Garlic-Soy Glazed Salmon with Sesame Spinach Stir-Fry

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-seared salmon glazed in a savory garlic-soy sauce served alongside tender sesame-infused spinach stir-fry. This Asian-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs salmon fillets, soy sauce, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil until combined.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until the edges are crispy. Flip salmon and pour half the garlic-soy glaze over the fillets, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and glaze thickens. Remove salmon and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 5 cups fresh spinach. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until wilted but still bright green. Pour remaining garlic-soy glaze over spinach, sprinkle with 1 tbsp sesame seeds and black pepper to taste, tossing to coat and warm through.
  4. Step 4: Serve salmon on plates with the sesame spinach alongside.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Soy Glazed Salmon with Sesame Spinach Stir-Fry take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Garlic-Soy Glazed Salmon with Sesame Spinach Stir-Fry?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Soy Glazed Salmon with Sesame Spinach Stir-Fry?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Garlic-Soy Glazed Salmon with Sesame Spinach Stir-Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Garlic-Soy Glazed Salmon with Sesame Spinach Stir-Fry?

Asian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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