Sesame-Glazed Salmon with Bok Choy and Sesame Seeds

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

Pan-seared salmon with a nutty sesame glaze, paired with tender bok choy in a garlic-infused butter sauce. This asian-inspired keto (gluten-free) ready in about 22 minutes pairs 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 380 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1 lb salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes until skin is crispy.
  2. Step 2: Flip salmon and cook for 3 more minutes until opaque. Remove salmon and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups chopped bok choy and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bok choy is tender but still crisp.
  5. Step 5: Whisk together 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp water. Pour sauce over bok choy and simmer for 1 minute until slightly thickened.
  6. Step 6: Return salmon to the skillet, spooning sauce over it. Sprinkle with 1 tsp sesame seeds and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sesame-Glazed Salmon with Bok Choy and Sesame Seeds take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Bok Choy and Sesame Seeds?

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 salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sesame-Glazed Salmon with Bok Choy and Sesame Seeds?

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 Bok Choy and Sesame Seeds 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-Glazed Salmon with Bok Choy and Sesame Seeds 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.

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