3 Delicious & Non-Fishy Ways to Make Soy Sauce Marinated Salmon

Soy-marinated salmon is an appealing dish thanks to the distinct fatty, tender taste of the fish blended with a savory, slightly sweet soy sauce fragrant with spices. When prepared using the proper method, the salmon is not fishy at all but remains fresh and delicious, making it suitable for serving with hot rice, salad, or as a topping for sushi and bibimbap. In this article, let’s explore 3 ways to make soy-marinated salmon that are both easy to prepare and guarantee a harmonious flavor.

1. Simple way to make soy-marinated salmon

1.1. Ingredients

To ensure the soy-marinated salmon achieves a fresh and delicious taste, you need to prepare the following ingredients:

• Fresh salmon fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Finely chopped leek, 1 thinly sliced onion
• 5 minced garlic cloves, 1 small sliced ginger
• Red and green chili
• Half an apple, thinly sliced
• Soy sauce, peppercorns, 200ml mirin
• 1.5 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/2 lemon

1.2. Steps to follow

• Step 1 – Prepare the marinating soy sauce: First, add 300 ml of Japanese soy sauce, 600 ml of filtered water, 200 ml of mirin, and 1.5 tablespoons of brown sugar into a pot. Stir well to dissolve, then add the leeks, onions, chilies, ginger, apples, and peppercorns. Simmer for about 15 minutes for the mixture to become fragrant and well-blended.
• Step 2 – Filter and cool: Next, turn off the heat and use a sieve or strainer to remove the solid ingredients. Let the soy sauce cool completely before marinating the fish to preserve freshness and prevent the fish from being partially cooked.
• Step 3 – Marinate the salmon: Arrange the salmon fillets in a clean container, adding a few chili peppers, leeks, and lemon slices. Pour the cooled soy sauce over the fish until submerged, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator so the fish can absorb the flavors before serving.

2. Guide to making exotic soy-marinated salmon

If you want to change things up, you can customize the soy-marinated salmon dish with a bolder and more aromatic style.

2.1. Ingredients

The ingredients you need to prepare for this light and delicate soy-marinated salmon include:

• 500g fresh salmon
• 1 cup soy sauce, 1 onion
• 2 stalks of green onions, 1-2 lemons
• 1 cup filtered water, 1/2 cup granulated sugar

2.2. Preparation steps

• Step 1 – Prepare salmon and ingredients: First, wash the salmon with diluted saltwater and a few drops of lemon juice to remove odors, then rinse with clean water and pat dry. Remove the skin and slice into 0.5 cm thick pieces so the fish absorbs the spices easily. Split the onion in half, use one part for cooking, and slice the rest into 2-3 cm chunks, and cut the lemon into thin round slices.
• Step 2 – Prepare the marinating soy sauce: Next, add the soy sauce, water, sugar, green onions, and the cooking portion of the onion to a pot, bring to a boil, then turn off the heat. Once the mixture has cooled, filter out the solids to get a clear soy sauce with a balanced sweet and savory taste.
• Step 3 – Marinate the salmon: Then, sterilize a glass jar with boiling water and let it dry. Arrange the salmon in the jar, add the onions and lemon slices on top, and pour the cooled soy sauce over until the fish is submerged. Cover tightly and leave in a cool place or the refrigerator for half a day to a full day before enjoying. The salmon after marinating has a darker color, the meat is tender and fatty, fully flavored, and no longer fishy.

3. How to make Japanese-style soy-marinated salmon

3.1. Ingredients

To make an authentic Japanese-style soy-marinated salmon, you need to prepare:

• 300g salmon fillet
• 3 tablespoons Japanese soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons mirin
• 1 tablespoon sake (or white wine)
• 1 small knob of ginger, minced or julienned
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

3.2. Processing steps

• Step 1 – Prepare the fish: Wash the salmon with cold water, pat dry, and sprinkle salt evenly on both sides. Let the fish rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to help the meat firm up and reduce any fishy smell.
• Step 2 – Mix the marinade: Then, mix the Japanese soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and ginger together until combined into a rich mixture with a light, aromatic scent of wine.
• Step 3 – Marinate the fish: Place the fish in a sealed container or zip-lock bag, and pour the sauce over to cover the surface evenly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours; it is best left overnight for the fish to absorb the flavors. The final result will have a dark exterior, a soft and moist interior, and the distinctive fragrant aroma of Japanese cuisine.

4. Some notes when making soy-marinated salmon

Here are a few things you need to keep in mind to make your soy-marinated salmon taste even better:

• Choose very fresh salmon: The fish meat must be firm and bright in color to ensure a rich, fatty flavor and a soft, smooth texture after marinating.
• Do not skip the salting step: Lightly salting before marinating helps the fish drain excess moisture, firms the meat, and allows it to absorb spices better.
• Let the soy sauce cool completely: Only pour the marinade once it has fully cooled to avoid partially cooking the fish and affecting its shelf life.
• Manage marinating time reasonably: Marinate for a minimum of 4-6 hours, ideally for 12-24 hours. After opening the lid, you should finish it on the first day to maintain the best flavor.
• Be flexible with adjustments: You can adjust the level of sweetness, saltiness, or add spices according to your family’s taste. The remaining marinade can also be boiled to use as a dipping sauce or mixing sauce, which is very convenient.

See more:

• 7 delicious pan-seared salmon recipes, you will love them instantly
• 5 simple and delicious garlic butter salmon recipes to make at home
• Suggestions for 5 simple and nutritious orange sauce salmon recipes for the family

Soy-marinated salmon is not only a delicious dish but also a delicate combination of fresh ocean flavors and the rich taste of soy sauce. By simply choosing fresh ingredients and following the right steps, you can personally prepare a flavorful, visually appealing, and nutritious meal for your family. If you want to discover more secret recipes and enrich your home menu, visit the Ola Squid store today to explore our premium products, including high-quality dried squid.