Sake Ginger Glazed Salmon

1 . Stage

Marinate the salmon: Mix the soy sauce, sake, mirin, ginger, garlic, chile flakes, and sugar in a medium bowl. Place the salmon fillets in a sturdy freezer bag. Pour the marinade into the freezer bag with the fish. Seal the freezer bag and place in a baking dish (so that if the bag leaks it doesn't get all over your fridge). Place in your refrigerator and chill at least an hour, preferably several hours.

2 . Stage

Simmer marinade, reduce by half: Remove the salmon fillets from the marinade. Place the marinade in a small saucepan and heat it until it simmers. Simmer it for several minutes or until the sauce has reduced by half. 3a Grilling method: Brush the grill grates with olive oil; pre-heat your grill to medium heat. Place salmon fillets on a piece of aluminum foil (brushed with olive oil) over the grill grate, skin side down. Brush the salmon with the marinade glaze. Cover the grill. Cook the salmon 6-10 minutes (depending on thickness of the fillets), brushing again with the marinade halfway through the cooking, until the salmon is just barely cooked, and easily flaked with a fork. 3b Pan frying method: Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the salmon 3 to 4 minutes per side, basting frequently with the marinade. Serve once the salmon is just barely cooked through and is easily flaked with a fork. 3c Baking method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking dish with aluminum foil. Brush the top of the foil with olive oil. Place salmon on the foil, skin side down. Brush with marinade. Bake for 10-15 minutes depending on how thick the fillets are, basting frequently with the marinade, until the salmon is barely cooked through and is easily flaked with a fork. Links: Grilled salmon with Asian dipping sauce from Kalyn's Kitchen