A vibrant and flavorful salmon dish featuring a homemade Korean gochujang sauce that balances heat, sweetness, and umami, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

Spicy Gochujang Salmon
A vibrant and flavorful salmon dish featuring a homemade Korean gochujang sauce that balances heat, sweetness, and umami, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Ingredients
- 2 fillets salmon (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- 1 tbsp green onions chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang, doenjang, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and black pepper until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels. This helps the sauce adhere better and promotes a nicer crust.
- Place the dried salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Generously brush the gochujang sauce over the top and sides of each salmon fillet, ensuring they are well coated.
- Bake for 12-18 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time may vary based on the thickness of your salmon fillets.
- Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onions before serving.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
Serve this delicious salmon with a side of steamed white rice to soak up the extra sauce, and some roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a complete meal. For a milder spice, reduce the amount of gochujang. For extra zing, add a touch of fresh ginger to the sauce.