Five Spice Glazed Salmon

This salmon dish may not look like it, but it is enjoyably delicious. The salmon pieces were first marinated in a mixture of maple syrup, soy sauce, five spice powder and grated garlic and then broiled for 6 minutes. It was cooked together with the sesame flavored green beans. The salmon was perfectly cooked while the green beans were crisp-tender.  The five-spice powder in the marinade gave the salmon a distinct taste and flavor while the sesame oil and lemon juice gave the green beans its pleasant aroma and tangy taste. Overall this salmon dish with the sesame green beans was a perfect balance meal. It was sweet, sour, salty and tasty!

Cooking Tips for Perfect Salmon

To achieve the best results with your salmon, start with the freshest fish you can find. Fresh salmon should have a bright color and a clean, ocean-like smell. If you can, choose wild-caught salmon over farmed, as it usually has a better flavor and texture. When marinating, allow the salmon to soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than two hours, as the soy sauce can start to cure the fish. When broiling, place the salmon skin-side down on a foil-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup. Keep an eye on it while cooking, as broilers can vary in intensity. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has a slightly opaque center. If you want a bit of a char, you can finish it off with a quick sear in a hot skillet after broiling, but be careful not to overcook it. Lastly, let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This five spice glazed salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a simple yet elegant meal, serve it alongside fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa, which can soak up the delicious glaze. If you want to keep things light, a fresh garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the salmon well. For a bit of crunch, consider adding some sliced cucumbers or radishes to your salad. If you’re feeling adventurous, top the salmon with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped scallions for added texture and flavor. As for drinks, a chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or a light sparkling water with a wedge of lemon, can enhance the meal without overpowering it. Finally, if you have leftovers, try flaking the salmon over a bed of greens for a tasty lunch the next day or incorporate it into a stir-fry for a quick and flavorful dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for maple syrup?

Honey or agave nectar work well as substitutes for maple syrup. They will give a similar sweetness, but keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different.

How do I store leftover salmon?

Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do it gently to avoid drying it out, either in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the marinade and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Just give it a good stir before using it on the salmon to ensure everything is well combined.

What side dishes go well with five spice glazed salmon?

The sesame green beans complement the salmon nicely, but you could also serve it with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Roasted vegetables or quinoa would also be great options.

What should I do if my salmon is overcooked?

If your salmon ends up overcooked, try flaking it into a salad or mixing it into a pasta dish with a creamy sauce. This can help mask the dryness and make it more enjoyable.

Five Spice Glazed Salmon

Liza A

Savory five spice salmon glazed with sweet maple syrup creates a delightful balance of flavors, while tender green beans add a fresh crunch to the plate.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 minutes mins

Total Time 36 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4 servings

Calories 360 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 4 tsp. soy sauce
• 1 1/2 tsp five-spice powder
• 2 cloves garlic grated
• 4 8 oz skinless salmon fillets
• Non-stick cooking spray
• 1 lb green beans trimmed
• 2 tsp canola oil
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, five-spice powder and garlic. Put the salmon on a large plate and pour the honey mixture over it. Let the fish marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
• Position a rack 6 inches from the broiler and heat the broiler on high. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and coat with cooking spray.
• In a large bowl, toss the green beans with the canola and sesame oils. Arrange the beans on one half of the prepared baking sheet and season with salt and pepper. Arrange the salmon on the other half of the baking sheet. Brush the salmon with any remaining marinade from the plate.
• Broil the salmon and green beans for 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven, toss the green beans with tongs, and reposition the salmon pieces as needed so that they cook evenly. Continue to broil until the salmon is just cooked through and the beans are crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Toss the green beans with sesame seeds and lemon juice.
• Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Recipe slightly adapted: finecooking.com

Nutrition

Calories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 34gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8g

Keyword Asian flavors, five spice, healthy dinner, quick recipe, salmon

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