Sesame-Ginger Baked Salmon with Asparagus
Perfectly seared salmon fillets with a glossy sesame-ginger glaze, paired with tender asparagus spears for a healthy yet indulgent weeknight dinner. This asian-inspired seafood (gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, sesame oil, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 2 (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh ginger
- 1/2 cup asparagus
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp grated ginger; brush evenly over salmon fillets.
- Step 4: Arrange 1/2 cup trimmed asparagus spears around salmon on the baking sheet and sprinkle with 1 tbsp sesame seeds.
- Step 5: Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork, checking at 12 minutes.
- Step 6: Let rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and juices to redistribute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sesame-Ginger Baked Salmon with Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Sesame-Ginger Baked Salmon with 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 (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sesame-Ginger Baked Salmon with 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 Sesame-Ginger Baked Salmon with Asparagus for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Sesame-Ginger Baked Salmon with Asparagus gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.