We’re taking an Asian spin on a classic grilled salmon recipe, adding tangy flare to a simple dish. With a quick prep and an easy-to-make homemade marinade, this Asian Grilled Salmon recipe is a seamless way to spice up your weeknight salmon without the hassle of countless ingredients and complicated cooking steps.
Plus, with soy sauce, garlic, and Dijon mustard, this homemade marinade is the ideal complement to grilled salmon for a sweet and savory meal.
How to Prepare Asian Grilled Salmon
The soy sauce matters
When it comes to soy sauce, the options can be daunting in the market — dark, light, gluten-free — what does it all mean? Truthfully, there’s a difference, even if you can’t always taste it.
Light soy sauce doesn’t always refer to less sodium — it often means the soy sauce is thinner, saltier, and lighter in color than dark soy sauce, which is thicker and sweeter. Gluten-free soy sauce means it’s made without wheat in the fermentation process, leading to a tart flavor.
So, which one is the best? That’s up to you. Based on dietary restrictions and appetite, pick the soy sauce that fits your desired flavor. When it comes to this recipe, keep in mind that you’ll be mixing it with garlic, olive oil, and mustard, so if you’re looking for strong, sweet soy sauce tones, maybe pick darker soy whereas if you’re looking for a subtler hint, pick lighter soy.
Be picky with the mustard
Dijon mustard is different from regular mustard mostly for its paler color as opposed to the standard bright yellow. It’s also slightly creamier than regular mustard, making it ideal to cook with because of its relatively low acidity.
When choosing a Dijon mustard for this recipe, feel free to be picky and select one that you can use for other purposes as this condiment is extremely versatile.
Garlic is everything
When it comes to garlic, a little goes a long way — both in terms of flavor and health. Despite its low caloric content, garlic is packed with nutrients. It’s rich in vitamin C and manganese and has been proven to reduce blood pressure.
Case in point: When it comes to cooking, garlic is always a good idea. Not only does it add a tremendous amount of flavor, but it’s also a subtle way to boost your immune system and get in some extra nutrients.
Prep the grill or stovetop by rubbing or spraying it with oil to prevent salmon from sticking.
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic, and soy sauce. Mix well until desired consistency.
Lay salmon filets skin side down on a plate or cutting board and spread half of the marinade evenly on the filets. Let the salmon sit for 10 minutes.
Cook the salmon on the grill for about 5 minutes on each side (may vary based on filet thickness). Then, plate the salmon and garnish with extra marinade. Serve hot or chilled with side dishes of your choosing. Enjoy!
Try this recipe with our direct-to-consumer salmon, Oshen Salmon. We guarantee you’re getting Oshēn a week fresher than you would at any retailer. Free from microplastics, growth hormones, and heavy metals.