salad.
Enjoyed this recipe? Check out my Baked Fish and Chips and Fish Tostadas.

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know what you think! Rate the recipe above, leave a comment below, and/or share a photo on Instagram using #HITKrecipes

First published July 24, 2017

Embrace the simplicity and incredible flavor of this 30-minute Asian salmon recipe. It’s not just a meal; it’s a smart solution for anyone seeking a healthy, satisfying, and easy dinner that fits into a busy lifestyle. Happy cooking!

Zesty Ginger Garlic Asian Salmon