Here's a recipe for Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon that yields a delicious and crispy exterior, with a tender and flavorful interior. This recipe serves 4.
**Required Ingredients:**
* 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each, skin removed)
* 1/2 cup honey
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
* 1/2 cup chopped scallions, for garnish
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* Cooking spray or oil, for brushing
**Optional Ingredients:**
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
* 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, for garnish
* 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest, for serving
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice, for serving
* 1 cup broccoli florets, for serving
**Cooking Steps:**
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Set the glaze aside.
3. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with cooking spray or oil.
4. Divide the panko breadcrumbs between the four fillets, sprinkling them evenly over the surface. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the fish to ensure they stick.
5. Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through to your desired level of doneness.
6. While the salmon is baking, heat the reserved glaze in a small saucepan over medium heat until warm and syrupy.
7. Remove the salmon from the oven and brush the warm glaze evenly over the top of each fillet.
8. Garnish with chopped scallions, cilantro (if using), and toasted nuts (if using). Serve with lemon zest and juice (if using), and steamed broccoli (if desired).
**Tips for Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon:**
1. **Make sure the salmon is at room temperature** before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the fish.
2. **Use the right type of breadcrumbs** – panko breadcrumbs are light and crispy, which helps create a crunchy exterior.
3. **Don't overbake the salmon** – the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, 160°F (71°C) for medium, and 170°F (77°C) for well-done.
4. **Use a glaze** – the honey garlic glaze adds a sweet and savory flavor to the salmon. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your liking.
5. **Garnish with freshness** – add chopped herbs, toasted nuts, and a squeeze of lemon juice to add texture and flavor to the dish.
**Variations:**
1. **Korean-Style Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon**: Add 1 tablespoon of Gochujang chili paste to the honey garlic glaze for a spicy kick.
2. **Lemon-Herb Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon**: Add 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley to the honey garlic glaze.
3. **Spicy Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon**: Add 1 diced jalapeño pepper to the honey garlic glaze for an extra kick.
4. **Asian-Style Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon**: Replace the soy sauce with tamari and add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger to the honey garlic glaze.
Enjoy your delicious and crispy Honey Garlic Salmon!