Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Soy Glaze and Sesame Asparagus

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

Salmon fillets pan-seared to golden perfection topped with a bright citrus soy glaze, served alongside tender sesame-seasoned asparagus. This asian-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (5 oz each) salmon fillets, soy sauce, orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp honey, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger until combined.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 salmon fillets with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place fillets skin-side down and sear for 4 minutes until edges are crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon and pour the citrus soy glaze over them. Cook for another 3 minutes, spooning glaze over the fillets, until salmon is cooked through and glaze thickens.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, toss 1 lb trimmed asparagus with 1 tbsp sesame oil and 1/2 tsp salt. Heat a separate skillet over medium heat and sauté asparagus for 5 minutes until tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1 tbsp sesame seeds over asparagus before serving alongside glazed salmon.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Soy Glaze and 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Soy Glaze and Sesame Asparagus?

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 (5 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Soy Glaze and 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Soy Glaze and Sesame 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Soy Glaze and 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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