Description

A quick, healthy, and forgiving 20-minute weeknight dinner featuring flaky salmon with a sticky sesame glaze and fluffy rice, all cooked on one sheet pan for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs salmon fillets (center-cut)
2 cups cooked instant rice (or regular rice cooked separately)
3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for the pan)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted)
2 stalks green onions, sliced
½ cup vegetable broth (optional, for regular rice)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large 18×13 inch sheet pan with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth. Set aside.
If using instant rice, cook according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and toss with half of the sesame glaze. Spread evenly on one half of the prepared sheet pan.
Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place fillets skin-side down on the other half of the sheet pan, ensuring they are not touching.
Brush the remaining glaze generously over the top of each salmon fillet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Remove from oven and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat the salmon dry before adding sauce to ensure proper browning. Use toasted sesame oil for authentic nutty flavor. If rice dries out, add a splash of water or broth before serving. For a spicy kick, add sriracha to the glaze. For a vegan option, substitute salmon with firm tofu.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fillet with 1/2 cu
Calories: 450
Sugar: 12
Sodium: 600
Fat: 15
Saturated Fat: 2
Carbohydrates: 40
Fiber: 2
Protein: 35

Keywords: sheet pan salmon, sesame salmon, healthy dinner, quick meals, weeknight dinner, one pan meal, gluten-free option, dairy-free