Seared Soy-Ginger Glazed Salmon with Sesame Rice

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

Pan-seared salmon fillets glazed with a savory soy-ginger sauce, served on a bed of fragrant sesame rice for a quick and healthy meal. This asian-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, soy sauce, fresh ginger, grated for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 460 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: 20 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 460 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice with 1 1/4 cups water and 1 tbsp sesame oil in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until tender and water is absorbed.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 tbsp honey, and 3 minced garlic cloves in a small bowl to create the glaze.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Pat dry 4 salmon fillets and sear skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until skin is crispy.
  4. Step 4: Flip the salmon and brush each fillet generously with the soy-ginger glaze. Cook an additional 3-4 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
  5. Step 5: Serve salmon over the sesame rice, garnished with 2 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Seared Soy-Ginger Glazed Salmon with 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 Seared Soy-Ginger Glazed Salmon with 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 (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Seared Soy-Ginger Glazed Salmon with 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 Seared Soy-Ginger Glazed Salmon with 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.

What goes well with Seared Soy-Ginger Glazed Salmon with Sesame Rice?

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.