Description: This Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon with Roasted Asparagus is a delightful and healthy meal that’s both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. The sweet and savory honey garlic sauce perfectly complements the richness of the salmon, while the roasted asparagus provides a crisp and vibrant side. It’s a restaurant-quality dish you can easily recreate in your own kitchen!
Ingredients:
- For the Salmon:
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
- For the Honey Garlic Glaze:
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- For the Roasted Asparagus:
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Asparagus: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is preheating, wash and thoroughly dry the asparagus. Trimming is important; snap off the tough ends of the asparagus stalks – they will naturally break where the stalk becomes tender. Place the trimmed asparagus in a large bowl.
Step 2: Season the Asparagus: Drizzle the asparagus with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the asparagus is evenly coated. Spread the seasoned asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet. This prevents overcrowding, which allows the asparagus to roast and become tender-crisp instead of steaming.
Step 3: Roast the Asparagus: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 10-12 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp and slightly browned. The roasting time will depend on the thickness of your asparagus spears. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. You want them to have a slight char, but still retain a bit of their snap.
Step 4: Prepare the Honey Garlic Glaze: While the asparagus is roasting, prepare the honey garlic glaze. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. If you want a little kick, add the red pepper flakes. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
Step 5: Thicken the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. This prevents the cornstarch from clumping when added to the hot liquid. Once the honey and soy sauce mixture begins to simmer, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while continuously whisking. Continue to simmer the glaze, whisking constantly, for 3-4 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside.
Step 6: Prepare the Salmon: While the glaze is simmering, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure a nice sear. Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
Step 7: Sear the Salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Sear the salmon for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown (if using skin-on fillets) and the bottom of the fillets are nicely browned.
Step 8: Bake the Salmon (Optional): If your salmon fillets are thick, you may want to finish cooking them in the oven to ensure they are cooked through. Transfer the skillet with the seared salmon to the preheated oven and bake for 3-5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C).
Step 9: Glaze the Salmon: Remove the skillet from the oven (if you baked the salmon) and brush the tops of the salmon fillets generously with the honey garlic glaze.
Step 10: Broil the Salmon (Optional): For an extra glossy and caramelized finish, you can broil the salmon for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning. The glaze should bubble and caramelize beautifully.
Step 11: Serve and Garnish: Serve the Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon immediately over a bed of roasted asparagus. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Offer lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the salmon and asparagus.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon with Roasted Asparagus is a winning combination of flavors and textures. The salmon is moist and flaky, complemented by the sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. The roasted asparagus adds a delightful crunch and a pop of fresh green flavor. The recipe is also relatively quick and easy to make, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. It is also a healthy and nutritious option, packed with protein, vitamins, and antioxidants. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress family and friends!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious honey garlic glaze.
- Pair with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for a complete meal.
- Add a fresh salad for a light and refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the salmon.
- Serve with a chilled glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which pair well with the sweetness of the glaze and the richness of the salmon.
Tips:
- Use high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture. Wild-caught salmon is generally considered to be more flavorful and sustainable than farmed salmon.
- Don’t overcook the salmon! It should be cooked until it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Overcooked salmon will be dry and tough.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, omit them altogether.
- For a thicker glaze, simmer it for a longer period of time.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the salmon with firm tofu, cut into fillets, and follow the same cooking instructions.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 40g
- Sodium: 500mg
Conclusion:
This Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon with Roasted Asparagus is a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, combined with the flaky salmon and crisp asparagus, is simply irresistible. Give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself! You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While salmon is a fantastic choice for its rich flavor and texture, you can certainly substitute it with other fish like cod, halibut, or sea bass. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different types of fish may require slightly different cooking durations. Make sure the fish is cooked through until it flakes easily with a fork.
Q2: I don’t have rice vinegar. Can I use another type of vinegar?
A: Yes, if you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. These vinegars will provide a similar tanginess to the glaze. If using white vinegar, use slightly less as it can be more acidic.
Q3: Can I prepare the honey garlic glaze in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the honey garlic glaze up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, simply reheat it gently in a saucepan over low heat until it’s smooth and warm. You may need to add a splash of water if it has thickened too much during storage.
Q4: I don’t have an oven-safe skillet. What can I do?
A: If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can sear the salmon in a regular skillet and then transfer it to a baking dish to finish cooking in the oven. Just make sure the baking dish is preheated to the same temperature as the oven before adding the salmon.
Q5: Can I grill the salmon instead of searing it?
A: Yes, grilling the salmon is a great option! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the salmon fillets on the grill, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets, and grill for 4-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Brush the salmon with the honey garlic glaze during the last few minutes of grilling to allow the glaze to caramelize slightly. Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it can dry out quickly on the grill.
