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This Asian-inspired, Honey Coriander Make-Ahead Salmon is perfect for everyday-easy meals but also makes a fabulous entree for a dinner party.
Several years ago, we did a Café Reader Survey and one of the things most requested by you, our readers, was "easy, dinner party-worthy" salads, meals, desserts, etc. that work well for every day as well as for entertaining. So that's become my mantra, and, though I don't mind spending time in the kitchen, I've come to love "easy, dinner party-worthy" as much as you do. This delicious, make-ahead salmon definitely meets that description!
Lots of taste-testers
I've been testing out this recipe for the past few months and have tweaked it here and there until it's just right. The fishmonger at Whole Foods laughs every time I come in because I keep asking for "the prettiest fillets you have". I've served this delicious, melt-in-your-mouth-tender entree to friends and family numerous times, always to rave reviews. One bite elicits descriptions like, "wow!", "yum!", "delicious!", "amazing!"...
It seems to be a universally appealing dish that goes well with rice, couscous, polenta, mash potatoes and steamed or roasted veggies. It's also wonderful in salads.
As much as I love salmon, I'm not crazy about the aroma that's created as it (or any other fish) cooks on the stovetop. There's also the spatter that comes with searing fish. Not a wonderful thing just before guests arrive or (even worse) while entertaining them.
I love that the brunt of the work for this make-ahead salmon can be done early in the day. Then all that's left to do before dinner is to heat the oven and let the salmon get gloriously glazed. The "fish" aroma will be gone long before the doorbell rings and your kitchen can have that shining clean, no-one-ever-cooks-here appearance when your guests arrive!
30 minutes of prep work
What is the prep work for this Honey Coriander Make-Ahead Salmon? It will take about 30 minutes. There's a simple throw-it-all-in-a jar-and-shake sauce (soy sauce, honey, fresh ginger, coriander, chili garlic sauce and fresh garlic) which is brushed on filets before searing. The salmon is seared in a hot pan then popped into the fridge till just before serving time. The remaining sauce is reduced then refrigerated.
A CIA secret
I learned this wonderful sear-in-advance technique a number of years ago when I took a week-long course at The Culinary Institute of America up in Hyde Park, New York. The instructor mentioned it and I was dumbfounded. "You mean you can sear meat or fish in the morning and then cook it later in the day?" I asked incredulously. He looked at me like I came from Mars. "Of course", he replied. "How do you think we prepare for large events? We start early in the day and finish things off just before serving".
It was a dream come true for me to study at The CIA and I learned so much, but that simple tip about searing was perhaps the most amazing and useful bit of information I picked up. I've applied it on lots of occasions and with numerous recipes and it works perfectly with this delicious make-ahead salmon.
What kind of salmon to buy?
Salmon is super healthy as it's loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, protein, bone-protecting selenium, and much more. But it can be confusing at the market because there are a variety of options. The USDA requires grocery stores to list the origin and method of production so it's really helpful to check the labels. Here is a great article from Cooking Light on How to Buy the Best Salmon at the Grocery Store.
I don't have a specialty fish market nearby so I like to purchase my salmon at Whole Foods. I like their fresh fillets which are sustainably farm-raised in Norway. I questioned the distance before I purchased this salmon the first time, as it seemed a long way for the fish to travel. But the fishmonger promised me that it was wonderful. I've found it to be consistently fresh and melt-in-your-mouth tender. I've also used frozen wild salmon for this recipe with good results.
Want to serve a healthy, delicious dinner for family or friends? Make your shopping list and put this Honey Coriander Make-Ahead Salmon on your menu. Everyone will be SO happy you did!
Café Tips for making this Honey Coriander Make-Ahead Salmon
- While you can definitely make this dish ahead for entertaining, it's also fine to do all the steps together if you just want to get dinner on the table quickly. Either way works!
- Coriander is the seed from which cilantro is grown. When it's ground, it has a wonderful, fresh citrusy flavor. If you're not a fan of cilantro, no worries, they are not similar in taste. You can find ground coriander in the spice section at most larger grocery stores. You can also buy the whole seeds and crush your own (the aroma is amazing!) with a mortar and pestle.
- Be sure to use low sodium soy sauce in this recipe as the sauce will become too salty once it's reduced if you use the regular variety.
- I like salmon filets that are about 4-5-ounces in size. Although incredibly healthy, salmon is a rich fish and most people appreciate a modest serving size.
- You can make a double or triple portion of the sauce and freeze it for the next time you make this recipe.
