Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey-Ginger Glaze and Sesame Spinach

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

Crisp-skinned salmon glazed with a sweet honey-ginger sauce served atop sautéed sesame spinach. This Asian-inspired Father’s Day recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs salmon fillets, salt, black pepper 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 salmon fillets with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until skin is crispy and golden.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 2 tbsp soy sauce.
  5. Step 5: Remove salmon from pan and set aside. Lower heat to medium, add 2 minced garlic cloves to the pan, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Add 6 cups fresh spinach and 1 tsp sesame oil, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts.
  7. Step 7: Return salmon to pan, pour honey-ginger glaze over fillets, and cook for 1 minute to warm the sauce and coat the fish.
  8. Step 8: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over spinach and salmon before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey-Ginger Glaze and Sesame 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey-Ginger Glaze and Sesame Spinach?

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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey-Ginger Glaze and Sesame 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey-Ginger Glaze and Sesame Spinach 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 Honey-Ginger Glaze and Sesame Spinach?

Asian father’s day 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes