Spicy Gochujang Glazed Salmon with Sesame Ginger Noodles
Imagine this: succulent salmon fillets, glistening with a vibrant and fiery gochujang glaze, offering a delightful balance of sweet heat and savory umami. Served atop a bed of tender sesame ginger noodles, this dish delivers a symphony of Asian-inspired flavors and textures. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that feels special, this recipe promises a bold and flavorful experience. It's a quick recipe, ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights. #salmon #gochujang #noodles #sesameginger #koreancuisine #weeknightmeal #spicy #quickrecipe
A Taste of Korean Cuisine
This recipe introduces the delicious world of Korean cuisine in an approachable and exciting way. Gochujang, a fermented Korean chili paste, brings a unique depth of flavor, balancing sweetness and spice beautifully. The rich, umami notes of the gochujang perfectly complement the delicate flavor of the salmon. This dish is a fantastic way to explore new tastes without sacrificing convenience. Adding sesame ginger noodles elevates the dish with aromatic notes, creating a textural contrast to the smooth salmon. It's a complete culinary journey on your plate.
Ingredients
| For the Salmon | For the Noodles |
|---|---|
| 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off | 6 ounces dried egg noodles or spaghetti |
| 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste) | 1 tablespoon sesame oil |
| 1 tablespoon honey | 1 tablespoon soy sauce |
| 1 tablespoon soy sauce | 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger |
| 1 teaspoon sesame oil | 1 clove garlic, minced |
| 1 clove garlic, minced | 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar |
| 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger | 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) |
| 1 green onion, thinly sliced, for garnish | 1 green onion, thinly sliced |
| Sesame seeds, for garnish |
Instructions
- Prepare the Gochujang Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and coat evenly with the gochujang glaze. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator).
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the Noodles: In a medium bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the cooked noodles and toss to coat evenly. Stir in the sliced green onion.
- Cook the Salmon: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the marinated salmon fillets on the baking sheet.
- Bake the Salmon: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Broil (Optional): For a more caramelized glaze, broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Divide the sesame ginger noodles between two plates. Top with the baked gochujang glazed salmon. Garnish with sliced green onion and sesame seeds.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of gochujang to control the spice level. For a milder flavor, start with 1 tablespoon.
- Vegetable Boost: Add steamed or stir-fried vegetables (such as broccoli, bok choy, or carrots) to the noodle dish for a more complete meal.
- Alternative Protein: Chicken breasts or tofu can be substituted for salmon. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 600-700
Protein: 40-50g
Carbohydrates: 50-60g
Fat: 25-35g
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of quick pickled cucumbers or a refreshing cucumber salad. A chilled glass of sake or a light, crisp white wine complements the flavors nicely.
Ready to embark on this flavorful culinary adventure?
This Spicy Gochujang Glazed Salmon with Sesame Ginger Noodles recipe is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients combined to create an extraordinary dish. It's more than just a meal; it's an experience. Don't forget to share your culinary creations with us on social media using #flavortrailrecipes! And for more exciting recipes and culinary inspiration, visit our website: Flavour Trail Recipes