Pan-Seared Salmon with Ginger-Soy Glaze and Sesame Asparagus

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

Tender salmon fillets pan-seared to a golden crust, topped with a savory ginger-soy glaze, paired with crisp sesame asparagus for a balanced meal. This asian-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs 6 oz each, skin on salmon fillets, soy sauce, grated fresh ginger 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

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 tbsp honey, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp sesame oil to create the ginger-soy glaze.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 salmon fillets with 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip the salmon and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily. Remove salmon from skillet and keep warm.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tsp sesame oil. Add 1 lb trimmed asparagus spears and sauté for 5-6 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green.
  5. Step 5: Pour the ginger-soy glaze over the asparagus and toss to coat, cooking for another 1 minute until the glaze thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Serve the salmon fillets atop the glazed asparagus, garnished with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Ginger-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 Ginger-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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Ginger-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 Ginger-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 Ginger-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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