Honey Sesame Salmon with Rice Noodles and Asparagus

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honey Sesame Salmon with Rice Noodles and Asparagus is a flavorful, balanced dish that combines tender, caramelized salmon with a sweet and savory honey sesame marinade, served alongside perfectly cooked rice noodles and roasted asparagus. The combination of the rich flavors from the salmon, the lightness of the noodles, and the crisp tenderness of the asparagus creates a complete and satisfying meal. This recipe is not only quick to prepare, but it’s also healthy and bursting with vibrant flavors, making it a great choice for dinner or a special occasion!

Ingredients

For Honey Sesame Salmon:

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil

• 3 tablespoons honey

• 4 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free option)

• 4 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Pinch of powdered ginger

• 1.2 lb salmon (about 4 fillets)

For Rice Noodles and Asparagus:

• 8 ounces rice noodles (very thin)

• 1 lb asparagus

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Honey Sesame Marinade

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together sesame oil, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and a pinch of ginger.

2. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in a baking dish and pour the marinade over the salmon. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to let the flavors meld.

Bake the Salmon

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake the marinated salmon uncovered in the same dish for 15 minutes.

3. Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven. Pour the marinade into a small saucepan.

Broil the Salmon

1. Preheat the broiler.

2. Use a spatula to remove the skin from the salmon.

3. Broil the salmon for about 5 minutes (or longer depending on your broiler) until it caramelizes and develops a slightly crispy texture.

Reduce the Sauce

1. While the salmon is broiling, bring the marinade to a boil in the saucepan.

2. Let it reduce slightly to thicken the sauce (do not over-reduce, it should still be pourable).

Cook Rice Noodles and Asparagus

1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.

2. Place the asparagus in a glass baking dish, season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil.

3. Bake the asparagus in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, until tender but still slightly crispy.

Assemble the Dish

1. Place a scoop of rice noodles in the center of each plate.

2. Add several sprigs of asparagus on the side.

3. Top with a serving of salmon and pour the reduced sauce over the salmon.

4. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the salmon with tofu or tempeh, marinating and cooking the same way for a plant-based version.

• Different Vegetables: Instead of asparagus, you can use roasted broccoli, green beans, or bok choy for a different vegetable pairing.

• Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade for some extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the salmon gently in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. The noodles and asparagus can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just be sure to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also cook the asparagus and noodles ahead of time and reheat them when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use other types of fish?

Yes, other types of fish like trout, halibut, or tilapia can be used instead of salmon. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish.

4. Can I make this recipe with a different kind of pasta?

If you don’t have rice noodles, you can use spaghetti or another pasta of your choice. Just cook it according to package instructions.

5. How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

6. Can I make the sauce spicier?

Yes, if you like spice, add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick.

7. Can I use a different oil for cooking?

You can substitute sesame oil with olive oil or avocado oil, but the flavor will be slightly different.

8. Can I use bottled pesto instead of making my own?

Yes, bottled pesto can be used, but fresh homemade pesto will give a more vibrant and rich flavor.

9. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas to the rice noodles or roast them alongside the asparagus.

10. Can I serve this with a different side dish?

Yes, this dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a side salad if you prefer a lighter or different side.

Conclusion

Honey Sesame Salmon with Rice Noodles and Asparagus is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors. The tender salmon, infused with a rich honey sesame sauce, paired with the light rice noodles and roasted asparagus, makes for a healthy, satisfying meal. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation!

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