Hoisin Asian Salmon

Hoisin Salmon is one of my absolute favorite quick and simple dinner recipes. Not only is it super flavorful, but it’s also a dish that anyone can make. No more fear of cooking fish at home. This easy salmon recipe is packed with Asian flavor and couldn't be easier to make.

You can adjust the spice level to meet the needs of anyone you are cooking for and it pairs great with any veggies. All in all, it comes together in under 15 minutes, which is always a win in my book.

We love to pair it with Roasted Bok Choy, Roasted Cabbage, or these Crispy Asian Brussel Sprouts. 

If you love salmon as much as we do here are a few other salmon recipes to add to your recipe arsenal: Salmon Sushi Bowls, Lemon Pepper Salmon, and this Brown Sugar Salmon.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe For Hoisin Salmon

Here are just a few reasons why we think you’ll enjoy making this recipe.

• Easy: This recipe takes no time to prepare and cooks in less than 15 minutes.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy eating salmon and this sweet and salty glaze compliments the salmon flavor well. Just adjust the spice level for kids.
• Make-ahead option: You can easily make the sauce and/or the salmon ahead of time if you are meal-prepping for the week.

Key Ingredients and Easy Swaps

Here are the ingredients you need to make this hoisin salmon recipe.

• Salmon: We love salmon for its light and flaky texture and versatility. We try to choose wild salmon but any kind of salmon filet will work.
• Hoisin sauce: We use store-bought hoisin sauce. It is available at most grocery stores in the Asian food aisle or you can order it online.
• Low sodium soy sauce: Low sodium soy sauce or tamari are favorites so we can adjust the salt level to our liking.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is best but jarred also works.
• Ginger: We like to mince fresh ginger but you can also use jarred ginger or ginger powder.
• Sriracha: You can adjust the amount of this spicy sauce to your spice level preference. Sambal Olek, red pepper flakes, or chili oil can also be used. If you don't like things spicy, just leave this out. 

What flavor is hoisin?

Hoisin sauce has a sweet and salty flavor. It is most often used in Chinese dishes.

You can find this sauce at most groceries stores or even online. You’ll often see it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or as a glaze for meats. This flavorful sauce often contains vinegar, fermented soybeans, sugar, garlic, and a variety of spices.

It is an easy way to liven up any dish, which is exactly what it does in this salmon recipe.

How To Make Hoisin Salmon

There are just a few simple steps to prepare this hoisin Asian salmon.

1. Preheat the oven: Turn on the broiler or preheat the grill so they are ready when you are.
2. Prepare the sauce: Combine all the ingredients and set aside. You can also double the amount and store it in the fridge to have it ready for another dish. Consider leaving the sriracha to the end and adding only to the servings you want spicer.
3. Coat the salmon with the sauce: Use a pastry brush or spoon to thoroughly coat the salmon with the Hoisin sauce. If you can do this a few hours in advance that would be ideal for the fish to have time to soak up the flavors.
4. Get cooking: Place the fish on a foil-covered baking sheet and broil for 6-10 minutes. The cook time will depend on how thick your fish is and how well done you like it cooked. You can also place the fish on the grill or bake it at 500 degrees for 8-12 minutes.

Why Eating Salmon More Often Is A Great Idea

We love to eat salmon a few times a week as it is really good for you. There are endless benefits to eating salmon.

• Loaded with healthy fats: Salmon contains Omega 3s which are great for improving cardiovascular health and reducing inflammation throughout the body.
• Great source of protein: Salmon is loaded with protein to help keep you full longer and provide your body with a source of energy.
• Packed full of vitamins and nutrients: Salmon also has potassium and B vitamins.

Keep in mind however that hoisin sauce often contains a fair amount of sodium and sugar so it may not be suitable for all diets. For information about salmon, read this complete salmon guide.

What Goes Well With Asian Salmon

Here are a few things we like to eat with this Asian salmon with hoisin glaze.

• Vegetables: Any vegetable goes with this salmon recipe but we especially like this recipe for Stir Fried Vegetables, this Asian Sauteed Broccolini, or this Pan Fried Broccoli.
• Rice: A few simple rice options include this Healthy Fried Rice, this Coconut Cauliflower Rice, or this Instant Pot Brown Rice.
• Potatoes: If you are grilling the salmon these Grilled Sweet Potatoes would go well as would these Roasted Fingerling Potatoes.
• Salad: Pair this spicy salmon with an Asian Kale Salad or Asian Noodle Salad.

How To Store Leftover Salmon

This salmon keeps well in the fridge and leftovers are great in bowls, salads, and wraps.

• Fridge: Leftover salmon will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Freezer: Store leftover salmon in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Thaw: Thaw frozen leftovers in the fridge overnight.
• Reheat: Reheat the salmon in the oven or place it in the microwave on low power to avoid drying it out.

Variations of Hoisin Glazed Salmon

Though we love this hoisin salmon as it is here are a few ways to change it up.

• Less spicy, sweeter: Leave out the Sriracha and add 1-2 tablespoons of honey or brown sugar for a sweeter option.
• Create some crunch: Sprinkle the fish with toasted sesame seeds or green onions for added flavor and crunch.
• Increase the visual appeal: Add some color by garnishing the fish with chopped cilantro or parsley.
• Choose a different protein: Try the hoisin sauce over halibut, mahi mahi, or even some tofu for a change of pace.
• Use the sauce as a dip: Instead of coating the salmon with the sauce you can serve the sauce alongside the salmon as a dip. This is a great option for picky eaters.
• Cook a sheet pan meal: Cook the salmon along with some vegetables on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
• Prepare kabobs: Cut the salmon into cubes and place on a skewer along with some vegetables and cook on the grill or under the broiler.

Recipe Tips

Here are a few things you can do to ensure your hoisin salmon always tastes great.

• Marinate the fish: If you have time let the fish marinate in the fridge for a few hours. This will help intensify the flavor.
• Choose good quality fish: The better the fish the richer the taste so choose organic or wild fish for the ultimate in texture and taste.
• Be generous with the marinade: Make sure to really coat the fish with the sauce so it can soak up the flavors.
• Use parchment paper: This type of marinade tends to be sticky so clean-up can be a bit messy. Use parchment or aluminum foil to line your pan.