Half-Glazed Citrus Salmon with Sesame Rice

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

Pan-seared salmon fillets glazed with a tangy half orange and half lemon sauce, paired with fluffy sesame-infused jasmine rice for a bright, balanced meal. This asian fusion-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rinsed rice with 1 1/4 cups water in a pot, add a pinch of salt, cover, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
  3. Step 3: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 salmon fillets with salt and black pepper. Place salmon skin-side down in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until the edges are crispy.
  4. Step 4: Flip the salmon and immediately pour the citrus glaze over the fillets. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, spooning the glaze over the salmon occasionally, until the glaze thickens and the salmon is cooked to medium.
  5. Step 5: Serve the salmon fillets atop the sesame rice, spooning any remaining glaze from the pan over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Glazed Citrus Salmon with Sesame Rice take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Half-Glazed Citrus Salmon with Sesame Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Glazed Citrus Salmon with Sesame Rice?

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 Half-Glazed Citrus Salmon with Sesame Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Half-Glazed Citrus Salmon with Sesame Rice?

Asian Fusion 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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