Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Salmon

It’s funny how some of the best meals are born out of sheer weeknight desperation. Last Tuesday, staring into a fridge that felt emptier than it actually was, I needed dinner, and I needed it fast. Salmon fillets thawed in record time, and a quick scan of the pantry revealed honey, soy sauce, and garlic – pantry staples that always seem to be on hand. The result? This Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Salmon, and let me tell you, it was a revelation. Even my notoriously picky kids devoured it, proclaiming it “restaurant quality,” which, coming from them, is high praise indeed. The ease of a sheet pan dinner, the vibrant flavors of the honey garlic glaze, and the healthy goodness of salmon – this recipe ticked all the boxes. It’s now a regular in our rotation, and I’m excited to share it with you so it can become a weeknight staple in your home too.

Ingredients

• Salmon Fillets: 1.5 pounds, skin-on or skinless, cut into portions. Salmon is the star, providing healthy fats and a rich flavor.
• Broccoli Florets: 1 large head, cut into bite-sized florets. Broccoli adds a healthy dose of fiber and vitamins, and roasts beautifully on the sheet pan.
• Red Bell Pepper: 1 large, seeded and sliced into strips. Red bell pepper brings sweetness, color, and extra nutrients to the dish.
• Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons, extra virgin. Olive oil is used for tossing the vegetables and salmon, helping them roast and preventing sticking.
• Honey: 1/4 cup, liquid honey. Honey provides natural sweetness and contributes to the sticky, caramelized glaze.
• Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons, low sodium. Soy sauce adds umami, saltiness, and depth of flavor to the glaze.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is crucial for the pungent, aromatic flavor of the honey garlic sauce.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed. Lemon juice brightens the flavors, cuts through the sweetness, and adds a touch of acidity.
• Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon, toasted. Sesame oil enhances the Asian-inspired flavors and adds a nutty aroma.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (or more to taste). Red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick of heat, balancing the sweetness of the honey.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the dish.
• Sesame Seeds: For garnish (optional). Sesame seeds add visual appeal and a nutty crunch.
• Fresh Parsley or Green Onions: For garnish (optional), chopped. Fresh herbs add a pop of color and freshness before serving.

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheet Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes washing the sheet pan a breeze.
2. Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets and red bell pepper strips with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with oil and seasoning for optimal roasting.
3. Arrange Vegetables on Sheet Pan: Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can steam the vegetables instead of roasting them. If necessary, use two sheet pans to ensure even roasting.
4. Roast Vegetables: Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. This head start allows the vegetables to begin cooking before adding the salmon, ensuring they are tender-crisp when the salmon is cooked through.
5. Prepare Honey Garlic Glaze: While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the honey garlic glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and the glaze is smooth and emulsified. The glaze is the flavor powerhouse of this dish, so ensure all ingredients are properly incorporated.
6. Prepare Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure a nice sear and allows the glaze to adhere better. Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper.
7. Add Salmon to Sheet Pan: Remove the sheet pan from the oven. Create spaces among the partially roasted vegetables and place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on salmon) or directly onto the parchment paper. Arrange the salmon so it’s not overcrowded and has space to cook evenly.
8. Brush Salmon and Vegetables with Glaze: Generously brush the honey garlic glaze over the salmon fillets and vegetables. Ensure both the salmon and vegetables are well coated with the glaze. Reserve some glaze for basting later if desired. The glaze will caramelize beautifully in the oven, creating a sticky, flavorful coating.
9. Continue Roasting: Return the sheet pan to the oven and continue to roast for another 8-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork and the vegetables are tender-crisp. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and your oven. Check for doneness around the 8-minute mark and adjust cooking time as needed.
10. Optional Broil for Caramelization: For extra caramelization and a slightly crispier top on the salmon and vegetables, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on the food while broiling to prevent burning.
11. Garnish and Serve: Remove the sheet pan from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh parsley or green onions, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy! The resting period allows the juices in the salmon to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving, approximate, based on 4 servings)

• Serving Size: 1 Salmon Fillet with Vegetables (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 35g

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and amounts of ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

Quick and Effortless: This Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Salmon is a weeknight winner! From fridge to table, you can expect to spend approximately 30 minutes getting this delicious and healthy meal ready. Prep time is minimal – mostly just chopping vegetables and whisking together the simple glaze, taking around 10-15 minutes. The oven does most of the work, with a cook time of just 15-20 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you crave a wholesome, flavorful dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve

This versatile Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Salmon and vegetables can be served in numerous delicious ways. Here are a few ideas to inspire your meal:

