1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, toasted sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. This is your glaze—simple but packed with flavor.
3. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet. If your fillets have skin, leaving it on helps keep the fish moist during cooking and makes it easier to handle.
4. Brush the salmon generously with the glaze, reserving a little for later.
5. Bake the salmon for 10-12 minutes, depending on thickness. You’re aiming for the fish to be opaque and flake easily when tested with a fork.
6. About two minutes before the salmon is done, brush on the remaining glaze and switch the oven to broil. Keep a close eye on it—the glaze will caramelize quickly, creating that gorgeous sticky finish. Broil for 1-2 minutes or until the edges start to crisp slightly.
7. Remove from oven and let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.

Pro tip from my kitchen: I like to prepare the glaze while the oven’s heating up to keep things moving smoothly. It’s those little time savers that make weeknight cooking feel less overwhelming. Also, don’t skip the broil step if you want that authentic caramelized edge—my kids always ask for “the crunchy part,” and that’s exactly what it is.