Honey Garlic Salmon & Broccoli: A Deliciously Healthy and Easy Meal 🍯🧄🥦
1. Introduction
Looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste? This honey garlic salmon recipe paired with tender broccoli is the perfect solution! Forget complicated meals and hours spent in the kitchen. This dish offers a delightful combination of flavors that’s ready in under 30 minutes. The combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and rich salmon creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner looking for an easy weeknight meal, this garlic honey salmon recipe is easy to follow and will impress even the most discerning palates. Ready to dive in and discover how to make this delightful salmon with honey garlic sauce? Let’s get started!

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This honey garlic salmon recipe is a winner for several reasons, making it a staple in your recipe collection. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and simple cooking techniques, ideal for busy weeknights. Secondly, the flavor profile is universally appealing – the sweetness of honey perfectly complements the pungent garlic and the natural richness of salmon, creating a balanced and satisfying taste. Thirdly, it’s a healthy meal option, offering a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins from the broccoli. Need more *dinner* inspiration? Check out our other delicious and easy dinner recipes! Lastly, it’s versatile. You can easily adjust the level of sweetness or garlic to suit your personal preference. This salmon with honey garlic sauce is sure to become a family favorite!
3. Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients for this delectable dish. Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:
- Salmon fillets (skin on or off, depending on preference) – Aim for roughly 6-8 ounces per person.
- Fresh broccoli florets – About 1 large head of broccoli.
- Honey – Use a good quality honey for the best flavor.
- Garlic (minced) – Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended for its robust flavor.
- Soy sauce (low sodium) – To control the sodium content.
- Olive oil – For cooking the salmon and broccoli.
- Sesame oil (optional, for added flavor) – Adds a nutty aroma and flavor to the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of spice) – Adjust the amount to your desired level of heat.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Begin by patting the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps ensure a good sear and prevents the salmon from steaming instead of browning. Season the salmon generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. A light sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. This step is crucial for infusing flavor into the garlic honey salmon. Once seasoned, set aside while you prepare the sauce and broccoli.

Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil (if using). Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the honey is melted and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. This luscious honey garlic salmon recipe relies heavily on this flavorful sauce. If you like things spicy, consider adding a pinch more red pepper flakes at this stage.

Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli
While the sauce simmers, prepare the broccoli. You can either steam it until tender-crisp or quickly blanch it in boiling water for a few minutes, then immediately transfer it to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This will ensure the broccoli retains its vibrant green color and a slightly crunchy texture. Properly prepared broccoli is a delightful addition to the honey glazed salmon with broccoli. Alternatively, you could roast the broccoli for a different texture and flavour profile. Check out some more interesting recipes here.

Step 4: Cook the Salmon and Broccoli
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if using skin-on salmon. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon fillets. Add the blanched broccoli to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing it to warm through. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the salmon and broccoli, and let it simmer for a minute, ensuring everything is nicely coated. This is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a delectable salmon with honey garlic sauce.

5. Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Salmon
Here are some insider tips to ensure your honey garlic salmon turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t overcook the salmon. It’s best served slightly moist, aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; it makes a significant difference!
- Adjust the amount of honey and garlic to your preference. Taste the sauce as you go and make adjustments as needed.
- If you don’t have sesame oil, you can omit it or use a few drops of toasted sesame seeds for a similar flavor and aroma.
- For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil.
- Consider using a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and a beautiful sear on the salmon.
6. Serving Suggestions
This honey garlic salmon recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. It’s fantastic served over rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also pair it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. The garlic honey salmon also makes a great addition to meal prep containers for healthy lunches throughout the week. If you’re looking for something super simple, try serving it with a side of steamed rice and a quick cucumber salad. Looking for a quick and easy lunch idea? This recipe is perfect!
7. Variations and Substitutions
Don’t be afraid to experiment with this recipe! Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:
- Swap broccoli for other vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts. The cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the vegetable.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a slightly different flavor profile. It will add a richer, more caramel-like sweetness.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice or lime juice to the sauce for a brighter taste. This will help balance out the sweetness of the honey.
- Try using different types of salmon, such as sockeye or coho. Each type of salmon has its own unique flavor and texture.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that tastes very similar to soy sauce.
For a delicious spin, consider following this great recipe for blackened hot honey salmon.
8. Health Benefits
This honey glazed salmon with broccoli is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function. Garlic has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while honey provides a natural source of energy. Broccoli is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making this dish a healthy and well-rounded meal. Enjoying this meal regularly can contribute to a healthier lifestyle! Try this King Ranch Chicken recipe for another effortless cooking night.
9. Conclusion
This honey garlic salmon recipe is a simple yet sophisticated dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or simply want a healthy and delicious meal, this recipe is sure to please. With its sweet and savory flavors, easy preparation, and numerous health benefits, it’s a meal you can feel good about serving to your family and friends. So, go ahead and give this salmon with honey garlic sauce a try. You won’t be disappointed! Perhaps you’d like our Million Dollar Chicken Casserole recipe for busy nights too!
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Honey Garlic Salmon & Broccoli
Honey Garlic Salmon & Broccoli is a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner option. This recipe combines sweet honey, savory garlic, and rich salmon, making it a nutrient-packed guilt-free indulgence that’s easy to prepare.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets (skin on or off, depending on preference)
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Honey
- Garlic (minced)
- Soy sauce (low sodium)
- Olive oil
- Sesame oil (optional, for added flavor)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and season them with salt, pepper, and spices. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Heat until the sauce is smooth.
- Steam or blanch broccoli until tender-crisp and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook salmon for 4-5 minutes per side. Add broccoli and honey garlic sauce, simmer briefly to coat.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the salmon; it’s best served slightly moist.
- Use fresh garlic for optimal flavor.
- Adjust honey and garlic quantities to your taste.
- For spice, increase red pepper flakes or add chili oil.
- Omit sesame oil if unavailable or substitute with toasted sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with broccoli
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg