Gochujang Salmon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gochujang Salmon is a bold and flavorful dish that combines the rich, buttery texture of salmon with the spicy, slightly sweet depth of Korean gochujang paste. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, this recipe delivers a delicious umami punch with minimal effort. It pairs well with rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

salmon fillets
gochujang (Korean chili paste)
soy sauce
sesame oil
rice vinegar
honey
garlic (minced)
ginger (grated)
green onions (for garnish)
sesame seeds (optional)
lime wedges (optional for serving)

directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

In a bowl, mix gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger until well combined.

Place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet and brush generously with the gochujang mixture.

Let the salmon marinate for 10-15 minutes if time allows, or bake immediately.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Serve hot with lime wedges on the side if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Marinating time (optional): 10-15 minutes
Baking time: 12-15 minutes
Total time: 25-35 minutes

Variations

Add a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper sweetness.
Top with crushed peanuts for added crunch.
Serve over soba noodles or in a rice bowl with pickled veggies.

storage/reheating

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Avoid overcooking to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

What is gochujang?
A Korean fermented chili paste with a spicy, sweet, and savory profile.

Can I grill the salmon instead of baking?
Yes, grill over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side.

Is this recipe very spicy?
Gochujang has a moderate spice level. Adjust quantity to taste.

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before marinating.

What sides go well with gochujang salmon?
Steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, or a simple cucumber salad are great options.

Can I use this marinade for other proteins?
Absolutely, it works well with chicken, tofu, or shrimp.

How do I know the salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Do I need to skin the salmon?
It’s optional; some prefer to keep it for added texture and flavor.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the salmon up to 8 hours in advance.

What’s a good substitute for gochujang?
You can mix miso paste with chili flakes and a bit of sugar for a similar flavor.

Conclusion

Gochujang Salmon is a quick and flavorful way to spice up your dinner routine. With its fusion of savory, sweet, and spicy elements, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together with ease. Give it a try for a taste of Korean-inspired cuisine right from your kitchen.

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