Sesame-Glazed Salmon with Crisp Asparagus
Salmon fillets bathed in a sweet-savory sesame glaze, served with perfectly tender asparagus for a balanced, restaurant-quality dinner. This asian-inspired seafood (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, sesame seeds, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 12 oz, trimmed asparagus
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place salmon fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and 2 minced garlic cloves in a small bowl. Brush half the mixture over salmon.
- Step 3: Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon reaches 145°F internally, then remove from oven.
- Step 4: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz trimmed asparagus and cook for 5-7 minutes until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Toast 2 tbsp sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden, stirring constantly.
- Step 6: Plate salmon with asparagus, drizzle with remaining glaze, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sesame-Glazed Salmon with Crisp Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Sesame-Glazed Salmon with Crisp 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-Glazed Salmon with Crisp 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-Glazed Salmon with Crisp 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-Glazed Salmon with Crisp 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
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
