This Scallion Ginger Salmon is a delightful Chinese-inspired dish where the salmon is pan-fried to crispy perfection and then served with a fragrant scallion and ginger-infused oil, topped with an umami-rich soy dressing. The dish is quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasions.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1.3 lb salmon filet (skin-on)

• ⅛ teaspoon salt

• 6 stalks scallions

• 5 slices ginger

• 2 tbsp light soy sauce

• 1 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine

• ½ tsp sugar or honey

• ¼ tsp ground white pepper

• 4 tbsp neutral cooking oil

Directions

1. Prepare the Salmon:
   Pat the salmon dry with kitchen paper to avoid splashing during cooking. Sprinkle a little salt over the flesh side.

2. Prepare the Aromatics:
   Slice the scallions into thin strips and cut the ginger into sticks. Mix the soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, sugar (or honey), and white pepper in a small bowl and set aside.

3. Fry the Aromatics:
   Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the scallions and ginger, frying until the scallions begin to wilt, about 1 minute.

4. Cook the Salmon:
   Push the scallions and ginger to the side of the skillet. Place the salmon, skin side down, into the hot oil. Press with a spatula to ensure the skin makes full contact with the pan. Cook for 3 minutes, then flip the salmon to cook the other side for another 4 minutes.

5. Crisp the Skin:
   Once the salmon is nearly cooked through, flip it back to the skin side and turn the heat up to high. Fry the skin for 1 minute to make it extra crispy.

6. Add the Sauce:
   Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet. Let the sauce heat up for a few seconds before pouring it around the salmon (avoid pouring directly over the crispy skin). Garnish with fried scallions and ginger, and serve immediately.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 318

• Protein: 31g

• Carbohydrates: 3g

• Fat: 20g

• Sodium: 646mg

• Cholesterol: 81mg

Why Scallion Ginger Salmon Works So Well

This dish is a perfect blend of textures and flavors. The salmon is pan-fried to crispy perfection, with the skin becoming delightfully crispy and the flesh remaining tender and juicy. The scallions and ginger, sautéed in oil, release their aromatic oils into the pan, which then infuse the salmon with their fragrant flavors. The umami from the soy sauce and the slight sweetness from the rice wine and honey bring everything together in a well-rounded, savory dish.

The ingredients are simple yet incredibly effective at enhancing the flavor of the salmon without overpowering its natural taste. The freshness of the ginger and scallions adds a bright, aromatic quality that complements the richness of the salmon. This dish is a beautiful example of how Chinese cooking utilizes aromatics to elevate a simple protein like salmon into something truly special.

Key Ingredients for Scallion Ginger Salmon

• Salmon Filet (skin-on): The skin-on salmon is essential for this dish, as it crisps up beautifully when pan-fried. The skin provides texture and flavor, while the tender flesh absorbs the aromatic sauce without becoming overly oily. The fat in the salmon also ensures that the fish stays moist and flavorful.

• Scallions and Ginger: These two ingredients are the heart of the dish’s aromatic base. Scallions offer a mild onion flavor that’s both fresh and savory, while ginger brings a subtle warmth and spiciness. Together, they form a fragrant and delicious foundation that perfectly complements the richness of the salmon.

• Soy Sauce & Shaoxing Rice Wine: Soy sauce is a must for the umami-rich sauce, while Shaoxing rice wine adds a layer of complexity and sweetness. The combination of these ingredients gives the dish its depth and richness. If you don’t have Shaoxing rice wine, dry sherry can be used as a substitute.

• Sugar or Honey: A touch of sugar or honey helps balance the savory notes of the soy sauce and rice wine, adding a hint of sweetness that elevates the overall flavor of the dish.

• Neutral Cooking Oil: A neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, is ideal for frying as it doesn’t interfere with the flavor of the salmon or the aromatics. It also allows the skin to crisp up nicely without burning.

How to Make Scallion Ginger Salmon

Making Scallion Ginger Salmon is quick and easy, requiring just a few steps to bring everything together. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon dry with kitchen paper to remove excess moisture. This step helps prevent splattering while frying. Sprinkle a little salt over the flesh side of the salmon to season it lightly.

2. Prepare the Aromatics: Slice the scallions into thin strips and cut the ginger into matchstick-like pieces. These will provide the aromatic base for the dish. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, sugar (or honey), and white pepper. Set this sauce mixture aside for later use.

3. Fry the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced scallions and ginger to the pan. Fry them for about 1 minute, or until the scallions begin to wilt and the ginger releases its fragrance. This step infuses the oil with aromatic flavors.

4. Cook the Salmon: Push the scallions and ginger to the side of the skillet to make room for the salmon. Place the salmon, skin side down, into the hot oil. Press the salmon gently with a spatula to ensure the skin makes full contact with the pan. Cook for 3 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the salmon over and cook the other side for about 4 minutes, or until it is cooked through but still juicy.

5. Crisp the Skin: Once the salmon is nearly cooked, flip it back to the skin side and turn the heat up to high. Fry the skin for an additional minute to make it extra crispy.

6. Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture into the skillet, letting it heat up for a few seconds. Be careful not to pour the sauce directly over the crispy skin. Instead, pour it around the salmon to coat the fish and aromatics. Let the sauce simmer for a moment to heat through.

7. Serve: Garnish the dish with the fried scallions and ginger. Serve the Scallion Ginger Salmon immediately, ideally with a side of steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also add a side of stir-fried vegetables or a light salad to complete the meal.

Serving Suggestions

Scallion Ginger Salmon is a flavorful and satisfying main dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. The most common and complementary choice is steamed white rice, which absorbs the savory sauce and allows the rich flavors of the salmon to shine through. You could also serve the dish with some sautéed vegetables, such as bok choy, broccoli, or spinach, to add some freshness and crunch.

For a complete meal, consider pairing this dish with a light soup like egg drop soup or miso soup, which would complement the richness of the salmon without overwhelming it.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Scallion Ginger Salmon provides approximately 318 calories, with 31g of protein coming from the salmon. The fat content is 20g, which is largely from the healthy fats in the salmon. The carbohydrates are relatively low (3g), making it a great option for those on a low-carb diet. The sodium content is 646mg, mostly from the soy sauce, so you can adjust the amount of soy sauce or use a low-sodium version if you’re watching your salt intake. The cholesterol content is 81mg, which is typical for salmon.

Conclusion: A Flavorful, Quick, and Elegant Dish

Scallion Ginger Salmon is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that brings together crispy salmon, fragrant scallions, and ginger, all coated in a savory and slightly sweet soy sauce. The dish is quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal, and the vibrant flavors make it suitable for special occasions as well. The balance of crispy salmon skin, tender fish, and aromatic spices creates a dish that is both satisfying and elegant. Whether served with steamed rice or your favorite vegetable side, Scallion Ginger Salmon will quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.