Step by step

Method

4 steps

1. 1

   Pat 1–1½ pounds salmon fillets dry and place on a lightly oiled sheet pan or in a baking dish. Mince 3 garlic cloves and optional 1 teaspoon ginger. Mix glaze: 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey or sugar, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 tablespoon oil, garlic, black pepper, and optional minced chili.

2. 2

   Brush salmon generously with glaze; let sit 10–15 minutes at room temp while the oven heats to 400°F. Scatter thin onion or shallot slices around if you like.

3. 3

   Bake 10–14 minutes depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes and the thickest part is just opaque (about 125–130°F internal if you check). Spoon pan juices over once halfway. For a stickier top, broil 1–2 minutes at the end — watch so the sugar doesn't burn.

4. 4

   Rest 2 minutes. Finish with herbs (cilantro, green onion) and lime wedges. Serve with rice and cucumber. Salmon should be glossy, savory-sweet with fish-sauce depth — moist in the center, not chalky and dry.