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Soy-Ginger Salmon Slaw

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This flavorful dish features salmon marinated in tamari, ginger and hot pepper sauce for bold, spicy depth. Grilled to perfection, the fillets are served over a fresh, crisp cabbage slaw tossed with a sweet-sesame vinaigrette. Together, the combination is both satisfying and refreshing, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. A vibrant balance of savory, sweet, and heat in under 30 minutes.

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Published By Ioana
Updated on Fri, 01 Aug 2025 13:23:16 GMT
A bowl of food with a piece of salmon and cabbage. Bookmark
A bowl of food with a piece of salmon and cabbage. | ioanacooks.com

This soy ginger salmon paired with sesame cabbage slaw has become one of my go to meals when I need something flavorful yet effortless. The marinade infuses the fish with deep savory spice while the crunchy slaw adds a cool balance. It is a vibrant dish that always earns compliments.

The first time I made this I had just bought a beautiful head of cabbage from the market and needed a protein to match its crisp bite. This combo delivered more than I expected and it has stayed in rotation ever since.

Ingredients

  • Salmon fillets: choose firm fillets about six ounces each for even cooking
  • Tamari: gives the marinade a salty umami base and is gluten free
  • Fresh ginger: adds a bold fragrant note grate finely for best flavor
  • Hot pepper sauce: brings gentle heat feel free to adjust to your taste
  • Lime juice and zest: provide brightness and balance the heat
  • Vegetable oil: used in both marinade and dressing for neutral richness
  • Rice or cider vinegar: gives the slaw a tangy lift choose unfiltered if possible
  • Honey: adds sweetness to counter the vinegar and spice
  • Toasted sesame oil: deepens the dressing with nutty warmth
  • Cabbage: shredded thinly it becomes the crisp base of the slaw
  • Chives: add mild onion flavor and a touch of green
  • Toasted sesame seeds: bring texture and subtle crunch
  • Salt and ground pepper: round out the slaw with seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Grill:
Heat your grill or grill pan over medium high until hot but not smoking this ensures the salmon cooks evenly and gets good sear marks
Mix the Marinade:
In a shallow bowl whisk together two tablespoons vegetable oil tamari lime juice and zest hot pepper sauce and grated ginger make sure it is well blended
Marinate the Salmon:
Add the salmon fillets turning to coat each one in the marinade let them rest for fifteen to twenty minutes flipping occasionally so they absorb flavor evenly
Prepare the Dressing:
In a mixing bowl combine vinegar honey sesame oil and remaining vegetable oil whisk until emulsified and smooth
Build the Slaw:
Add shredded cabbage to the dressing and toss thoroughly so every piece is coated then stir in the chives and sesame seeds and season with salt and pepper
Grill the Salmon:
Place fillets skin side down on the grill and cook for three minutes per side for medium rare or four minutes for fully cooked remove carefully to avoid breaking
Assemble and Serve:
Place a generous portion of slaw on each plate and top with a grilled salmon fillet serve immediately while warm
A piece of cooked salmon with sesame seeds on top. Bookmark
A piece of cooked salmon with sesame seeds on top. | ioanacooks.com

I especially love the way the toasted sesame oil brings depth to the slaw it reminds me of a dressing my grandmother used to make and always takes me back to her kitchen

Storage Tips

Leftover salmon and slaw should be stored separately in airtight containers the fish will keep well in the fridge for up to two days while the slaw is best consumed within twenty four hours to retain crunch

Ingredient Substitutions

If tamari is unavailable low sodium soy sauce works well
Cider vinegar can stand in for rice vinegar with a slightly fruitier tang
Use maple syrup in place of honey for a vegan friendly dressing

Serving Suggestions

Serve over warm jasmine rice for a more filling option
Garnish with extra lime wedges and fresh herbs like cilantro for added freshness
Pair with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with citrus

A salmon dish with sesame seeds and cabbage. Bookmark
A salmon dish with sesame seeds and cabbage. | ioanacooks.com

Cultural Context

This dish draws on classic Asian flavor profiles like soy ginger and sesame and combines them with accessible cooking techniques making it a beautiful fusion of tradition and simplicity

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute tamari with soy sauce?

Yes, soy sauce can be used in place of tamari if gluten isn't a concern. Tamari has a deeper flavor and is gluten-free.

→ What can I use instead of salmon?

Steelhead trout or firm white fish like cod or halibut work well as substitutes for salmon in this dish.

→ Can I make the slaw ahead of time?

Yes, the slaw can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Add sesame seeds just before serving.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. Cooked salmon and slaw store well separately for up to 2 days in the fridge. Reheat salmon gently before serving.

→ Can I grill the salmon indoors?

Yes, a stovetop grill pan works perfectly. Heat it well and lightly oil to prevent sticking before cooking the salmon.

Soy-Ginger Salmon Slaw

Savory soy-ginger salmon with crisp sesame cabbage slaw makes a flavorful, balanced meal.

Time Needed to Prep
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Medium Difficulty

Type of Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Number of Portions: 4 How Many It Serves (4 salmon fillets with slaw)

Dietary Preferences: No Gluten, Dairy-Free Suitable

Ingredients You'll Need

→ For the Salmon

Ingredient 01 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Ingredient 02 3 tablespoons tamari
Ingredient 03 1 lime, zested and juiced
Ingredient 04 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
Ingredient 05 1 piece fresh ginger (3-inch), peeled and grated
Ingredient 06 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)

→ For the Cabbage Slaw

Ingredient 07 ½ cup rice vinegar or cider vinegar
Ingredient 08 ¼ cup honey
Ingredient 09 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
Ingredient 10 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Ingredient 11 1 small head or ½ large head cabbage, shredded (about 4 cups)
Ingredient 12 ½ bunch snipped chives (about ¼ cup)
Ingredient 13 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Ingredient 14 ¼ teaspoon salt
Ingredient 15 ⅛ teaspoon ground pepper

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

Step 02

In a shallow dish, combine 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, tamari, lime juice and zest, hot pepper sauce, and grated ginger.

Step 03

Add salmon fillets to the marinade and turn to coat. Let sit for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally.

Step 04

In a bowl, whisk vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and remaining 2 tablespoons vegetable oil until well combined.

Step 05

Add shredded cabbage to the dressing and toss to coat. Add chives and sesame seeds. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 06

Grill salmon fillets for 3 minutes per side for medium-rare or 4 minutes per side for well done.

Step 07

Serve grilled salmon over the sesame cabbage slaw.

Extra Tips

  1. For best flavor, allow the salmon to rest in the marinade while prepping the slaw.

Tools You'll Need

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Shallow dish

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains fish (salmon) and sesame
  • May contain soy depending on tamari used

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 489
  • Total Fat: 28 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 23 grams
  • Protein Amount: 37 grams