Do Share Recipe

I’ve always loved experimenting with Korean recipes, and recently, I tried making Yeoneojang (Soy Marinated Raw Salmon) Recipe, a soy-marinated raw salmon dish. I was amazed at how simple ingredients could transform fresh salmon into a buttery, flavorful delight. Every bite bursts with the perfect balance of sweetness and savoriness.

If you love raw fish like sashimi, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. It’s easy to make, elegant, and perfect for a quick weeknight treat or a fancy dinner. You can also enjoy similar flavors in a Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl for a heartier Korean-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need for this flavorful Korean dish. I like to highlight a few tips for each ingredient to get the best results:

For the salmon:

1 pound fresh salmon — always use high-quality, sushi-grade salmon for safety and taste.

For the marinade:

1/2 cup soy sauce — use a naturally brewed soy sauce for a richer flavor.
1 cup water — plain filtered water works best to keep the marinade clean-tasting.
1/4 cup rice wine — adds mild sweetness and depth.
1.5 tablespoons sugar — balances the saltiness of the soy sauce perfectly.

For the vegetables:

1/2 small onion — thinly sliced to add a subtle crunch and aroma.
1 or 2 green or red chili peppers — optional, but adds a gentle heat and color.
1/2 lemon — slices or juice, for a hint of freshness.

Optional garnish and condiment for serving:

Thin slices of onion and lemon
Microgreens or baby sprouts
Wasabi (Japanese horseradish)

Note: Several servings — this recipe makes about 4 servings depending on portion size.

Variations

If you want to tweak this recipe to your preferences, here are some ideas:

For a sugar-free version, substitute sugar with a small amount of honey or agave syrup.
If you prefer milder flavors, remove the chili peppers or replace with a pinch of paprika.
For a dairy-free and completely traditional Korean style, simply stick to the classic marinade.
Add a small piece of dried kelp (dasima) to the marinade to enhance umami flavor.
Mix in thin slices of garlic or ginger for a more aromatic kick.
For a sweet dessert twist after your meal, try the Pumpkin Rum Cake for a rich, seasonal finish

Cooking Time

Here’s a simple breakdown of the time required:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time (marinade boiling): 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time for best results)

Equipment You Need

These tools will make the recipe easier and safer:

Saucepan — for boiling the marinade.
Cutting board and sharp knife — to slice salmon and vegetables evenly.
Airtight container — essential for marinating and storing salmon in the fridge.
Measuring cups and spoons — to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.

How to Make YEONEOJANG Recipe?

Making Yeoneojang is straightforward, but attention to detail makes all the difference.

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by combining soy sauce, water, rice wine, and sugar in a saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil for about a minute or two, then allow it to cool completely. This ensures your salmon absorbs the flavors without cooking it.

Step 2: Slice the Vegetables

Thinly slice the onion, chili peppers, and lemon. These add subtle aroma, color, and a refreshing bite to the salmon once marinated.

Step 3: Prepare the Salmon

Cut the fresh salmon fillet into 1/4-inch thick pieces, approximately 2–3 inches long. Uniform slices help the marinade penetrate evenly, giving each bite consistent flavor.

Step 4: Combine Salmon and Vegetables

Place the salmon in an airtight container and add the onion, chili, and lemon slices. Keep it in the fridge while the marinade cools, preventing the fish from slightly cooking from the heat.

Step 5: Pour the Marinade

Once cooled, pour the marinade over the salmon and vegetables. Cover tightly and refrigerate. The salmon is ready to enjoy after 4–5 hours, but flavors deepen if eaten the next day. Best consumed within 2 days.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my experience making Yeoneojang, these tips really help:

I always use sushi-grade salmon for safety and buttery texture.
Cooling the marinade completely before pouring is key to keeping salmon raw and tender.
Slice vegetables thinly to ensure they don’t overpower the salmon flavor.
Taste the marinade before pouring; adjusting sugar or soy sauce can balance the dish perfectly.
I sometimes let the salmon sit for 24 hours for a more intense flavor.

How to Serve YEONEOJANG Recipe?

Presentation makes this dish even more enjoyable.

Serve over steamed rice as a deopbap (rice bowl with toppings) for a complete meal.
Garnish with thin onion slices, lemon, or microgreens to make it visually appealing.
Serve a small side of wasabi for those who like a spicy kick.
Spoon a little extra marinade over the salmon and rice for added flavor.
It also pairs beautifully with a poke bowl, mixing raw vegetables, avocado, and sesame seeds.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the key nutrition facts per serving:

Calories: ~250 kcal — thanks to the rich salmon and light marinade.
Protein: 23g — salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein.
Carbohydrates: 5g — mainly from the sugar in the marinade.
Fat: 15g — healthy omega-3 fats from fresh salmon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

Keep marinated salmon in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 2 days. Avoid longer storage to maintain raw texture and taste.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing after marinating, as it affects texture and flavor. Instead, freeze fresh salmon and marinate after thawing if needed.

Reheating

Since this is a raw dish, do not cook or heat it. Serve cold straight from the fridge for the best taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Yeoneojang isn’t just delicious; it’s versatile and convenient. Here’s why I adore it:

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and simple ingredients make it beginner-friendly.
Flavorful and Rich: Sweet, savory, and buttery salmon tastes luxurious without heavy sauces.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Customizable: You can adjust heat, sweetness, or garnish to your liking.
Perfect for Entertaining: Elegant enough to impress guests yet easy enough for weeknights.

If you’re a fan of sashimi or raw fish, Yeoneojang is a must-try. The marinade is simple, but it transforms fresh salmon into a truly unforgettable dish. Whether served on rice, in a poke bowl, or as a side, it’s a Korean delicacy that’s easy to enjoy at home.

Ben Carraoli