Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Soy Glaze and Garlic Bok Choy
Salmon fillets pan-seared to crisp perfection topped with a tangy citrus soy glaze and served with sautéed garlic bok choy. This asian-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets, soy sauce, freshly squeezed orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 lb, halved lengthwise bok choy
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 stalks, sliced for garnish green onions
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar until the honey dissolves.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 salmon fillets with 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place them skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and releases easily from the pan.
- Step 3: Flip the salmon and cook for another 3 minutes while spooning the citrus soy glaze over the tops repeatedly. Remove salmon from the skillet and tent with foil.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 2 tsp sesame oil. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 lb halved bok choy. Sauté over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until the bok choy is tender but still crisp, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: If desired, sprinkle 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes over the bok choy for a subtle heat. Serve the salmon on plates topped with sliced green onions and the sautéed garlic bok choy on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Soy Glaze and Garlic Bok Choy take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Soy Glaze and Garlic Bok Choy?
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 soy sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Soy Glaze and Garlic Bok Choy?
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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Soy Glaze and Garlic Bok Choy 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Soy Glaze and Garlic Bok Choy?
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.