Honey Garlic Baked Salmon with Roasted Broccoli

Description

Honey Garlic Baked Salmon with Roasted Broccoli

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp honey
3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Season the Broccoli: Toss the broccoli florets with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange around the edges of the baking dish.
Prepare the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the center of the dish. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Drizzle the mixture over the salmon fillets, ensuring they are well-coated.
Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. For a caramelized finish, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh parsley before serving. Pair with rice or quinoa for a complete meal!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time.

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This ensures the sauce sticks properly. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
2. Arrange for Success: Place the seasoned broccoli florets around the perimeter of the baking dish, leaving the center clear. This prevents the salmon from steaming in the broccoli’s moisture and allows both to roast properly.
3. Sauce Application: Reserve about two tablespoons of the honey-garlic sauce before drizzling it over the salmon. Brush or spoon the sauce generously, coating the top and sides.
4. Monitor Cooking: Begin checking the salmon at the 15-minute mark. The flesh should be opaque and separate easily when pressed with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
5. Final Broil: For a restaurant-quality glaze, switch your oven to broil for the final 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with various sides. For a classic pairing, serve with steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb alternative. For added heartiness, try quinoa or roasted baby potatoes. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can add a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich, savory salmon.

How-to Summary

In just 30 minutes, create a healthy, flavorful meal by roasting seasoned broccoli and salmon fillets coated in a simple, sweet, and savory glaze of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Finish with a quick broil for caramelization, then garnish and serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, but thaw it completely in the refrigerator first and pat it very dry to avoid excess water diluting the sauce and affecting cook time.

How do I know when the salmon is done? The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The flesh will be opaque throughout.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Absolutely. Whisk the sauce ingredients together and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What can I substitute for soy sauce? Use tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter, soy-free alternative.

My sauce isn’t thickening/caramelizing. What went wrong? This often happens if the baking dish is too crowded or the salmon released a lot of moisture. The final broil step is crucial for reducing and caramelizing the sauce directly on the fish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Pan: This steams the food instead of roasting it. Ensure the salmon and broccoli are in a single layer with space.
• Skipping the Pat-Dry: Not drying the salmon leads to a watery sauce and prevents proper browning.
• Overcooking the Salmon: Salmon continues to cook after removal from the oven. Remove it just as it becomes opaque and flakes.
• Using Old Honey: Crystallized or old honey won’t mix well. Ensure your honey is fresh and runny for a smooth glaze.

Conclusion

This Honey Garlic Baked Salmon with Roasted Broccoli is more than just a quick weeknight dinner; it’s a reliably delicious, nutritious, and elegant meal that pleases a crowd. The harmony of sweet, salty, and savory flavors, combined with minimal cleanup, makes this recipe a true keeper. Mastering the simple techniques outlined here will ensure you have a flawless, impressive dish ready in half an hour.