Print

Easy Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe with Sesame Bok Choy for Perfect Dinner

honey garlic salmon - featured image

A quick and easy honey garlic salmon recipe paired with nutty sesame bok choy, perfect for a satisfying and flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces / 170 grams each), skin-on or skinless
  • 3 tablespoons honey (local or wildflower honey works great for depth)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best for punchy flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (adds subtle tang)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil (for searing)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound (450 grams) baby bok choy, halved or quartered lengthwise
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (gives that signature nutty aroma)
  • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar until well combined.
  2. Season the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. Marinate the salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the bowl or a shallow dish and pour over half the honey garlic marinade. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  4. Cook the salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on). Cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving, until the skin is crispy and the fish is cooked about halfway through. Flip gently and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes, spooning some marinade over the top as it cooks.
  5. Prepare the sesame bok choy: While the salmon cooks, heat the toasted sesame oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds. Toss in the bok choy, sprinkle lightly with salt, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
  6. Combine and serve: Plate the salmon alongside the sesame bok choy, drizzle with remaining honey garlic marinade warmed slightly if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before searing for a crispy skin. Do not marinate longer than 30 minutes to avoid mushy texture. Use a fish spatula to flip salmon gently. If marinade thickens too much while cooking, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it. Stir-fry bok choy quickly to keep it tender-crisp.

Nutrition

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