Description
Craving a restaurant-quality seafood dish that’s bursting with sweet-savory flavors and requires minimal effort? Say hello to Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon! This recipe transforms tender salmon fillets into a melt-in-your-mouth delight, coated in a sticky honey-garlic glaze with a hint of ginger and sesame
Ingredients
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Salmon Fillets (4, about 6 oz each): Rich, flaky fish that’s perfect for slow cooking.
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Substitution: Steelhead trout, arctic char, or tofu steaks for a vegetarian option.
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Honey (¼ cup): Adds sweet, sticky richness to the glaze.
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Substitution: Maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweet note.
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Soy Sauce (¼ cup): Brings savory, umami depth.
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Substitution: Tamari for gluten-free, coconut aminos for soy-free, or low-sodium soy sauce.
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Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the glaze with warm, aromatic flavor.
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Substitution: 1 tsp garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
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Fresh Ginger (1 tbsp, grated): Adds zesty, spicy warmth.
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Substitution: 1 tsp ground ginger or 1 tbsp finely minced candied ginger.
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Sesame Oil (1 tsp): Provides nutty, toasty flavor.
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Substitution: Olive oil or omit for a milder taste.
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Salt and Pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors.
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Substitution: Sea salt or low-sodium options for dietary needs.
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Green Onions (2, sliced, for garnish): Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and color.
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Substitution: Chives, parsley, or no garnish.
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Sesame Seeds (for garnish): Brings a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
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Substitution: Chopped peanuts, crushed nori, or omit.
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Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
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In a medium bowl, whisk together ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup soy sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1 tsp sesame oil, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper until smooth.
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Taste the glaze and adjust with extra honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness if desired.
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Tip: Use a microplane to grate the ginger for a fine texture, and mince garlic finely for even flavor distribution.
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Step 2: Prep the Salmon
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Place 4 salmon fillets skin-side down in the slow cooker in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap too much.
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Pour the honey-garlic glaze over the fillets, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Spoon the glaze over the top if needed.
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Tip: Line the slow cooker with parchment paper or lightly grease with oil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
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Step 3: Cook
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Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C).
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Check at 2 hours to avoid overcooking, as salmon can dry out if cooked too long. The glaze should be thickened and glossy.
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Tip: Spoon the glaze over the salmon halfway through cooking for even flavor, but avoid lifting the lid too often.
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Step 4: Serve
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Carefully remove the salmon fillets from the slow cooker using a spatula, leaving the skin behind if desired (it may stick to the cooker).
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Place the fillets on plates or a serving platter and spoon extra glaze from the slow cooker over the top.
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Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a vibrant, polished look.
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Tip: For a thicker glaze, simmer the remaining cooking liquid in a saucepan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until reduced, then drizzle over the salmon.
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