Gochujang Salmon

Gochujang Salmon is a bold, flavorful dish that combines the rich, spicy-sweet heat of Korean gochujang paste with tender, flaky salmon. It’s an easy-to-make, oven-roasted meal that’s packed with umami and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick weekend lunch. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is a go-to for spice lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Korean-inspired flavor from the gochujang glaze
• Quick and easy to prepare — ready in under 30 minutes
• Perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory notes
• Healthy and high in protein and omega-3s
• Pairs well with a variety of sides
• Customizable heat level
• Great for meal prep or leftovers
• Minimal cleanup with one-pan baking
• Kid-friendly with milder gochujang
• Works with fillets or whole salmon sides

Ingredients

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

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Gochujang Glaze:

• 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• Juice of ½ lime

Optional garnish:

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions
• Lime wedges

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and lime juice until smooth.
3. Prep the Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Glaze the Salmon: Spoon or brush the gochujang glaze generously over each fillet.
5. Bake: Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through (internal temp ~125°F for medium).
6. Broil (Optional): For a caramelized finish, broil on high for the last 1–2 minutes — watch closely to avoid burning.
7. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve with your choice of sides.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12–14 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Air Fryer: Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes
• Grilled Version: Grill over medium-high heat, brushing with glaze as it cooks
• Milder Option: Use less gochujang or mix with ketchup for a gentler heat
• Add Veggies: Roast bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas on the same sheet
• Crispy Skin: Sear the salmon skin-side down in a pan before baking

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cooled salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave gently in 30-second intervals. Add a splash of water to keep it moist.

Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What is gochujang?

Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste made from red chili, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. It’s savory, spicy, and slightly sweet.

Can I use skinless salmon?

Yes, both skin-on and skinless fillets work well in this recipe.

Is gochujang very spicy?

It has a medium heat level. You can adjust spiciness by adding more honey or less gochujang.

Can I grill the salmon instead?

Absolutely. Grill over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes per side, basting with the glaze.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free gochujang and substitute tamari for soy sauce.

What sides go well with gochujang salmon?

Steamed rice, sautéed greens, roasted vegetables, or soba noodles pair beautifully.

How do I know when salmon is cooked?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temp of 125°F for medium or 145°F for well done.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the glaze and marinate the salmon up to 8 hours in advance. Cook just before serving.

What type of salmon works best?

Atlantic, coho, sockeye, or king salmon all work well for this dish.

Can I substitute gochujang?

For a substitute, try mixing chili garlic sauce with a bit of honey and miso paste, though the flavor won’t be identical.

Conclusion

Gochujang Salmon is a bold, zesty, and satisfying dish that comes together in minutes and delivers restaurant-quality results at home. Whether you’re new to Korean flavors or a longtime fan, this recipe is a fantastic way to spice up your salmon routine with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

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