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Easy 20-Minute Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe with Sesame Bok Choy

honey garlic salmon - featured image

A quick and flavorful honey garlic salmon glazed to perfection, served with a fresh and crunchy sesame bok choy side. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6-ounce each), skin-on
  • 3 tablespoons honey (raw or local preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 pound bok choy, halved or quartered lengthwise
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced thinly
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides. (5 minutes)
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), and sesame oil. Set aside.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place salmon skin-side down. Sear for about 4-5 minutes without moving it to build a crispy skin.
  4. Flip salmon carefully and pour the honey garlic glaze over the top. Let it bubble and thicken for another 3-4 minutes, spooning the sauce over the fish occasionally until salmon is cooked through and glossy.
  5. While the salmon cooks, heat a separate pan over medium heat. Add a splash of sesame oil, then toss in the halved bok choy. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
  6. Add minced garlic near the end to avoid burning, splash a bit of soy sauce to season. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top before removing from heat.
  7. Plate the glazed salmon alongside the sesame bok choy. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

If glaze becomes too thick, add a teaspoon of water to loosen. Let salmon skin crisp fully before flipping. Add garlic to bok choy near the end to prevent bitterness. Pre-toast sesame seeds in bulk for convenience. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Vegan option: replace salmon with marinated tofu and adjust cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic salmon, sesame bok choy, quick dinner, easy salmon recipe, healthy salmon, weeknight meal, 20-minute recipe