• Over Rice or Quinoa:
  • Serve the salmon and vegetables over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. The grains absorb the flavorful honey garlic glaze beautifully, making for a satisfying and complete meal.
  • Consider adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the rice for extra flavor and visual appeal.
• With a Side Salad:
  • Pair the rich salmon and roasted vegetables with a light and refreshing side salad.
  • A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or an Asian-inspired slaw would complement the flavors of the dish perfectly.
• In Lettuce Wraps:
  • For a lighter, low-carb option, flake the honey garlic salmon and serve it in crisp lettuce cups along with the roasted vegetables.
  • Add a dollop of sriracha mayo or a drizzle of extra sesame oil for added flavor.
• Alongside Noodles:
  • Serve the salmon and vegetables with egg noodles, udon noodles, or soba noodles.
  • Toss the noodles with a bit of the remaining honey garlic glaze or a simple sesame oil and soy sauce dressing.
• As Tacos or Bowls:
  • Flake the salmon and combine it with the roasted vegetables to create delicious honey garlic salmon tacos or bowls.
  • Add your favorite taco or bowl toppings such as avocado, salsa, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
• With Roasted Potatoes:
  • For a heartier meal, add roasted potatoes to the sheet pan along with the broccoli and bell peppers.
  • Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and perhaps a sprinkle of garlic powder or paprika before roasting.
• With Creamy Polenta:
  • Serve the honey garlic salmon and vegetables over a bed of creamy polenta for a comforting and elegant meal.
  • The creamy polenta provides a lovely contrast to the slightly sweet and savory salmon and roasted vegetables.
• As Leftovers (Cold or Reheated):
  • This Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Salmon is also delicious served cold the next day in salads or as a protein topping for grain bowls.
  • Reheat leftovers gently in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

Additional Tips for Perfect Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Salmon

1. Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon cooks quickly, and overcooked salmon can be dry and tough. Cook just until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Use a fork to gently test for doneness – it should separate easily along the flake lines.
2. Use Fresh, High-Quality Salmon: The quality of your salmon greatly impacts the final flavor. Opt for fresh, wild-caught salmon if possible, or sustainably sourced farmed salmon. Look for fillets that are vibrant in color and have a fresh, ocean-like smell.
3. Adjust the Glaze to Your Taste: The honey garlic glaze is easily customizable. If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the amount of honey. For more garlic flavor, add an extra clove or two. If you like it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha. Taste the glaze before brushing it onto the salmon and vegetables and adjust seasonings as needed.
4. Consider Marinating the Salmon: For even deeper flavor penetration, marinate the salmon in a portion of the honey garlic glaze for 15-30 minutes before roasting. This is optional but can enhance the flavor, especially if you have thicker salmon fillets.
5. Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Asparagus, zucchini, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and onions all roast well on a sheet pan and would be delicious additions to this recipe. Ensure you cut vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.
6. Ensure Vegetables are Tender-Crisp: Roasting time for vegetables can vary depending on their density. Broccoli and bell peppers cook relatively quickly. If you are using denser vegetables like potatoes or carrots, you may need to give them a longer head start in the oven before adding the salmon. You want the vegetables to be tender-crisp – cooked through but still with a slight bite.
7. Line Your Sheet Pan for Easy Cleanup: Parchment paper or foil is your best friend when it comes to sheet pan cooking. Lining your pan makes cleanup incredibly easy, preventing sticking and saving you from scrubbing.
8. Broil for a Crispy Finish: For a beautiful caramelized glaze and slightly crispy edges on the salmon and vegetables, broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Keep a very close eye on the food while broiling, as it can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt very quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Salmon

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to thaw salmon is overnight in the refrigerator. If you’re short on time, you can quick-thaw it in a sealed bag in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Pat the thawed salmon very dry before proceeding with the recipe.

Q2: How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?
A: Salmon is cooked through when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Gently insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet and twist. If it flakes apart easily and is no longer translucent, it’s done. Avoid overcooking to keep it moist and tender.

Q3: Can I use different vegetables besides broccoli and bell peppers?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. Good vegetable substitutes or additions include asparagus, zucchini, Brussels sprouts, carrots, onions, green beans, snap peas, and cherry tomatoes. Consider the cooking time of different vegetables – denser vegetables like carrots and potatoes may need to roast longer than softer vegetables.

Q4: Can I make the honey garlic glaze ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the honey garlic glaze up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This can save you time during weeknight cooking. Just give it a whisk before using if it has separated slightly.

Q5: Can I double or triple this recipe for a larger crowd?
A: Yes, you can easily scale this recipe up or down depending on the number of servings you need. If doubling or tripling, you may need to use multiple sheet pans to avoid overcrowding, ensuring even cooking.

Q6: How do I store leftover honey garlic salmon?
A: Store leftover honey garlic salmon and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until heated through. Be careful not to overheat the salmon, as it can become dry.

Q7: Can I grill the salmon instead of roasting it in the oven?
A: Yes, you can definitely grill the salmon! Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the salmon fillets on a piece of foil or directly on the grill grates (oiled grates prevent sticking). Grill for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, brushing with the honey garlic glaze during the last few minutes of cooking. You can grill the vegetables separately in a grill basket or on foil.

Q8: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by ensuring you use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, as traditional soy sauce contains wheat. Double-check all other ingredient labels to ensure they are gluten-free if you are strictly following a gluten-free diet. All other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free.

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