Sticky Orange Gochujang Salmon (Printable Version)

Flaky salmon glazed with orange gochujang sauce, paired with rice, cucumber, avocado, and nori for a vibrant bowl.

# What You Need:

→ Salmon

01 - 2 skinless salmon fillets (approx. 5.3 oz each)
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Orange Gochujang Glaze

04 - 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
05 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
06 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
07 - 1 tablespoon honey
08 - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
09 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
10 - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
11 - 1 clove garlic, minced

→ Bowl Assembly

12 - 2 cups cooked short-grain rice, warm
13 - 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
14 - 1 avocado, sliced
15 - 1 sheet roasted nori, cut into strips
16 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
17 - 2 tablespoons sliced scallions

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
02 - Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper, then place them on the prepared tray.
03 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together gochujang, orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic until smooth.
04 - Brush half of the glaze evenly over the salmon fillets, then bake for 12 to 14 minutes until cooked through and flaky.
05 - While salmon bakes, warm cooked rice and prepare cucumber, avocado, nori, sesame seeds, and scallions.
06 - After baking, brush salmon with remaining glaze and broil for 1 to 2 minutes to achieve a sticky finish (optional).
07 - Divide warm rice between two bowls. Top each with a salmon fillet, cucumber slices, avocado, nori strips, toasted sesame seeds, and scallions.
08 - Serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The salmon cooks in under fifteen minutes, so weeknight dinners that feel fancy are actually doable.
  • Gochujang and orange juice create a glaze that tastes like it took hours but comes together in one bowl.
  • Every component stays distinct, so you get soft fish, crispy nori, creamy avocado, and crunchy cucumber all in one perfect bite.
02 -
  • Don't skip brushing the remaining glaze on after baking—that's what gives you that sticky, glossy finish that makes this feel special instead of just healthy.
  • If your avocado isn't quite ripe, slice it thinner and add it last so it doesn't turn brown from sitting in the warm rice.
03 -
  • Let your salmon fillets come to room temperature for five minutes before cooking so they cook evenly and stay moist inside.
  • If you don't have an oven-safe brush, use the back of a spoon to spread the glaze—it's less elegant but equally effective.
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