Honey Garlic Salmon with Roasted Broccoli – A Fast, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

This Honey Garlic Salmon with Roasted Broccoli checks every box: quick to make, full of flavor, and surprisingly wholesome. The salmon is glazed with a sticky, savory-sweet sauce that caramelizes in the oven, while the broccoli roasts until it’s tender with crisp edges. It feels restaurant-worthy but comes together with pantry staples in under 30 minutes.

Pair it with rice, quinoa, or a simple salad and you’ve got a complete meal without any fuss.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

• Big flavor, minimal effort: The honey garlic glaze is punchy and balanced—sweet, salty, tangy, and a little buttery.
• One pan, easy cleanup: The salmon and broccoli roast on the same sheet pan, which keeps dinner simple.
• Weeknight fast: You’ll be sitting down in about 25–30 minutes, start to finish.
• Customizable: Swap in tamari for soy sauce, add chili flakes for heat, or use whatever greens you have.
• Nourishing and satisfying: Salmon brings protein and omega-3s; broccoli adds fiber and vitamins.

Shopping List

• Salmon fillets (4 fillets, 5–6 oz each; skin-on preferred)
• Broccoli (1 large head or 4 cups florets)
• Honey (3 tablespoons)
• Garlic (3–4 cloves, minced)
• Soy sauce or tamari (low sodium, 2 tablespoons)
• Lemon (1, for juice and zest)
• Butter (1 tablespoon; optional but delicious)
• Olive oil (2–3 tablespoons)
• Salt and black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
• Fresh herbs like parsley or chives (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and prep: Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment for easy cleanup. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and set aside.
2. Prep the broccoli: Cut the broccoli into bite-size florets.Toss with 1–2 tablespoons olive oil, a generous pinch of salt, and pepper. Spread on half of the sheet pan in a single layer.
3. Start roasting the broccoli: Roast the broccoli for 8 minutes to give it a head start, so it gets nicely caramelized by the time the salmon is done.
4. Make the honey garlic glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Melt the butter and whisk it in.Taste and adjust with a bit more lemon or honey to balance.
5. Season the salmon: Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the salmon. Season both sides with salt and pepper. If the fillets are uneven in thickness, tuck the thin tail end under so they cook evenly.
6. Add the salmon to the pan: Pull the broccoli from the oven.Give it a quick toss. Place the salmon skin-side down on the empty half of the sheet pan.
7. Glaze generously: Spoon the honey garlic mixture over the salmon, coating the tops and sides. Reserve a tablespoon or two of the glaze if you want a final drizzle after cooking.
8. Roast to perfection: Return the pan to the oven and roast 8–12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets.Salmon is done when it flakes easily and the center is just opaque. For a caramelized finish, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
9. Finish with lemon: Zest the lemon over the salmon and broccoli while hot, then squeeze a bit more lemon juice to brighten everything.
10. Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped herbs if you like. Serve with rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes to soak up the extra glaze.

How to Store

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.Keep the salmon and broccoli separate if possible to preserve texture.
• Reheat gently: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave on 50% power in short bursts to avoid drying out.
• Freezing: Cooked salmon can be frozen up to 2 months. Wrap tightly and freeze without the broccoli for best results. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Health Benefits

• Rich in omega-3s: Salmon provides EPA and DHA, which support heart, brain, and joint health.
• High-quality protein: Each serving offers a satisfying dose of protein to keep you full and energized.
• Fiber and micronutrients: Broccoli adds fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and antioxidants.
• Balanced plate: Pairing protein with vegetables and a smart carb like brown rice or quinoa creates a steady, satisfying meal.
• Lower-sodium option: Using low-sodium soy sauce and controlling added salt keeps the dish heart-friendly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the salmon: Pull the salmon when it’s just opaque and flakes easily.Remember it continues to cook slightly off the heat.
• Skipping the broccoli head start: Without those first 8 minutes, the salmon may finish before the broccoli develops color and crisp edges.
• Diluted glaze: Don’t pour excess liquid onto the pan. Keep the glaze thick so it clings and caramelizes instead of steaming.
• Uneven fillets: If your fillets vary in thickness, start the thicker pieces a minute or two earlier or tuck the thin ends underneath.
• Cold salmon: If the salmon is very cold from the fridge, it can cook unevenly. Let it sit out for 10–15 minutes while you prep.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy honey garlic: Add extra red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or a spoonful of gochujang for heat.
• Citrus twist: Swap lemon for orange juice and zest for a bright, mellow sweetness.
• Ginger soy: Grate 1 teaspoon fresh ginger into the glaze for warmth and depth.
• Sesame finish: Stir a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil into the glaze and garnish with more sesame seeds.
• Veggie swap: Use broccolini, asparagus, or green beans.Adjust roasting time; thinner veggies may need less time than broccoli.
• Air fryer option: Cook salmon at 390°F (200°C) for 7–10 minutes, and air fry broccoli separately at 400°F (205°C) for 8–10 minutes.

FAQ

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes. Thaw it fully in the refrigerator overnight, then pat dry very well. Excess moisture can prevent the glaze from caramelizing.

What if I don’t have soy sauce?

Tamari works well and is gluten-free.

Coconut aminos also work, but they’re sweeter, so reduce the honey slightly.

Skin-on or skinless salmon?

Skin-on is best for roasting because it protects the fish and helps retain moisture. The skin will release easily from the pan once cooked.

How do I know when salmon is done?

Look for flakes and an internal temperature of about 125–130°F (52–54°C) for medium. If you prefer more doneness, go slightly higher, but avoid overcooking.

Can I make the glaze ahead?

Yes.

Mix it up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate. Warm briefly before using so the honey loosens and spreads easily.

What sides go well with this?

Rice, quinoa, couscous, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp cucumber salad are all great. Keep it simple and let the salmon shine.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Usually yes.

The sweet-savory glaze is familiar and mild. Skip the red pepper flakes if serving to kids.

Wrapping Up

Honey Garlic Salmon with Roasted Broccoli is the kind of recipe that turns a regular weeknight into something a bit special without extra work. It’s fast, flavorful, and adaptable to what you have on hand.

Keep the glaze ingredients stocked in your pantry and you can pull this off anytime. Serve it hot with a squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and your favorite side—dinner is done, and it’s a good one.