Honey-Ginger Glazed Salmon with Sesame Sautéed Spinach

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

Pan-seared salmon fillets glazed with a honey-ginger sauce, paired with quick sesame sautéed spinach for a vibrant, healthy meal. This asian fusion-inspired seafood ready in about 25 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Asian Fusion cuisine 420 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

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 nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place salmon skin-side down and sear for 5 minutes until crisp and golden. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes until just cooked through. Remove salmon to a plate.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 3 tbsp honey, and 2 tbsp soy sauce. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  4. Step 4: Return salmon to the skillet and spoon the honey-ginger glaze over the fillets. Cook for 1 more minute to coat and warm through.
  5. Step 5: In a separate pan, heat 1 tbsp sesame oil over medium heat. Add 6 cups baby spinach and sauté for 2 minutes until wilted but still bright green.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds over the spinach before serving alongside the glazed salmon.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Ginger Glazed Salmon with Sesame Sautéed Spinach 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-Ginger Glazed Salmon with Sesame Sautéed Spinach?

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-Ginger Glazed Salmon with Sesame Sautéed Spinach?

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-Ginger Glazed Salmon with Sesame Sautéed Spinach 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-Ginger Glazed Salmon with Sesame Sautéed Spinach?

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.