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Easy One-Pan Honey Garlic Salmon with Asparagus

one-pan honey garlic salmon - featured image

A quick and delicious one-pan meal featuring sticky-sweet honey garlic glazed salmon and tender-crisp asparagus, all cooked in a single skillet in under 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin on or off
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or ghee for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound), woody ends trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for asparagus)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: lemon zest or juice for finishing
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
  • Chopped green onions or fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the ingredients: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus. Mince the garlic. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes if using.
  2. Start the salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, carefully place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down if they have skin. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until a golden crust forms.
  3. Flip and finish the salmon: Gently flip each fillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, depending on thickness, until just cooked through. Transfer the salmon to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil. Do not wipe out the pan.
  4. Cook the asparagus: Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Add the trimmed asparagus and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until bright green and tender-crisp. Transfer to the plate with the salmon.
  5. Make the honey garlic sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add the butter to the pan and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Pour in the honey-soy sauce mixture and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Combine and glaze: Return the salmon fillets to the pan, spooning sauce over each. Add the asparagus back in, turning to coat. Let everything warm through together for about 1 minute.
  7. Serve immediately: Transfer salmon and asparagus to serving plates. Spoon remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Notes

Pat the salmon dry for a better sear. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Watch the garlic closely to avoid burning. Adjust sweetness by varying the honey-to-soy ratio. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

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