Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze and Sesame Rice
Crisp-skinned salmon glazed with a sweet and savory honey soy sauce, paired with fragrant sesame rice. This asian-inspired seafood (gluten-free option) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets, soy sauce, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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 honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
- 1.5 cups water
- 2 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 stalks, thinly sliced green onions
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice with 1.5 cups water in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
- Step 2: Remove rice from heat, fluff with a fork, then stir in 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 tsp sesame seeds, and 2 sliced green onions.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar until smooth.
- Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 salmon fillets with 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Place salmon skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until skin is crisp and golden.
- Step 6: Flip salmon and brush the top with half the honey soy glaze. Cook 3-4 more minutes until salmon is cooked through.
- Step 7: Remove salmon from heat, brush with remaining glaze, and serve immediately over the prepared sesame rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze and Sesame Rice take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze and Sesame Rice?
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 Honey Soy Glaze and Sesame Rice?
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 Soy Glaze and Sesame Rice 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.
Is Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze and Sesame Rice gluten-free option?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
