Pan Seared Salmon with Soy Mustard Glaze is a classic dish that combines the savory flavor of salmon with the sweet tang of soy and mustard. The glaze, made with soy sauce, brown sugar, and grain mustard, adds a rich, hearty depth to the salmon, making it an indulgent treat for your taste buds. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Most ingredients can likely be found in your pantry. However, Japanese sweet rice wine and whole grain mustard might not be present in everyone's kitchen. Japanese sweet rice wine, also known as Mirin, provides a sweetness and umami that is hard to substitute. Whole grain mustard, unlike regular mustard, has a more intense flavor and texture.
Ingredients for Pan Seared Salmon with Soy Mustard Glaze
Dark brown sugar: Adds a rich sweetness to the glaze.
Soy sauce: Gives the glaze a savory, umami flavor.
Japanese sweet rice wine: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
Sherry vinegar: Provides a hint of acidity to balance out the sweetness.
Whole grain mustard: Adds an intense flavor and texture to the glaze.
Water: Thins out the sauce and helps combine the ingredients.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to help it cling to the salmon.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a small kick to the glaze.
Center-cut salmon fillets: The main star of the dish, salmon is rich, flavorful, and healthy.
Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the salmon and the glaze.
Vegetable oil: Used for cooking the salmon. Helps give the salmon a crispy, golden exterior.
One reader, Annabelle Cordero says:
This pan-seared salmon with soy mustard glaze recipe is a game-changer! The glaze is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, and it complements the salmon beautifully. The dish is easy to make and tastes restaurant-quality. I highly recommend trying it out for a delicious and impressive meal.
Key Techniques for Perfectly Seared Salmon
How to prepare the glaze: Whisk together the dark brown sugar, soy sauce, Japanese sweet rice wine, sherry vinegar, whole grain mustard, water, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer until thickened, about 1 minute. Cover to keep warm and set aside.
How to sear the salmon: Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with kosher salt. When the oil starts to shimmer, place the salmon, skin-side up, in the pan. Cook until golden brown on the first side, about 4 minutes. Turn the fish over with a spatula, then reduce the heat to medium and cook until the fillets feel firm to the touch, 3-4 minutes more. If all of the fillets won't fit in the pan, cook the fish in two batches.
How to serve: Transfer the salmon fillets to plates or a platter and spoon the glaze generously over top. Serve immediately.
How To Make Pan Seared Salmon with Soy Mustard Glaze
This flaky pan seared salmon is soft on the inside, and crisp on the outside, and coated in a rich soy mustard glaze, for a more luscious dish!
Serves:
Ingredients
For Glaze:
- ¼cupdark brown sugar,plus 2 tbsp
- ¼cupsoy sauce
- ¼cupJapanese sweet rice wine
- 2tbspsherry vinegar
- 2tbspwhole grain mustard
- 2tbspwater
- 2tspcornstarch
- ¼tspred pepper flakes
For Salmon:
- 6ozsalmon fillets,center-cut, skinned
- ½tspkosher salt
- 2tbspvegetable oil,for cooking
Instructions
Glaze:
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Whisk together all of the ingredients for the glaze in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer for about 1 minute, until thickened.
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Cover to keep warm and set aside.
Salmon:
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Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with kosher salt. When the oil starts to shimmer, place the salmon, skin-side up, in the pan.
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Cook for about 4 minutes, until golden brown on the first side. Turn the fish over with a spatula, then reduce the heat to medium and cook for 3 to 4 minutes more, until the fillets feel firm to the touch.
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Transfer the salmon fillets to plates or a platter and spoon the glaze generously over top.
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Serve immediately, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 149.31kcal
- Fat: 8.71g
- Saturated Fat: 1.19g
- Trans Fat: 0.04g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.55g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.97g
- Carbohydrates: 8.07g
- Fiber: 0.31g
- Sugar: 5.97g
- Protein: 6.91g
- Cholesterol: 15.59mg
- Sodium: 659.92mg
- Calcium: 15.30mg
- Potassium: 168.20mg
- Iron: 0.39mg
- Vitamin A: 0.68µg
- Vitamin C: 1.13mg
Pro Tip for Nailing the Soy Mustard Glaze
When searing salmon, it's important to have the pan hot enough before adding the fish. This ensures a nice, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Also, remember to place the salmon skin-side up first. This allows the skin to get crispy, which not only adds texture but also makes it easier to flip the fillets without them falling apart. Lastly, don't move the salmon around in the pan. Let it cook undisturbed so it can form a nice crust.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and prepare the glaze in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use a nonstick skillet: This will help prevent the salmon from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Multi-task: While the glaze is simmering, start cooking the salmon to save time and ensure everything is ready at the same time.
Organize your workspace: Having all your tools and ingredients ready and within reach will make the cooking process more efficient.
Invest in quality tools: Sharp knives and good quality cookware can make prep work and cooking faster and more enjoyable.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the instructions to avoid mistakes that could cost you time in the kitchen.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and dishes as you cook to minimize the cleanup at the end.
