Easy Honey Garlic Salmon with Broccolini and Rice
Discover how to make a scrumptious and healthy meal with this easy honey garlic salmon recipe. Served with broccolini and rice, it's a winning combination!
Honey Garlic Salmon with Broccolini and Rice
A Restaurant-Quality Dish in About 30 Minutes
Deliciously healthy, this easy Honey Garlic Salmon with Broccolini and Rice is fantastic for nights when you’re craving a restaurant-quality dish and looking for something quick and easy for dinner. The salmon filets are lightly braised and poached on the stovetop in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, which adds a delightful, caramelized coating when finished in the oven.
Paired with tender oven-roasted broccolini topped with fresh lemon and served with a humble side of fluffy rice, this healthy meal provides a well-balanced combination of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It's the perfect simple and quick dinner with plenty of plate appeal and even more flavor.
Whether you're a seasoned home cook or new to cooking, this foolproof recipe leaves you feeling satisfied and impressed with your results.
So, grab your apron. Pull up your sleeves, and let's make this delicious salmon dish in the comfort of your home tonight. It's sure to become a favorite!
[wprm-recipe-snippet id="74730"]
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
This salmon recipe with broccolini and rice is made in stages that follow the ingredient list. While the steps may seem a little complicated at a glance, everything is simple to follow and worth every effort to work through the easy steps to get this recipe to the table.
For the Rice
I've chosen jasmine rice for this recipe because it's excellent for getting the texture I look for in plain rice served fluffy and unadorned alongside the star of the meal. Jasmine rice is a long-grain rice variety that cooks up plump and soft.
On the other hand, you could also use basmati rice, another long-grain rice variety, but with a drier chew.
Either rice type requires a rinse before cooking to wash off the extra starch and to help the grains separate while cooking rather than being sticky.
Broccolini
Foundationally, with its mild, sweet, and earthy taste, broccolini goes perfectly with salmon.
A cross between regular and Chinese broccoli, the slender stalks and small broccolini florets cook more quickly and benefit from faster, higher-temperature cooking than regular broccoli. That quality makes them an excellent choice for roasting along with the salmon in the final step.
Tips for prepping and roasting broccolini…
Here are a few easy tips for roasting broccolini so that it turns out tender, crispy, and caramelized without becoming burnt or soggy.
Roast Broccolini at 425°F.
Because broccolini is so thin, it cooks quickly and benefits from higher-temperature cooking. So, in contrast to potatoes that need to roast longer at a slightly lower temperature to become fork-tender in the center and golden on the outside, a high temperature allows the broccolini to soften and caramelize quickly without burning or turning to mush.
How to prep Broccolini for roasting.
Prep broccolini by discarding the bottom 1/4 inch of stalks and cutting any stems thicker than 1/2 inch in half lengthwise so they are all about the same diameter. Place the broccolini in the center of the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with the oil, and sprinkle with seasonings. For the best caramelization, you'll want to spread the broccolini in an even layer, flipping any cut sides down so that the stem's cut part touches the pan.
Don't skimp on the oil.
Broccolini florets can burn quickly. So, to ensure they do not burn, it's important to coat each floret generously with oil using your fingers to cover each end thoroughly.
Give them space on the pan.
At the same time, you must avoid overcrowding the pan so your broccolini doesn't steam but roasts instead. While it's okay for them to touch a little, you want to spread them out in a single layer.
Season for flavor.
Simple seasonings are all you need. Salt and black pepper are essential for making the broccolini taste its best. For a splash of added heat, red pepper flakes can be added. I also love the extra lemony taste and visual appeal of adding lemon slices on top.
Salmon
When it comes to eating salmon, any option can be delicious and nourishing. One might say this fish enjoys a bit of a “health halo.” Meaning it’s generally seen as a “healthy” food. Hence, that’s true because of its omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals, which are linked to positive health outcomes.
Still, despite all that nutrition, slight differences in taste, texture, cost, and sustainability might also be important considerations for you, and figuring all that out can sometimes be confusing.
So, if you love salmon and have scratched your head trying to figure out what kind to buy, you’re not alone.
Click here for the detailed, printable recipe card.
Continue reading...
Get all my tips to help un-muddy the murky waters, hopefully making things less confusing and helping you feel more confident and less overwhelmed knowing what type of salmon to buy.
Find my additional thoughts and read more tips for this recipe on Substack.
You'll read all about:
Salmon Species
A Little About Pacific and Alaskan Salmon Species
Atlantic Salmon Species
What about Farm-raised Salmon?
My Guide to What Salmon to Buy
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Salmon
Health Benefits of Salmon and Broccolini
Salmon and Broccolini for Gut Health
Variations and Additions to Easy Honey Garlic Salmon with Broccolini
Just tried this Easy Honey Garlic Salmon with Broccolini and Rice, and it was absolutely delicious! The perfect balance of sweetness and garlic, paired with healthy broccolini and rice. Highly recommend giving it a try! #foodie #salmon #recipe #CookingGfreeDeliciously
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Wrapping things up, this Easy Honey Garlic Salmon with Broccolini is a delicious and healthy dish that is quick and simple to make. The salmon is cooked perfectly, tender, and flaky, with a flavorful honey garlic glaze, while the broccolini adds a nice bit of crunch and freshness to the dish.
