Sesame-Glazed Salmon with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes
Pan-seared salmon coated in a sweet-savory sesame glaze, served with vibrant asparagus and cherry tomatoes. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 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 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 (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp honey in a bowl until smooth.
- Step 2: Pat 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) dry, then brush both sides with the glaze.
- Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down, cook 3 minutes until golden, flip, and add 1 bunch trimmed and cut asparagus (2-inch pieces) and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes around salmon.
- Step 4: Transfer to a 400°F oven and roast 10-12 minutes until salmon flakes easily, then sprinkle with 1 tsp sesame seeds.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sesame-Glazed Salmon with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Sesame-Glazed Salmon with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes?
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-Glazed Salmon with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes?
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-Glazed Salmon with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Sesame-Glazed Salmon with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes?
American 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This dish is a game-changer! The sesame glaze made the salmon so aromatic, and the cherry tomatoes were the perfect counterpoint. Served it to guests and they were impressed.
- ★★★★★
Quick and delicious. I made it for date night and it was a hit. The cherry tomatoes added a nice burst of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the flavors, but the asparagus was a bit soggy. Otherwise, a great recipe. 4 stars.
Equipment for this recipe
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