- What to serve with this Honey Coriander Make-Ahead Salmon? Our favorite sides are jasmine rice and a simple salad of cucumbers and red onion in rice vinegar with a pinch of sugar and salt. It's really pretty and a nice contrast to the starchy rice and the rich salmon. Steamed or roasted broccoli is also nice as are steamed snow peas or sugar snap peas. I've also served it over polenta which is delicious. Bok choy would be nice as would roasted green beans. Lots of choices!
- You can use either skinless or skin-on salmon fillets for this recipe although I do think skin-on filets stay a little moister. If you use the skin-on variety, use a thin-bladed metal spatula to separate the skin from the fillet when removing from the pan.
- Look for thicker (taller) salmon filets vs the wide, flat ones. The thicker filets take a little longer to get done, giving them more time to get a crisp, golden brown exterior.
- This recipe makes enough sauce to brush each salmon filet before cooking and to drizzle each with several teaspoons before serving. If you like lots of sauce, feel free to double the ingredient amounts.
- The best way to tell when salmon is done is with an instant thermometer. It should read 145˚F when inserted into the thickest part of the filet.
Thought for the day:
I am the Alpha and the Omega,
the First and the Last,
the Beginning and the End.
Revelations 22:13
What we're listening to for inspiration:
If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review! It’s so helpful to other readers to hear your results, adaptations and ideas for variations.
This Asian-inspired, Honey Coriander Make-Ahead Salmon is perfect for everyday-easy meals, but also makes a fabulous entree for a dinner party.
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 4 5-ounce salmon filets with or without skin
- kosher salt and fresh ground pepper
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Combine all sauce ingredients in a medium-size bowl and whisk well.
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Place the salmon filets and ¼ cup of the marinade in a large ziplock bag and turn bag to coat salmon with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (and up to 12 hours).
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Remove salmon to a plate and discard marinade. Season salmon lightly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Heat a medium-size sauté pan over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon olive oil. Add the salmon (skin side up if using skin-on salmon) and sear for about 1-2 minutes or until you have a deep, golden crust. Using tongs, flip salmon onto sides and sear the sides for about 30 seconds each. Transfer salmon to a clean plate, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake (up to 8 hours).
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Strain reserved sauce through a fine strainer into the sauté pan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until sauce is slightly reduced and beginning to get a bit syrupy. Transfer sauce to a small bowl or glass jar, cover and refrigerate until ready to bake salmon.
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30 minutes before dinner, preheat oven to 350˚F. Line a sheet pan (or smaller shallow pan) with foil and place salmon on the pan with skin side down (if using salmon with skin, if not place unseared side down).
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Brush salmon lightly with glaze and bake for 10 minutes then remove from oven and brush with a bit more of the glaze. Continue baking for another 8-12 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 140-145˚F. (Thicker filets will take a bit longer, thinner pieces will be done sooner.)
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Slide a metal spatula just above the skin and remove salmon leaving the skin on the foil. Drizzle with a bit more of the glaze when serving.
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NOTE: Salmon can be baked directly after searing if desired. Just preheat the oven to 350˚F before searing the salmon and skip the refrigeration. Proceed with the baking instructions in step 6.
See Café Tips above for further instructions and detailed tips.
Serving suggestions: Great with jasmine rice, couscous, polenta, mashed potatoes or in a salad.
Jennifer H says
I tripled this recipe to serve at our annual town progressive dinner. The instructions were perfect. It was wonderful to have a clean kitchen when guests arrived. Some guests said it was the best Salmon they’ve ever had. My husband and I agree. I served this with some Cilantro Lime Rice and the Asian Watermelon Salad from this site:
https://thecafesucrefarine.com/asian-watermelon-salad/
I have never seen a group like this practically lick the plates clean!
Thank you!
Lindsay @ The Café Sucre Farine says
Amazing! Thank you for your review, Jennifer!
Marianna says
I have a dinner coming up for noon and I'm on a really tight schedule. Do you think it would work to sear the salmon the day before instead of that morning? Lots of other stuff going on that morning! Or perhaps sear then freeze?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Marianna, I haven't tried searing the salmon the day before but I would think it should work. I wouldn't try searing it and freezing - it just wouldn't be the same.
Mary Dodge Bovaird says
This recipe looks amazing and I would love to use it for a Sunday Dinner group of 4 but one of my guests is allergic to garlic. Can I make the sauce for the salmon and just potion some off to use on that piece (any ideas for a flavourful substitute for the garlic sauce?) and proceed with the recipe, carefully putting that piece ell away from the others? Or should I use another recipe and if so can I use the same cook ahead technique?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Mary Dodge, if you friend can eat shallots, I would just sub a medium-size shallot, finely diced for the garlic.
