Honey-Sesame Glazed Salmon with Asparagus

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

A simple, elegant dinner featuring pan-seared salmon with a sticky-sweet glaze, served alongside tender asparagus. This asian-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs salmon fillets, sesame oil, honey 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.

★ 4.4 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon skin-side down and cook for 5 minutes until golden, then flip and cook for 3 more minutes.
  3. Step 3: Remove salmon from skillet and set aside. Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp honey and 2 tbsp soy sauce, then simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Return salmon to the skillet, coating with sauce, and cook for 1 minute to reheat.
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, toss 12 oz asparagus with 1 tbsp olive oil, season with salt, and roast on a baking sheet at 425°F for 12 minutes until crisp-tender.
  7. Step 7: Serve salmon with asparagus and lemon wedges on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Sesame Glazed Salmon with Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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-Sesame Glazed Salmon with 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-Sesame Glazed Salmon with 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-Sesame Glazed Salmon with Asparagus 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 Honey-Sesame Glazed Salmon with 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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