This sesame salmon with grilled zucchini is an easy, healthy dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes with minimal prep and cleanup. The salmon is broiled until just tender and flaky, while the zucchini is grilled for a little smoky flavor. Everything is finished with a simple sesame-soy sauce that ties the dish together without feeling heavy.
As a weeknight recipe cookbook author, I like to broil the salmon for reliable, weeknight-friendly results and grill the zucchini at the same time for added texture and flavor. It's the best of both worlds and keeps dinner simple without sacrificing taste.
If you're looking for more easy salmon dinners, be sure to check out my Grilled Salmon Salad, Lemon Pepper Salmon, or Pistachio Crusted Salmon.
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Why You'll Love This Sesame Salmon Recipe
- Quick: With the salmon under the broiler and the zucchini on the grill at the same time, this sesame salmon recipe comes together in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Light and Healthy: Grilled zucchini and a simple sesame-soy sauce keep the dish fresh, balanced, and satisfying without feeling heavy.
- Simple: This sesame salmon uses a short ingredient list and straightforward cooking methods, making it an easy weeknight dinner you'll want to repeat.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you'll need for this sesame salmon recipe:
- Salmon: Look for a center-cut salmon fillet so it cooks evenly under the broiler. Skin-on or skin-off both work well.
- Olive Oil: Used for cooking both the salmon and zucchini. A light coating helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the salmon and zucchini simply and effectively.
- Zucchini: Medium zucchini work best for slicing into long planks that grill evenly and develop light char marks.
- Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil adds rich, nutty flavor and is best used as a finishing ingredient.
- Soy Sauce: Adds savory depth to the sesame sauce. Tamari works as a substitute if needed.
- Rice Vinegar: Balances the sauce with a touch of acidity without overpowering the sesame flavor.
- Sesame Seeds: White or black sesame seeds add texture and visual interest.
- Cilantro: A fresh garnish that brightens the finished dish.
See recipe card below for quantities.
Directions
Let's make this salmon recipe together!
Preheat the Broiler
Set your oven broiler to high and preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates if needed. In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
Prepare the Salmon
Place the salmon fillet on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Broil for about 10 minutes, or until the salmon reaches 125-130°F for medium doneness.
Grill the Zucchini
While the salmon is broiling, toss the sliced zucchini with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for about 3 minutes per side, until tender with light char marks.
Serve
Spoon the sauce over the salmon and serve over the grilled zucchini. Finish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Tina's Tips and Tricks
- Don't overcook the salmon. Pull it from the broiler as soon as it flakes easily to keep it tender and juicy.
- Slice the zucchini evenly so it grills at the same rate and gets good char.
- Make sure the grill or grill pan is hot before adding the zucchini to prevent sticking.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this simple recipe.
- Zucchini: Swap in yellow squash or asparagus.
- Soy sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos if that's what you have on hand.
- Additions: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili crisp to the sesame sauce. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the salmon just before serving adds a bright finish. Whisk a small clove of finely minced garlic into the sauce for extra flavor.
- Serving ideas: Serve over rice or quinoa to make it a heartier meal. Flake the salmon and use it in rice bowls with the grilled zucchini. Serve family-style on a large platter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can grill the salmon over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it flakes easily. I prefer broiling for consistent, weeknight-friendly results, but both methods work well.
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches about 125-130°F for medium doneness. It should look opaque and feel slightly firm but still moist in the center.
No. Broiling cooks the salmon from the top down, so there's no need to flip it.
Sesame Soy Salmon & Grilled Zucchini
Ingredients
- 1 large salmon fillet about 1 lb
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 zucchini sliced lengthwise into â…›-inch planks
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ½ tablespoon sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler and grill: Set your oven broiler to high and preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates if needed.
- Broil the salmon: Place the salmon fillet on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Broil for about 10 minutes, or until the salmon reaches 125-130°F for medium doneness.
- Grill the zucchini: While the salmon is broiling, toss the sliced zucchini with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for about 3 minutes per side, until tender with light char marks.
- Make the sauce & serve: In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the sauce over the salmon and serve over the grilled zucchini. Finish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Did You Make This Recipe?
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