One of the highlights of this recipe is its versatility - you can easily customize it to your taste by adjusting the amount of honey, garlic, or other seasonings. It's a delicious main dish served with rice or quinoa, and it lends itself well to use in leftovers like salads or sandwiches.
Furthermore, the recipe requires minimal ingredients and cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you're in the mood for a quick and healthy meal.
Finally, this Easy Honey Garlic Salmon with Broccolini is a tasty and nutritious dish (with many flavorful variations) that will surely be a hit with seafood lovers.
Maybe best of all, it's a super delicious meal for anyone looking for a quick, easy dinner option that doesn't compromise taste. Bon appétit!
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Print or save this Easy Honey Garlic Salmon with Broccolini and Rice to your recipe box. Then, add it to your upcoming meal rotation to enjoy it in your home.
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Thanks for stopping by. Have a happy time cooking!
XXO
Kymberley
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Easy Honey Garlic Salmon and Broccolini with Rice
Make this delicious and healthy easy Honey Garlic Salmon and Broccolini with Rice in just a few easy steps. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Large skillet
Rimmed Sheet Pan
Medium Saucepan
Cutting Board
Utensils (Cooks Knife, Whisk, Measuring Cups and Spoons, Tongs, Large Spoon)
For the Rice
1 cup Jasmine Rice (rinsed and drained)
2 cups Water
Salt
For the Broccolini
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 bunch Broccolini spears ( washed and trimmed)
Salt and Pepper
Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
1 large Lemon (divided (cut lemon slices for roasting and serving + juice for the sauce and serving))
For the Salmon
1 pound Salmon (4 fillets weighing 3 to 4 ounces or 85 to 113 grams each, skin removed)
1/2 teaspoon Paprika (mild, sweet or smokey)
Salt and Pepper
2 tablespoons Butter
4 cloves Garlic (finely chopped or minced)
4 tablespoons Honey (+ more for broiling)
2 teaspoons gluten-free Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
Place an oven rack in the center position and preheat the oven to 425°F.
Start the Rice
Bring 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt to a boil in a small saucepan. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, add the rice, and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for about 18 minutes at a gentle simmer until done. [1]
Preparing the Broccolini
Line a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the broccolini on the pan, drizzle with the oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper (if using red pepper flakes, add them here). Lightly toss to coat the spears with oil and distribute the spice thoroughly. Ensure all the florets' tips are nicely coated with oil to help protect them from burning. If any seem dry, drizzle on a little extra oil as needed. Spread the broccolini in an even layer, flipping any cut sides so the stem's cut part touches the pan. Top with lemon slices.
Roast the broccolini for about 8-10 minutes, rotating the pan 180 degrees halfway through—no need to turn the broccolini over.
Remove the broccolini from the oven when it gets tender and crisp, and set the dial to low broil. Arrange the roasted spears towards one end of the sheetpan, then set it aside until needed in the final step.
For the Salmon
Meanwhile, as the rice and broccolini are cooking, season both sides of the salmon well with salt, pepper, and paprika (about ½ teaspoon of paprika, ¼ teaspoon +/- of salt and pepper). Set it aside until needed.
Heat the butter in a skillet or pan over medium-high heat until melted. Add the garlic and sauté for about a minute, until fragrant. Whisk in the honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice, stirring lightly to combine.
Note: If the mixture becomes too thick and sticky, add a little water at a time (up to one tablespoon), stirring it until everything becomes lightly saucy.
Place the salmon steaks into the sauce. Spoon the garlic sauce over the salmon to baste. Cook each fillet for 3-4 minutes (without flipping) until the flesh is cooked about halfway through and the bottoms turn slightly golden.
Optional – Add a few lemon slices directly to the pan with the salmon to increase the lemony taste.
Before removing the salmon from the skillet, baste it for the last time, then transfer it to the open end of the sheetpan with the broccolini. Drizzle the top of each salmon fillet with more honey if desired. Pop everything into the oven to broil on low for about 4-5 minutes or until the tops of the broccolini and salmon are nicely caramelized and lightly charred, with the salmon cooked to your liking.
Serve
To serve, arrange a few spears of roasted broccolini on each plate. Place the salmon fillets next to or on top of the fluffy rice, drizzle with any remaining sauce from the sheetpan, and an additional squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Garnish with roasted lemon slices or fresh lemon wedges.
Footnotes:
[1] Try not to peek at the rice until the end of the cooking time so that the steam doesn’t escape. It’s also important not to stir the rice while cooking to avoid gummy rice. When the rice is done, turn off the heat and let the rice sit and rest, covered, for about 10 minutes. The rice will steam during this resting time to make it extra fluffy. Before serving, fluff the rice with a fork.
Dinner, Entrée, Supper
American
Gluten Free
30-Minute Meals, broccolini, garlic, healthy, honey, lemon, quick and easy, rice, salmon
Gluten-Free, Gluten-Free + Corn-Free, Gluten-Free + Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free + Egg-Free, Gluten-Free + Grain-Free, Gluten-Free + Healthy Choice, Gluten-Free + High-Protein, Gluten-Free + Keto-Friendly, Gluten-Free + Low-Carb, Gluten-Free + Low-Fat, Gluten-Free + Nut-Free, Gluten-Free + Paleo, Gluten-Free + Pescatarian, Gluten-Free + Sodium Smart