When it comes to quick, nutritious, and downright delicious dinners, salmon always delivers. And when you dress it up with a sticky honey glaze and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds? That’s a whole new level of flavor.
This honey glazed salmon with sesame seeds recipe brings together the perfect mix of sweet and savory, tender and crisp, indulgent and healthy. It’s the kind of dish that looks fancy but is shockingly simple to pull off. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just want something exciting for your Tuesday night dinner, this salmon won’t let you down.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are a lot of ways to cook salmon, but glazing it with honey and sesame makes it special. Here’s why this recipe is worth keeping on repeat:
- It’s fast. You can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
- It’s healthy. Packed with protein, omega-3s, and nutrient-rich ingredients.
- It’s flavorful. The glaze hits all the right notes—sweet, salty, tangy, and umami.
- It’s beautiful. That caramelized glaze and golden sesame seeds? Chef’s kiss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything that goes into this easy salmon recipe:
- Fresh salmon fillets (skin-on or off)
- Honey
- Low-sodium soy sauce
- Garlic (minced)
- Fresh ginger (grated)
- Sesame oil
- Rice vinegar or lemon juice
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Olive oil (for searing or baking)
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions, chili flakes
Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Stir until everything is well combined. This mixture becomes glossy and rich when cooked, sticking beautifully to the salmon.
How to Cook Honey Glazed Salmon with Sesame Seeds
You can cook this dish two main ways—pan-seared or baked. Both give excellent results, so it really depends on your mood (and your dishwashing tolerance).
Method 1: Pan-Seared
- Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Season salmon lightly with salt and pepper.
- Sear skin-side down (if applicable) for 4–5 minutes until crispy.
- Flip, cook the other side for 2–3 minutes.
- Add the glaze to the pan and spoon it over the salmon as it reduces.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Method 2: Oven Baked
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place salmon on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Brush with glaze and bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for a caramelized finish.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Serving Suggestions
This salmon pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sides. Here are some of our favorites:
- Steamed jasmine or brown rice
- Stir-fried veggies (bok choy, snap peas, bell peppers)
- Garlic noodles or soba
- Cucumber salad with rice vinegar
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
Want a low-carb option? Try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Nutritional Highlights
This dish isn’t just about flavor—it’s packed with nutrition, too. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
Note: Actual values may vary depending on portion size and ingredients used.
Make It Your Own
Want to experiment a little? This recipe is super flexible. Here are some fun ideas:
- Spicy Twist: Add a squirt of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Citrus Pop: Swap rice vinegar for fresh lime juice.
- Extra Crunch: Top with crushed roasted peanuts or sliced almonds.
- Sticky Glaze: Double the sauce and reduce it down separately for a thicker drizzle.
A Meal Prep Superstar
This honey glazed salmon keeps well and reheats beautifully, making it a great choice for meal prep. Simply store cooked fillets in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days. Add rice and steamed vegetables for a complete ready-to-eat lunch.
To reheat: Warm gently in the microwave with a damp paper towel on top to keep moisture in.
Perfect for Every Occasion
This recipe walks the line between casual and elegant, making it a fit for:
- Weeknight dinners when time is short
- Dinner parties with guests you want to impress
- Family meals that everyone (even picky eaters) will enjoy
- Special holidays like Easter, New Year’s, or Valentine’s Day
It’s a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t take a culinary degree to execute.
Tips for Success
- Pat the salmon dry before cooking to help it sear properly.
- Use skin-on fillets if you like crispy texture and extra flavor.
- Don’t overcook. Salmon is best when slightly pink in the center.
- Toast the sesame seeds. Just a few minutes in a dry pan makes a huge difference in flavor.
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before freezing.
- Repurpose leftovers into rice bowls, tacos, or flaked over salad.
Common Questions
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes! Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.
Q: Can I grill it instead?
A: Absolutely. Grill over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side and brush with glaze during the last few minutes.
Q: What’s the best type of salmon?
A: Atlantic, sockeye, or coho all work well. Just go for fillets of even thickness.
Q: Can I make it without sesame seeds?
A: Of course. The sesame adds flavor and texture, but the dish is still great without it.
Pairing Ideas for a Full Meal
Want to elevate this dish into a restaurant-style experience? Try pairing it with:
- A glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
- A chilled cucumber mint salad to cool the palate
- Sweet potato mash with a hint of cinnamon
- Jasmine rice with edamame for extra protein
- Steamed bok choy with sesame oil drizzle
Make It a Bowl
One of the easiest ways to turn this recipe into a full one-bowl meal is by layering it over grains and veggies. Try this combo:
- Start with brown rice or quinoa
- Add shredded carrots and cucumber slices
- Lay the salmon on top
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped scallions
- Finish with an extra drizzle of honey-soy glaze
Salmon for Special Diets
Need to adjust this for dietary needs? You can easily adapt it:
- Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Low sodium: Choose low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added salt.
- Low sugar: Cut the honey in half or swap with monk fruit syrup.
- Dairy-free & Paleo-friendly: Already qualifies!