Chinese Five Spice Marinated Salmon

Infused with the bold and aromatic flavors of Chinese five-spice, this marinated salmon recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami notes in every bite. The tender salmon fillets are bathed in a rich marinade made with soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and a fragrant kick of garlic and ginger, then grilled to perfection for deliciously crispy skin and flaky interiors. A final touch of scallion garnish and optional sesame seeds adds freshness and texture. Ready in just 25 minutes of active prep and cook time, this dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, sautéed veggies, or a crisp green salad, making it an easy yet elegant meal for weeknights or special occasions. Perfect for seafood lovers looking to explore Asian-inspired flavors!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Salmon fillets (skin-on, about 6 ounces each)
• 3 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 1.5 tablespoons Honey
• 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
• 1.5 tablespoons Rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Fresh ginger (grated)
• 2 stalks Scallions (thinly sliced, for garnish)
• 2 teaspoons Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon Neutral cooking oil (e.g., canola or vegetable oil, for greasing)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, Chinese five-spice powder, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the marinade.

Step 2

Place the salmon fillets into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 3

Preheat your grill pan, skillet, or outdoor grill over medium heat. Lightly grease the grill or pan with neutral cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4

Remove the salmon from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Reserve the marinade for basting.

Step 5

Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill or pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side, until the skin is crispy and the salmon easily releases from the surface.

Step 6

Flip the fillets carefully and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. While cooking, brush the fillets with the reserved marinade for added flavor (do not use marinade after the salmon is fully cooked).

Step 7

Remove the salmon from the heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Step 8

Serve immediately with steamed rice, sautéed veggies, or a light green salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(859.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1902.7

Total Fat 119.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 21.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.9g
Cholesterol 436.0mg	0%
Sodium 2037.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 36.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.7g	0%
Total Sugars 27.1g
Protein 163.0g	0%

Vitamin D 3260.0IU	0%
Calcium 189.6mg	0%
Iron 6.2mg	0%
Potassium 2272.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.4%

Protein: 34.8%

Carbs: 7.8%