Salmon is one of the easiest fish to prepare, and this pan-seared recipe gives it a bold Japanese-inspired twist. The combination of yuzu kosho, soy sauce, butter, and honey creates a glaze that's savory, slightly spicy, and bright with citrus flavor. The crispy salmon skin and glossy glaze make this dish perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Serve it with steamed rice and vegetables for a balanced meal that's ready in less than 30 minutes.
For the salmon:
2 salmon fillets
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
For the yuzu-kosho soy glaze:
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon yuzu kosho
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
For garnish:
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds
Lemon wedges
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Lightly season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Drying the fillets helps the skin become crisp during cooking.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes without moving it. Once the skin becomes crisp, carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 2 to 4 minutes, depending on their thickness.
Transfer the salmon to a plate while preparing the glaze.
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the soy sauce, honey, yuzu kosho, and lemon juice. Stir gently until the glaze slightly thickens, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Return the salmon to the skillet and spoon the glaze over each fillet until evenly coated.
Cook for another minute to allow the glaze to cling to the salmon.
Transfer the salmon to serving plates and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with fresh lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
This salmon pairs well with simple side dishes that complement the rich glaze.
Popular options include:
Steamed jasmine rice
Garlic fried rice
Steamed bok choy
Roasted broccoli
Sautéed green beans
Stir-fried vegetables
Cucumber salad
Sesame noodles
A few simple techniques can help achieve excellent results every time.
Pat the salmon dry before cooking.
Start with a hot skillet to crisp the skin.
Avoid flipping the salmon too early.
Cook just until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Adjust the amount of yuzu kosho to make the glaze milder or spicier.
Yuzu kosho is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from yuzu citrus zest, chili peppers, and salt. It has a bold combination of bright citrus flavor, mild heat, and savory depth that pairs especially well with seafood.
A small amount adds plenty of flavor, making it an excellent ingredient for glazes, marinades, and dipping sauces.
This pan-seared salmon with yuzu-kosho soy glaze combines crispy skin, tender salmon, and a flavorful glaze that's both savory and refreshing. It's an easy recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients, making it a delicious choice for everything from quick weeknight dinners to special occasions.
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