There’s something truly delightful about coming home to the enticing aroma of Asian spices wafting through the kitchen. Picture this: the sizzle of salmon hitting a hot pan, its skin forming a perfect crispy layer while the noodles softly simmer nearby. This Asian Salmon with Noodles recipe is not just a meal; it’s a vibrant celebration of flavors that can be whipped up in just 15 minutes. I found myself turning to this dish on busy weeknights and lazy weekends alike—it’s quick, versatile, and satisfies every craving for something deliciously unique.
Begin with succulent salmon that melds beautifully with a rich glaze of soy sauce, ginger, and a hint of heat from sambel olek, all resting atop a bed of tender noodles. Whether you’re seeking a gluten-free option or simply a delightful way to escape mundane meals, this recipe delivers on flavor without the fuss. Gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a flavorful journey that will have your taste buds dancing in delight!
Why Love Asian Salmon with Noodles?
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinners.
Bursting with Flavor: The delightful blend of soy sauce, ginger, and sambel olek creates an irresistible glaze that enhances the succulent salmon.
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to mix and match with different proteins or noodle types, allowing you to customize this dish to your taste.
Healthy Choice: With gluten-free and sugar-free options, it’s a nutritious dish that fits into many diets without sacrificing flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether at a family dinner or entertaining friends, this vibrant dish is sure to impress with its bold colors and flavors. For more quick meal inspirations, check out our 15-Minute Meal Ideas!
Asian Salmon with Noodles Ingredients
• Dive right into the flavors!
For the Salmon
- Fresh Salmon Fillet – Acts as the star protein of this dish.
- Soy Sauce – Delivers a savory umami flavor base; opt for low-sodium for a healthier twist.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens up the dish and balances the flavors perfectly.
- Honey – Adds just the right touch of sweetness to harmonize savory and spicy elements.
- Sambel Olek – A chili paste that brings in delightful heat; feel free to adjust for your spice preference.
- Crushed Garlic – For aromatic depth; fresh garlic can also be used if you prefer.
- Grated Ginger – Partners well with salmon, adding warmth and zing.
For the Noodles
- Wokka Noodles – The perfect base, offering a tender and chewy texture.
- Fresh Green Onions/Scallions – Adds a fresh crunch as a garnish.
- Dried Shallots – Optional, but they provide a wonderful crunch and extra flavor; fried garlic bits can work as a substitute.
This Asian Salmon with Noodles recipe is not only quick to prepare, but also customizable to your palate. Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Asian Salmon with Noodles
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Cook Salmon: Heat a non-stick pan to medium-high. Place the salmon fillet flat side down and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy on one side, then flip to cook for another few minutes.
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Prepare Glaze: Whisk together soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, sambel olek, crushed garlic, and grated ginger in a jug until everything is well combined.
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Glaze Salmon: Spoon ¼ of the prepared glaze over the salmon while it’s cooking, allowing it to soak in the flavorful goodness.
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Heat Noodles: Break up Wokka Noodles and add them to the pan; using tongs, stir to heat through for about 2-3 minutes until warm.
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Finish Noodles: Pour the remaining glaze over the noodles, tossing gently to combine; add sliced green onions and dried shallots for an extra crunch.
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Serve: Plate the heated noodles in a bowl, top with the salmon, and drizzle with any leftover glaze. Garnish with extra shallots or onions if desired, and serve immediately.
Optional: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra zesty kick.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Asian Salmon with Noodles
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Perfect Pan Heat: Ensure your pan is preheated to medium-high to achieve that crispy salmon skin. Adjusting this can make all the difference!
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Sambel Olek Spice Control: Start with a small amount of sambel olek and taste as you go. It’s easy to add more, but hard to tone down the heat!
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Noodle Variations: Feel free to switch up the noodle types—Udon or rice noodles work well too. Pre-cooked options save time while still delivering on flavor.
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Glaze Timing: Spoon some of the glaze over the salmon as it cooks for optimal flavor infusion. Don’t forget to toss the noodles in the remaining glaze!
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Substitutions Are Key: Remember, you can use low-sodium soy sauce or swap honey for maple syrup for a sugar-free option. This keeps the dish versatile and accommodating.
What to Serve with Asian Salmon with Noodles?
There’s nothing like a well-rounded meal to bring the family together, enveloping the kitchen with delightful aromas and flavors.
- Steamed Broccoli: Adds a fresh, crunchy element to your plate while providing essential vitamins and minerals. It pairs beautifully with the savory glaze of the salmon.
- Crispy Spring Rolls: These bite-sized treats bring a delightful crunch with a mix of fresh veggies and herbs, perfectly complementing the refreshing flavors of the dish.
- Garlic Fried Rice: A fragrant side that echoes the Asian theme, this rice provides a lovely base to soak up the glossy glaze while balancing the meal’s textures.
- Szechuan Green Beans: With their vibrant color and spice, these beans add a fun zing to your meal, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overwhelming it.
- Cucumber Salad: A cool, tangy cucumber salad offers a light contrast to the warm, hearty noodles, making every bite refreshing and satisfying.
