Honey-Garlic Glazed Salmon with Sesame Asparagus

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

Pan-seared salmon glazed with a sweet and savory honey-garlic sauce, served alongside crisp asparagus tossed with toasted sesame seeds. This asian-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs salmon fillets, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.6 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each) with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 5 minutes without moving until skin is crisp. Flip and cook for 3 minutes more until just cooked through. Remove salmon and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return salmon to the pan and spoon the honey-garlic glaze over the fillets for 1 minute to coat.
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, steam 1 lb trimmed asparagus spears for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Toss asparagus with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving alongside the glazed salmon.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Garlic Glazed Salmon with Sesame Asparagus 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 Honey-Garlic Glazed Salmon with Sesame Asparagus?

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 Honey-Garlic Glazed Salmon with Sesame Asparagus?

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 Honey-Garlic Glazed Salmon with Sesame Asparagus 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 Honey-Garlic Glazed Salmon with Sesame Asparagus?

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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