best ever asian marinated salmon with garlic + ginger
This recipe… where do I even start?? It was literally the very first post I published on my blog when I first created it in 2016. To this day, it’s the recipe that people still ask me for even though I took a break from blogging and archived my site. All these years later, it’s also still one of my very favorite (under 30 minute) foolproof meals to make. Full of immune boosting herbs and spices, it’s gluten/soy/refined sugar free, and able to be AIP, Paleo, Whole30 and Keto!
It’s honestly delicious on it's own eaten directly off the pan… not that I would know… but I also love making leftover salmon bowls with it. Moral of the story, this salmon is perfection and will make everything else around it perfect as well.
What ingredients will I need"?
Coconut Aminos
Apple Cider Vinegar
Coconut Sugar: Omit for Whole30
Garlic Powder + Sea Salt
Sesame Oil
Fresh garlic + ginger + green onions
Can you prep ahead of time?
Yes!! Since this recipe does involve some marinating time, I have a little hack for you. I am not typically a big meal prep gal but I will always make time to prep a few bags of this salmon to keep it in the freezer. Here’s my “hack” : After grocery shopping, instead of putting your newly purchased salmon in the fridge, portion it out, throw it in a bag with the marinade, and put in the freezer. That way, the day you want this salmon for dinner (which will be every day), just take the bag out in the morning, let it thaw and it’s as easy as that! This hack is even better if you buy enough salmon to make a few batches.
What do I pair it with?
I love pairing it with sticky coconut jasmine rice and roasted veggies but it’s also amazing over rice noodles or in stir fry’s with cauliflower rice. Vegetables like bok choy, broccoli/broccolini, carrots, and brussels sprouts love to be roasted or steamed with this dish. I also love using as a base for my marinated salmon bowls.
Before we jump into the recipe, here are the key players + their benefits!
GARLIC
Garlic contains a compound known as allicin, the key to its strong scent. A true powerhouse, it has been shown to lower the risk of cardiovascular attacks, improve your antibody response, strengthen the immune system, reduce blood pressure, and detoxify the body!
**Fun fact: If you eat garlic with others, none of you can smell it on each other! However, this only lasts as long as the particles stay in your mouth, on your tongue, and between your teeth. As soon as those particles get washed away, you can smell the garlic on those around you. Moral of the story: If you eat garlic, make everyone eat garlic!
SALMON
Salmon, one of the lowest in mercury of all fatty fish, is full of Omega-3 fatty acids which are critical for brain function since the brain is made up of about 60% fat. Omega-3’s decrease cardiovascular problems, improve joint function, and elevate your mood. Salmon is also high in protein, B12, vitamin D and calcium, just make sure you are getting high quality fresh wild caught salmon whenever possible.
GINGER
Ginger is chock full of healthy nutrients benefiting both your body and brain! It contains gingerol, a powerful anti-inflammatory. Ginger also helps reduce nausea, regulates blood sugar, lowers histamine reactions, and aids in digestion!
best ever ginger + garlic marinated salmon recipe
Prep Time: 10 mins + 2 hours to marinate
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Serving: 4 servings
Total time: 2 hour 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup avocado oil
2 tablespoons coconut aminos (swap out if low histamine)
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (can omit entirely if needed)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt (I use Redmond’s or Celtic salt)
1 tablespoon coconut sugar (omit for whole30 - use up to 2 tablespoons if using a different kind of sugar/honey)
2 cloves minced garlic
1 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
2 green onions, thinly sliced
4 salmon filets
1 tablespoon sesame or sunflower seeds (optional)
*Sriracha/hot sauce to taste
Directions:
1. Whisk together all the ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. Mix in green onions last.
2. In a gallon bag combine the 4 salmon filets and the marinade and mix to cover them evenly.
3. Let this sit and marinate for at least 30 minutes. Ideally, let it marinate for 2 hours, overnight, or freeze with the marinade to make at a later date.
4. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
5. Lightly drizzle a 9x13 baking dish with a little oil and place the salmon and marinade in the dish - skin side down.
6. Bake on the middle rack for about 15-20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
I’ve found this dish to be the perfect meal at the end of a long day or as a quick crowd pleaser when having company. Try it out and let me know what you think! It’s "sea-riously” delicious… you know I had to.