Amazing Gochujang Glazed Salmon – Sweet & Spicy 🔥🐟

by
A plated serving of Gochujang Glazed Salmon with sesame seeds and green onions.

If you love bold, spicy, and umami-packed flavors, this Gochujang Glazed Salmon is the perfect dish for you! Tender, flaky salmon is coated in a sweet, spicy, and savory gochujang glaze, then baked or pan-seared until perfectly caramelized. With just the right balance of heat, sweetness, and depth of flavor, this Korean-inspired salmon recipe is easy to make, packed with protein, and absolutely delicious.

Gochujang, a fermented Korean chili paste, brings a unique richness and depth of spice to this dish. Combined with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil, it creates a sticky, flavorful glaze that coats the salmon beautifully. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, an elegant meal for guests, or a healthy high-protein dish, this Gochujang Glazed Salmon is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Packed with Flavor – A perfect mix of sweet, spicy, umami, and smoky caramelization.
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
✅ Healthy & Protein-Rich – Salmon is packed with omega-3s, healthy fats, and nutrients.
✅ Customizable Cooking Methods – Bake, pan-sear, or air-fry for different textures.
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep – Delicious served with rice, noodles, or veggies.

What Makes Gochujang the Perfect Glaze?

Gochujang is a fermented Korean chili paste made from red chili peppers, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. It has a complex flavor that’s spicy, slightly sweet, and deeply umami. When mixed with honey, garlic, and soy sauce, it creates a rich, caramelized glaze that perfectly complements the buttery, flaky texture of salmon.

Ingredients for Gochujang Glazed Salmon

For the Salmon

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
  • Salt & black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

For the Gochujang Glaze

  • 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar (for acidity)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 tbsp water (to thin out the glaze if needed)

How to Make Gochujang Glazed Salmon

Step 1: Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add 1 tbsp of water to thin it out slightly. Set aside.

Step 2: Prep the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season both sides with a pinch of salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavor.

Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method

🔥 Option 1: Oven-Baked Gochujang Salmon (Best for Tender Texture)

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Brush the salmon fillets with a little olive oil, then place them skin-side down on the baking sheet.
  3. Spoon or brush the gochujang glaze generously over the top of each fillet.
  4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. The glaze should be caramelized, and the salmon should flake easily with a fork.

🔥 Option 2: Pan-Seared Gochujang Salmon (Best for Crispy Edges)

  1. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 3-4 minutes until crispy.
  3. Flip the salmon and brush with the gochujang glaze while cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for 2 more minutes until fully cooked.

🔥 Option 3: Air-Fried Gochujang Salmon (Best for Quick & Crispy Texture)

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket skin-side down.
  3. Brush with the gochujang glaze and air-fry for 8-10 minutes, checking for doneness.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

Once cooked, transfer the salmon to a plate and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately with your favorite sides!

Expert Tips for the Best Gochujang Glazed Salmon

✔️ Use Fresh Salmon – Wild-caught salmon has better texture and flavor than farmed salmon.
✔️ Let the Glaze Caramelize – A slight char on the glaze enhances the smoky, spicy flavors.
✔️ Adjust Spice Level – Add more honey for sweetness or more gochujang for extra heat.
✔️ Don’t Overcook – Salmon is perfectly cooked at 145°F (62°C); check for doneness with a fork.
✔️ Marinate for Extra Flavor – Let the salmon sit in the glaze for 15-20 minutes before cooking for deeper seasoning.

Fun Variations of Gochujang Glazed Salmon

🍚 Rice Bowl Version – Serve over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa.
🥑 Salmon Tacos – Flake the salmon and serve in warm tortillas with cabbage slaw and avocado.
🥦 Stir-Fry Style – Slice salmon into chunks and stir-fry with vegetables and noodles.
🍔 Gochujang Salmon Burger – Place the glazed salmon in a toasted bun with slaw and sriracha mayo.

For fusion food lovers, you’ll also love these Birria Quesadillas packed with spice and richness.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Gochujang Salmon

🥗 Korean Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim) – A refreshing, tangy side to balance the spice.
🍚 Garlic Butter Rice – Fluffy rice absorbs the bold gochujang flavors.
🥦 Roasted Sesame Broccoli – A delicious, nutty pairing.
🥢 Kimchi Fried Rice – The ultimate Korean-inspired meal combination.

FAQs About Gochujang Glazed Salmon

1. Can I use frozen salmon? Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
2. How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes! Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
4. Is gochujang very spicy? It has a mild-medium spice level but is also sweet and umami-rich.
5. What’s the best way to reheat salmon? Warm in a low oven (275°F) for 10 minutes to keep it moist.

Conclusion

This Gochujang Glazed Salmon is the perfect spicy, sweet, and umami-rich dish that’s both quick to make and packed with flavor. Whether you bake, pan-sear, or air-fry, the sticky gochujang glaze caramelizes beautifully, making every bite irresistible. Serve it with rice, veggies, or even in tacos for a versatile, mouthwatering meal. Now that you know how to make it, grab your ingredients and enjoy the best Gochujang Glazed Salmon ever! 🔥🐟🍚

Craving something sweet after your spicy main? Balance it with a refreshing Açaí Smoothie Bowl or rich Cheesecake Cookies.