Description
Craving a restaurant-quality seafood dish that’s bursting with sweet-savory flavors and requires almost no effort? Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon is your answer! This delightful recipe transforms tender salmon fillets into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece, coated in a sticky, umami-packed honey garlic glaze with a hint of ginger
Ingredients
- Salmon Fillets (4, ~6 oz each):
- Why it’s important: Rich, tender fish that pairs perfectly with the sweet-savory glaze.
- Substitutions: Steelhead trout, cod, or tofu for a vegetarian option (adjust cooking time for tofu to 1–2 hours on low).
- Honey (¼ cup):
- Why it’s important: Adds sticky sweetness to balance the savory soy sauce.
- Substitutions: Maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar.
- Soy Sauce (¼ cup):
- Why it’s important: Provides salty, umami depth for the glaze.
- Substitutions: Tamari for gluten-free, coconut aminos for soy-free, or low-sodium soy sauce.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced):
- Why it’s important: Infuses the glaze with warm, savory flavor.
- Substitutions: 1 tsp garlic powder or 2 tsp garlic paste.
- Fresh Ginger (1 tbsp, grated):
- Why it’s important: Adds a fresh, spicy zing that brightens the dish.
- Substitutions: ½ tsp ground ginger or 1 tsp ginger paste.
- Sesame Oil (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Brings nutty, aromatic depth to the glaze.
- Substitutions: Olive oil or omit for a simpler flavor.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the salmon’s natural flavors.
- Green Onions (2, sliced, for garnish):
- Why it’s important: Adds a fresh, mildly oniony crunch and vibrant color.
- Substitutions: Chives, cilantro, or omit.
- Sesame Seeds (for garnish):
- Why it’s important: Provides a nutty crunch and elegant finish.
- Substitutions: Chopped peanuts, toasted almonds, or omit.
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Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
- In a medium bowl, whisk together ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup soy sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1 tsp sesame oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
- Tip: Taste the glaze and adjust honey or soy sauce for your preferred sweet-savory balance.
Step 2: Prep the Salmon
- Pat 4 salmon fillets (~6 oz each) dry with paper towels to help the glaze adhere.
- Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper (go easy, as the soy sauce is salty).
- Place the salmon fillets in the slow cooker in a single layer, skin-side down if applicable.
- Tip: Line the slow cooker with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Add the Glaze
- Pour the honey garlic glaze over the salmon, ensuring all fillets are evenly coated. Spoon the glaze over the top to cover thoroughly.
- Tip: Reserve a small amount of glaze (before adding to raw salmon) to drizzle over the cooked dish for extra flavor, if desired.
Step 4: Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 2–3 hours, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C).
- Check at 2 hours to avoid overcooking, as slow cookers vary and salmon can dry out if cooked too long.
- Tip: Spoon the glaze over the salmon halfway through cooking for even flavor distribution.
Step 5: Serve
- Carefully transfer the salmon fillets to a serving platter or plates, spooning some of the glaze from the slow cooker over the top.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Serve alongside steamed rice, quinoa, or vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
- Tip: If the glaze is too thin, simmer it in a saucepan for 3–5 minutes to thicken before drizzling over the salmon.
