Garlic Ginger Basil Salmon Recipe

Salmon
Nigel O'Neil / Getty Images
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Total: 25 mins
Servings: 2 to 4 servings

This garlic ginger salmon recipe is a great example of how Asian flavors really enhance this fish. If you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious salmon recipe, give this recipe a try. Ready in less than 30 minutes, the salmon fillets are seasoned with a sauce consisting of fresh minced ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chili sauce, and soy sauce. Toss a bit of fresh basil in for a sweet, savory taste, and cook the salmon on the stovetop for a delicious meal. 

When buying your salmon fillets, if it's fresh, look for firm, brightly colored flesh that when poked with your finger bounces back. For both fresh and frozen, look for wild-caught fish for not only the best flavor but more importantly, the sustainability. 

Garlic and ginger are fundamental ingredients when it comes to Chinese cooking. You will find it in everything from stir-fries to chicken and stew dishes.

Serve this salmon with some rice and steamed broccoli, or try it with an Asian Rice salad.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed

  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon hot chili sauce

  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce

  • 1/4 cup water

  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

  • 2 (6-ounce) center cut salmon fillets

  • Salt, to taste

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Add all the ingredients—ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chili sauce, soy sauce, water, and basil—except the salmon, salt, and oil, into a small bowl, and mix to combine.

  3. Season both sides of the salmon with salt.

  4. Add the vegetable oil to a non-stick skillet, and preheat on medium-high flame. When hot, cook the salmon for about 4 minutes per side. For the last minute of cooking, pour the sauce into the pan. The sauce will thicken, and as it does spoon over the salmon to glaze.

  5. Turn off the heat, transfer the salmon to a plate, and drizzle with the thickened sauce.

  6. Serve and enjoy!

Tips

  • Make sure to use fresh ginger rather than dried or ground ginger to ensure you get that bright, sweet taste.
  • This recipe can easily be scaled down and cut in half for lesser portions. Or, make the full amount and have leftover salmon for the next day. It's great on tossed salads or fried rice and many other dishes.

Recipe Variation

If you want less spice or heat, cut the hot chili sauce in half, or choose a mild chili sauce.

Are rice wine and rice wine vinegar the same?

Although both are staples in Asian cuisine, rice wine and rice wine vinegar are not the same and cannot be substituted for each other. Note though that rice wine vinegar means the same as rice vinegar, so if you see it mentioned in a recipe, you'll know they're the same thing. As for rice wine and rice wine vinegar? Rice wine not only can be used as a drink but can also be used in recipes to add a sweet flavor. Rice wine vinegar is used for its acidity in marinades and dressings.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
234 Calories
14g Fat
6g Carbs
19g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2 to 4
Amount per serving
Calories 234
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 14g 18%
Saturated Fat 2g 11%
Cholesterol 54mg 18%
Sodium 419mg 18%
Total Carbohydrate 6g 2%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 19g
Vitamin C 4mg 21%
Calcium 25mg 2%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 362mg 8%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)