Honey-Garlic Glazed Salmon with Sesame-Spinach Stir Fry

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

Tender salmon fillets glazed with a sweet honey-garlic sauce, served over quickly stir-fried spinach with toasted sesame seeds for a nutritious meal. This asian-inspired seafood ready in about 23 minutes pairs (6 oz each) 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.

Prep: 8 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each) with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
  2. Step 2: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 5 minutes until the edges are crispy. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes until just cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Remove salmon from the pan and set aside. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 3 cloves minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, cooking and stirring for 2 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return the salmon to the pan and spoon the glaze over the fillets, cooking for an additional 1 minute to warm through.
  6. Step 6: In a separate large pan over medium heat, add 1 tsp sesame oil and 6 cups baby spinach. Stir fry the spinach for 2-3 minutes until wilted but still bright green.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat, sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the spinach, and serve the glazed salmon on a bed of sesame spinach.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 23 minutes (8 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-Spinach Stir Fry?

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 Honey-Garlic 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 Honey-Garlic 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 Honey-Garlic 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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