Cook in batches: If you're making a large quantity, cook the salmon in batches to ensure even cooking and save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Pan Seared Salmon with Soy Mustard Glaze Recipe
dark brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can provide a similar depth of flavor and caramelization to the glaze, while also offering a lower glycemic index.
japanese sweet rice wine - Substitute with dry sherry: Dry sherry can add a similar complexity and depth of flavor to the glaze, complementing the salmon beautifully.
sherry vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can provide a slightly sweet and tangy flavor, similar to sherry vinegar, and will work well in the glaze.
whole grain mustard - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard can offer a smooth texture and a slightly tangy flavor, which can be a great substitute for whole grain mustard in the glaze.
vegetable oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a great substitute for vegetable oil when pan-searing the salmon.
Plating Ideas for a Delicious Presentation
Elevate the salmon fillets: Gently place the perfectly seared salmon fillets on the plate, ensuring they are positioned in an elegant and appealing manner.
Drizzle the glaze: Using a steady hand, carefully drizzle the rich and glossy soy mustard glaze over the salmon, ensuring each fillet is generously coated for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle delicate and aromatic chives and microgreens over the dish, adding a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the presentation.
Add a touch of texture: Consider adding a small mound of pickled ginger or crispy shallots to the plate, providing a delightful contrast in texture to complement the succulent salmon.
Plate with precision: Pay close attention to the placement of each element on the plate, ensuring a harmonious balance of colors, shapes, and flavors to create an exquisite visual composition.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a few carefully selected edible flowers to the plate, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall presentation.
Consider the plate shape and color: Choose a plate that complements the vibrant hues of the dish, allowing the salmon and glaze to stand out while creating a visually stunning presentation.
Emphasize the glaze: Use a brush to delicately apply an additional layer of the soy mustard glaze on the salmon, highlighting its luscious sheen and adding a professional touch to the final plating.
Essential Kitchen Tools You'll Need
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for blending ingredients together, typically in a bowl.
- Spatula: A flat, broad implement with a long handle, used for lifting and flipping foods during cooking.
- Small saucepan: A small, deep cooking pot with a long handle and a lid, used for heating and cooking sauces, soups, and other liquids.
- Plates or platter: Used for serving the cooked salmon fillets.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients such as sugar, soy sauce, rice wine, sherry vinegar, mustard, and water.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Leftovers
- To store leftover pan seared salmon, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- When ready to reheat, place the salmon in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated 325°F (165°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the salmon in the microwave, covered, on 50% power for 1-2 minutes.
- To freeze the salmon, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To thaw frozen salmon, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Once thawed, consume within 24 hours.
- It's best to store the soy mustard glaze separately from the salmon. Allow the glaze to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- To reheat the glaze, transfer it to a small saucepan and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the glaze becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or rice wine.
Fascinating Trivia About Salmon
The pan-seared salmon with soy mustard glaze recipe is a delicious and healthy dish that combines the rich flavors of salmon with a tangy and savory glaze. The glaze, made with dark brown sugar, soy sauce, Japanese sweet rice wine, sherry vinegar, whole grain mustard, and a touch of red pepper flakes, adds a depth of flavor to the dish. When pan-searing the salmon, it's important to achieve a golden brown crust on the first side before flipping and cooking until the fillets are firm to the touch. The finished dish is a delightful combination of tender, flaky salmon and a flavorful glaze. Enjoy!
Budget-Friendly or Splurge-Worthy?
This pan-seared salmon with soy mustard glaze recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as salmon, soy sauce, and rice wine, are relatively affordable and can be used for multiple dishes. The glaze adds depth of flavor, enhancing the dish. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30. The overall verdict for this recipe is 8/10, as it offers a delicious and nutritious meal that is easy to prepare and versatile for different occasions.
Is This Salmon Recipe Healthy?
The pan seared salmon with soy mustard glaze recipe is a relatively healthy dish, but there are a few aspects that could be improved:
- Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health. It's also a good source of protein and contains various vitamins and minerals.
- The glaze contains a significant amount of sugar and sodium from the brown sugar and soy sauce, which could be reduced to make the dish healthier.
- The recipe uses vegetable oil for cooking, which may not be the healthiest option due to its high omega-6 content and potential for oxidation at high temperatures.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of brown sugar in the glaze or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce or replace some of the soy sauce with water to reduce the overall sodium content.
- Opt for a healthier cooking oil, such as avocado oil or coconut oil, which are more stable at high temperatures and have a better fatty acid profile.
- Serve the salmon with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables to increase the nutrient density of the meal.
- Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like cilantro or scallions to add flavor and additional nutrients.
Editor's Review: My Honest Opinion
The combination of the sweet and savory glaze with the perfectly seared salmon creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The glaze adds a depth of umami and sweetness, while the salmon's crispy exterior and tender interior provide a delightful contrast. The cooking method ensures a beautifully cooked salmon with a lovely caramelized crust. This dish is a true showcase of culinary finesse and is sure to impress anyone who has the pleasure of enjoying it.
Why trust this Pan Seared Salmon with Soy Mustard Glaze Recipe:
This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors, combining the richness of salmon with the umami of soy sauce and the tang of mustard. The glaze, featuring dark brown sugar and Japanese sweet rice wine, adds depth and complexity. The cooking method ensures a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender, flaky interior. Trust the expertise behind this recipe, as it promises a delightful dining experience. With the careful selection of ingredients and precise cooking instructions, this dish is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
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