- Chardonnay or Riesling: Pair your meal with these wines for a delightful contrast; the fruity notes can enhance the dish’s natural sweetness while complementing the salmon perfectly.
- Mango Sorbet: For dessert, a scoop of mango sorbet provides a refreshing palate cleanser, balancing the meal with its lightness and tropical flavor.
Each element enhances the dish, creating a feast that feels just right for any occasion.
Asian Salmon with Noodles Variations
Customize your experience with delightful twists that ignite your taste buds and bring joy to your table.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles for a delicious alternative that’s safe for those with gluten sensitivity. Freshness and flavor flow in every bite!
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Sugar-Free: Substitute honey with a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or agave syrup, ensuring you maintain a delightful sweetness without the sugar crash.
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Spicy Twist: Add sliced fresh chili or extra sambel olek to amp up the heat level to your liking. This fiery addition will make your dish sing with vibrant energy!
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Herbaceous Delight: Toss in a handful of fresh cilantro or basil just before serving to bring a burst of aroma and freshness to your noodles. Each mouthful will be fragrant and uplifting!
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Nutty Flavor: Incorporate toasted sesame oil or sprinkle some sesame seeds to elevate the dish with a rich, nutty nuance that harmonizes beautifully with the glaze.
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Vegetarian Option: Swap the salmon for firm tofu, drizzled with the glaze before cooking. This protein-packed choice brings a sturdy texture and absorbs flavors wonderfully.
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Tropical Vibes: Add thin slices of pineapple or mango for a fruity twist that brightens the dish, introducing a delightful balance of sweetness and tang.
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Creamy Finish: Stir in a dollop of coconut cream to the noodles for a velvety texture that screams indulgence while complementing the rich flavors of the salmon.
These variations not only infuse excitement but also allow you to tailor the dish according to your preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy your flavorful journey!
Storage Tips for Asian Salmon with Noodles
- Room Temperature: It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but if left out, it can sit at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The salmon will remain tasty, but the noodles may lose their ideal texture upon reheating.
- Freezer: If you’d like to freeze, separate the salmon from the noodles and store each in airtight containers. The salmon can last up to 2 months. Noodles should ideally be consumed fresh to retain their quality.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water to the noodles to revive their moisture, and keep the heat low to avoid drying out the salmon.
Make Ahead Options
These Asian Salmon with Noodles are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the glaze (soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, sambel olek, garlic, and ginger) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For even easier assembly, cook the salmon and noodles separately, refrigerating them in airtight containers until you’re ready to eat (they can hold up for 24 hours). When it’s time to serve, simply reheat the salmon and noodles in a skillet, drizzle with the glaze, and toss to combine. This method ensures that all elements are just as delicious when it’s time to enjoy your meal!
Asian Salmon with Noodles Recipe FAQs
What type of salmon is best for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose fresh wild-caught salmon if available. Look for fillets that are bright and shiny, with no dark spots. If wild-caught isn’t an option, farmed salmon works well too, but always check for any signs of dullness or discoloration.
How should I store leftovers of Asian Salmon with Noodles?
To keep the flavors intact, store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. If you need to refrigerate, the salmon will remain tasty, but the noodles may become a bit soggy upon reheating, so I recommend eating it fresh if possible.
Can I freeze Asian Salmon with Noodles?
Yes! To freeze, separate the salmon and noodles and place them in separate airtight containers. The salmon can be frozen for up to 2 months, and while the noodles are best enjoyed fresh, if you do freeze them, they can last about a month. When reheating, make sure to gently warm them on low heat to maintain texture.
What if my salmon skin isn’t crispy?
Very! If you find your salmon skin isn’t crisping up, double-check that your pan is hot enough before adding the salmon. Try pressing the fillet down gently with a spatula for a few seconds after placing it in the pan. Also, it’s important not to overcrowd the pan, as steam can prevent that lovely crispness.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Certainly! To adapt this Asian Salmon with Noodles recipe for a gluten-free diet, simply choose a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Make sure to also use gluten-free noodles; there are many options available nowadays that provide great texture without the gluten.
What kind of noodles can I substitute in this recipe?
You have plenty of options here! While Wokka noodles are great, you can easily swap them for Udon, rice noodles, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Just ensure that any noodles used are pre-cooked or only need brief heating, making your meal a breeze!
Asian Salmon with Noodles - Your 15-Minute Flavor Boost!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a non-stick pan to medium-high. Place the salmon fillet flat side down and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy on one side, then flip to cook for another few minutes.
- Whisk together soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, sambel olek, crushed garlic, and grated ginger in a jug until everything is well combined.
- Spoon ¼ of the prepared glaze over the salmon while it's cooking, allowing it to soak in the flavorful goodness.
- Break up Wokka Noodles and add them to the pan; using tongs, stir to heat through for about 2-3 minutes until warm.
- Pour the remaining glaze over the noodles, tossing gently to combine; add sliced green onions and dried shallots for an extra crunch.
- Plate the heated noodles in a bowl, top with the salmon, and drizzle with any leftover glaze. Garnish with extra shallots or onions if desired, and serve immediately.