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Healthy Sesame Ginger Salmon - A Bright, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 5–6 ounces each), skin on or off
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (unseasoned)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili-garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (or lemon juice)
  • 2 teaspoons sesame seeds, plus more for garnish
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado or olive oil), for the pan
  • Pinch of black pepper

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup, or lightly oil a baking dish.
  2. Make the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, sriracha (if using), lime juice, and sesame seeds until smooth.
  3. Season the salmon: Pat the fillets dry with paper towels. Place them on the prepared sheet, skin side down if using skin-on. Sprinkle with a little black pepper.
  4. Marinate briefly: Spoon about two-thirds of the marinade over the salmon, coating evenly. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes while the oven finishes heating. Reserve the remaining sauce for glazing.
  5. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes for thinner fillets or 12–15 minutes for thicker ones, until the salmon is nearly opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Glaze and broil: Switch the oven to broil. Brush the salmon with the reserved marinade and broil for 1–2 minutes, just until the top is lightly caramelized and glossy. Don’t walk away—this goes fast.
  7. Finish and serve: Sprinkle with extra sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or sautéed greens. Spoon any pan juices over the top.