Gochujang-Glazed Salmon with Garlic Spinach

Gochujang-Glazed Salmon with Garlic Spinach is a easy Korean recipe that serves 2. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by EatingWell on YouTube.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 20 min

Cost: $8.12 total, $4.06 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pieces Salmon Fillet (6‑oz each, skin on, thawed if frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean red chili paste, preferably fermented)
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger (finely grated)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (2 cloves for glaze, 1 clove for spinach, minced)
  • 1 tablespoon Honey (raw or light honey)
  • 2 teaspoons Olive Oil (for searing salmon and sautéing spinach)
  • 4 cups Fresh Spinach (loosely packed, washed and dried)
  • ½ teaspoon Salt (for seasoning salmon)
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Gochujang Glaze

    In a mixing bowl combine gochujang, grated ginger, minced garlic (2 cloves), and honey. Stir until smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Season the Salmon

    Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper.

    Time: PT1M

  3. Sear the Salmon Skin‑Side First

    Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat, add 1 teaspoon olive oil, and when shimmering, place salmon skin‑side down. Cook 4 minutes without moving.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: Medium‑high heat

  4. Glaze and Finish the Salmon

    Flip the salmon, brush the prepared glaze over the flesh side, and cook another 4 minutes, basting once more halfway through.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: Medium‑high heat

  5. Sauté Garlicky Spinach

    While salmon finishes, add remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil to a second pan, sauté the remaining minced garlic (1 clove) for 30 seconds, then add spinach. Toss for 2‑3 minutes until wilted but still bright green.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  6. Plate and Serve

    Transfer salmon to a plate, spoon any remaining glaze from the pan over the top, and serve alongside the garlicky spinach.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
10g
Fat
20g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free (use gluten‑free gochujang), Dairy-Free, High-Protein, Low-Carb

Allergens: Fish, Honey

Last updated: April 21, 2026

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Gochujang-Glazed Salmon with Garlic Spinach

Recipe by EatingWell

A quick 20‑minute Korean‑inspired dinner featuring salmon fillets brushed with a sweet‑spicy gochujang glaze and served alongside a bright garlicky spinach side. Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.

EasyKoreanServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
4m
Prep
11m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
25m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.12
Total cost
$4.06
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Mix the gochujang glaze until fully smooth; lumps cause uneven flavor.
  • Cook salmon skin‑side first to achieve a crispy crust.
  • Do not overcook salmon; it should flake easily and reach 145°F internal temperature.
  • Sauté spinach just until wilted to keep texture and color.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw salmon with clean hands and sanitize all surfaces afterward.
  • Hot oil can splatter; keep a lid nearby and use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Ensure salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of gochujang glazed salmon in Korean cuisine?

A

Gochujang is a staple fermented chili paste in Korean cooking, traditionally used in stews, bibimbap, and marinades. While salmon is not a historic Korean staple, the modern fusion of gochujang glaze with salmon reflects Korea’s contemporary embrace of global seafood and health‑focused dishes.

cultural
Q

What are traditional regional variations of Korean salmon dishes in Korean cuisine?

A

In coastal regions like Jeju, grilled fish is often brushed with a simple soy‑soy sauce glaze. In mainland Korea, spicy gochujang‑based marinades are applied to mackerel or trout, creating a sweet‑spicy flavor similar to this salmon recipe.

cultural
Q

How is gochujang glazed salmon traditionally served in Korean households?

A

It is typically served hot with steamed rice, a side of kimchi, and assorted banchan (small side dishes). The garlicky spinach in this recipe mimics the common Korean practice of serving sautéed leafy greens as a nutritious side.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is gochujang glazed salmon associated with in Korean culture?

A

While not tied to a specific holiday, Korean families often serve special fish dishes like this during birthdays, anniversaries, or festive gatherings to symbolize abundance and good health.

cultural
Q

What other Korean dishes pair well with gochujang glazed salmon?

A

Pair it with classic Korean sides such as kimchi, japchae (stir‑fried glass noodles), or a simple cucumber‑soy salad. A bowl of hot rice or a light miso soup also complements the sweet‑spicy profile.

cultural
Q

What makes gochujang glazed salmon special or unique in Korean cuisine?

A

The combination of fermented gochujang’s deep umami with honey’s sweetness creates a balanced glaze that highlights the rich, buttery texture of salmon, offering a modern twist on traditional Korean heat without overwhelming the fish.

cultural
Q

How has the use of gochujang in Western home cooking evolved over time?

A

Gochujang has moved from a niche Korean pantry item to a mainstream condiment in Western supermarkets, inspiring fusion recipes like this salmon dish that blend Korean flavors with familiar Western proteins.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making gochujang glazed salmon?

A

Common errors include overcooking the salmon, which makes it dry, and using too high heat that burns the glaze. Keep the pan at medium‑high, monitor the caramelization, and remove the fish once it flakes easily.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a quick glaze instead of a long‑marinate method?

A

The glaze combines gochujang, ginger, garlic, and honey, which all dissolve and meld instantly, allowing the salmon to absorb flavor during cooking. A long marinate isn’t needed because the high heat caramelizes the sugars, delivering depth in just minutes.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel EatingWell specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel EatingWell focuses on nutritious, balanced meals that are quick to prepare, emphasizing whole‑food ingredients, seasonal produce, and health‑forward cooking techniques for everyday home cooks.

channel

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