Pan Seared Salmon Recipe with Greens

This Pan Seared Salmon with Greens is a quick and easy skillet dinner simmered in a honey ginger soy sauce. It's tender, flaky, full of flavor, and ready in about 15 minutes.

Made in one skillet with salmon, leafy greens, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, it's a simple weeknight dinner that feels fresh, nourishing, and special without being fussy.

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Ingredients

Here is a quick list of what you'll need to make this easy salmon recipe. The ingredient measurements are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Salmon: I'm using a large fillet, but you can also use individual salmon fillets. Choose pieces that are similar in thickness so they cook evenly.
• Olive oil: For pan searing the salmon.
• Garlic and ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger bring so much flavor to the sauce. Ground ginger can be used in a pinch.
• Soy sauce: This adds savory depth to the honey ginger sauce.
• Honey: Just enough sweetness to balance the soy sauce and ginger.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional, but delicious if you like a hint of heat.
• Greens: Bok choy is beautiful here, but Swiss chard, kale, spinach, or other leafy greens also work well. If using bok choy or Swiss chard, separate the stems from the leafy tops so they cook evenly.

How to Make Pan Seared Salmon

Step-by-step instructions are also in the recipe card below.

1. Prepare the greens: If using bok choy or Swiss chard, separate the stems from the leafy tops. Chop the stems into small pieces and roughly chop the leaves. They will be added to the skillet at different times.
2. Make the honey soy sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
3. Pan sear the salmon: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon and the chopped stems of the greens. Pour the honey soy sauce over the salmon and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Cover and cook: Cover the skillet and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon.
5. Add the greens: Remove the lid, gently stir the sauce, and add the leafy greens. Cook briefly, just until the greens begin to wilt and the salmon is cooked through.

How to Tell When Salmon is Fully Cooked

The most reliable way to check salmon is with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the fillet.

For food safety, salmon should reach 145°F. Many cooks prefer salmon slightly less firm, but 145°F is the USDA-recommended temperature.

Without a thermometer, gently press the center of the fillet with a fork. When salmon flakes and separates easily along the white lines, it is likely done.

Salmon Recipe Tips

• Use a lidded skillet: Covering the skillet helps gently steam the salmon so it stays tender and moist.
• Cook skin-side down if using skin-on salmon: This helps protect the fish as it cooks and makes it easier to move in the skillet.
• Watch the thickness: Thin fillets cook quickly, while thicker fillets may need a few extra minutes.
• Marinate if you have time: For deeper flavor, mix the sauce and marinate the salmon for about 30 minutes, but not longer than 1 hour. Then cook the salmon with the marinade in the skillet.
• Use the greens you have: Bok choy, Swiss chard, kale, or spinach all work. Heartier greens may need a bit more cooking time, while spinach wilts almost immediately.

What to Serve with Pan Seared Salmon

This skillet salmon is delicious on its own with the greens and sauce, but it also pairs beautifully with steamed rice, couscous, quinoa, or roasted potatoes.

For a lighter dinner, serve it with a simple cucumber salad or extra greens on the side.

More Quick Dinner Ideas

If you loved this Pan Seared Salmon with Greens, you may also enjoy these easy weeknight recipes:

• 15 Minute Chicken and Broccoli
• Easy Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe
• Honey Glazed Salmon
• 10 Minute Air Fryer Salmon
• 15 Minute Spanish Baked Cod Recipe
• Oven Baked Fish and Vegetables