Pan-Seared Salmon with Spiced Quinoa and Citrus Glaze

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

Crisp-skinned salmon paired with fragrant quinoa cooked with warm spices and finished with a bright citrus glaze. This international-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs salmon fillets, quinoa, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 International cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa, 2 cups water, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp ground coriander. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove to create the citrus glaze.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 salmon fillets with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is crisp. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until salmon is just cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Remove salmon and set aside. Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet and pour in the citrus glaze. Cook over medium heat for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Serve salmon atop spiced quinoa, drizzle with the citrus glaze from the skillet, and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Spiced Quinoa and Citrus Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Spiced Quinoa and Citrus Glaze?

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 Spiced Quinoa and Citrus Glaze?

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 Spiced Quinoa and Citrus Glaze 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 Spiced Quinoa and Citrus Glaze?

International 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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