This honey garlic glazed salmon with roasted asparagus is the ultimate weeknight dinner. It's incredibly easy to make, ready in just 25 minutes, and packed with flavor. The sweet and savory glaze caramelizes beautifully on the salmon, while the asparagus roasts to tender perfection.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it's also good for you. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, while asparagus is loaded with vitamins and fiber. It's a balanced meal that the whole family will love.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
4 (6 oz / 170g) salmon fillets, skin on or off
Wild-caught salmon is best for flavor and sustainability. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
1/4 cup (60ml) honey
Use a good quality honey for the best flavor. If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce to 3 tablespoons.
3 tablespoons soy sauce
Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. Tamari or coconut aminos work great for gluten-free.
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Extra virgin olive oil adds richness. You can also use avocado oil for a higher smoke point.
3 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor. Pre-minced garlic can be used in a pinch, but reduce to 2 teaspoons.
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Fresh lemon juice brightens the glaze. Bottled lemon juice can be used, but fresh is better.
1 teaspoon cornstarch
Cornstarch helps thicken the glaze. You can omit it if you prefer a thinner glaze.
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
Thin asparagus spears roast quickly and evenly. If using thick spears, blanch them for 2 minutes first.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sea salt or kosher salt works best. Freshly ground pepper adds a nice kick.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Fresh parsley adds a pop of color. You can also use chives or dill.
Tips & Tricks
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure a nice sear and prevent steaming.
- Don't overcook the salmon. It's done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- If using wooden skewers for the asparagus, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Make Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
3. Prep Asparagus
Trim the woody ends of the asparagus and place on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
4. Season Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Place them on the baking sheet, skin-side down, next to the asparagus.
5. Brush Glaze
Brush the top of each salmon fillet generously with the honey garlic glaze. Reserve some glaze for basting later.
6. Roast
Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The asparagus should be tender and slightly charred. For the last 3 minutes, baste the salmon with the reserved glaze to create a sticky, caramelized coating.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Delicious Variations
Spicy
Add 1 teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a kick.
Lemon Herb
Replace honey with maple syrup and add 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves.
Sesame Ginger
Add 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to the glaze. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
How to Store Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon with Roasted Asparagus
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze cooked salmon and asparagus in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know when salmon is done?
Salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork. The flesh will be opaque and slightly pink in the center.
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight, then pat dry before cooking. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, you can substitute maple syrup for honey in equal amounts. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Q: What goes well with honey garlic salmon?
This salmon pairs well with rice, quinoa, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad. The asparagus on the sheet pan makes it a complete meal.
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Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon with Roasted Asparagus
This honey garlic glazed salmon with roasted asparagus is a sweet, savory, and healthy 25-minute dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz / 170g) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
📋 Instructions
- 1Preheat Oven — Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- 2Make Glaze — In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
- 3Prep Asparagus — Trim the woody ends of the asparagus and place on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
- 4Season Salmon — Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Place them on the baking sheet, skin-side down, next to the asparagus.
- 5Brush Glaze — Brush the top of each salmon fillet generously with the honey garlic glaze. Reserve some glaze for basting later.
- 6Roast — Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The asparagus should be tender and slightly charred. For the last 3 minutes, baste the salmon with the reserved glaze to create a sticky, caramelized coating.
- 7Garnish and Serve — Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