Karo says
Have any suggestions how you might use a grill to do the final steps? I love this idea of the sear and final cook steps. Just wondered when it is so hot outside, how we could utilize the grill instead of the oven.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Karo,
Yes, I think you could definitely finish this salmon on the grill. Just prep ahead as directed and then add the glaze and pop them on a hot grill. If you have skin-on salmon, you could place them right on the grates. If not, I would use a small foil-lined ,heavy-duty pan. and grill until the internal temp is around 135-140ish.
Kathy Price says
This was so good. My piece of salmon had the skin on, so I was pleased that you explained exactly how to deal with this ... and the salmon lifted away from the skin easy-peasy, just like you said! The flavor was excellent and the time for cooking worked perfectly. I didn't have the exact the chili sauce you mentioned, but I added my own ingredients to get there (kinda), and I think I came close. I want to try the chili sauce you mentioned in another comment, but I'm not sure I could improve on this much! I will definitely make this recipe again. Thank you!!
Chris Scheuer says
Awesome! Thanks so much for sharing your results, Kathy!
RAY WILLIS says
This is beautiful and it probably desrves 5 stars but when following your cooking instructions the salmon was over done. I did prepare ahead of time but the length of time in oven and basting involved caused salmon over done. I placed the salmon on a bed of Ancient Grains salad and it was a great combo. Thank you for all your recipes they are great
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Ray, for sharing your results. It's hard to give exact directions with meat and poultry because of differences in thickness. While it's helpful to give minutes, going by temperature will give perfect results.
Claire Van Allen says
Made this for dinner recently and it was really good. Love that it can be made ahead and baked when ready.
Chris Scheuer says
Awesome! Thanks so much for sharing your results, Claire!
Carter says
Hi,
I noticed you use a lot of chili garlic sauce for your Asian dishes, can you please show us which one you use? Or what brand you prefer? thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Carter, you're very observant! I do like chili garlic sauce as it's an easy way to add several layers of flavor. I usually use this brand: https://amzn.to/2uBsucv
David Suden says
According to ATK, wild salmon is done at 120, farmed at 125. 145 would be seriously overcooked.
Chris Scheuer says
I agree with you David and often go with "touch" or a lower temperature when cooking salmon myself. However, the USFDA recommends 145˚F as a safe internal temperature for cooking salmon. In order to be conscientious of food safety, I have to go with their recommendations on the blog.
Valerie says
Do you serve the skin, not sure why you remove the skin?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Valerie, you don't have to remove the skin before serving. Most people don't like to eat it though so I take it off.
Sandra Garth says
We're having our youngest son's birthday dinner this Sunday and his request is blackened salmon with roasted veggies. Talk about perfect timing! I don't eat salmon so I'm happy to have this recipe so I'm not guessing. It looks great and I know the family will love it. Thank you and Happy New Year!
Kay says
Chris,
This salmon recipe was outstanding! My husband and I felt like we were eating at a 5-star restaurant! Your recipes are always delightful. Thanks for another terrific recipe.
Dena says
This was excellent!! I just did the make now version. Will definitely try make ahead for more people.
Thank you!
Tricia | Saving Room for Dessert says
LOVE the gorgeous char on this salmon. It must be so flavorful - PINNED!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
I love the idea of make-ahead salmon! I had never thought about that, but it's brilliant 🙂 Loving that luscious sauce, too 🙂
Danielle Schultz says
Chris this looks so delicious I’m going to make this wonderful entree it looks so appetizing and appealing. I’m going to use my kitchen aid spiralizer and make an Asian salad to go with it . Thanks for an easy receipt which will impress
Liz says
Mmmmm....having company later this month and the husband is a pescatarian and needed a new salmon recipe. This looks yummy!
Sara Goverman says
I want to make this salmon recipe. It sounds delicious- however I am finding the instructions between cooking ahead and cooking immediately a little confusing. Any way to separate the instructions?
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you for pointing this out Sara, I've reworded the instructions to make them easier to understand.
ANNETTE says
What is your process if you use frozen filets?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Annette,
I just thaw them (either overnight in the refrigerator or in a ziplock bag immersed in cold water), then pat dry and proceed with the recipe.
angiesrecipes says
I always love the combo of sweet and salty...the salmon steaks look amazing!
Vicki V says
I really like all of the options and info that you give with your recipes. Thank you, and happy new year!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Vicki! Happy New Year to you!
Jeanette says
Wonderful idea, and I just happen to be having a dinner party this weekend where I planned to serve salmon! Question: Does the salmon go straight from fridge to oven, or do you let it come to room temperature for a bit?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Jeanette,
Nope, it doesn't have to sit at room temp at all. It will take a few minutes longer to get to 145˚F but that's good as it gives the outside more time to caramelize and get crisp.