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Easy Honey Garlic Salmon and Asparagus: The Best 30-Minute Dinner

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This honey garlic salmon and asparagus is a quick, one-skillet dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. The sweet and savory glaze clings to perfectly seared salmon and tender-crisp asparagus, making it a reliable weeknight meal that feels special without the effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin on or off
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, for searing
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound), woody ends trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, for coating asparagus
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnish: sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prep the salmon and asparagus. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus (about an inch from the bottom) and toss them with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set everything aside.
  2. Make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Set it near the stove so you can grab it quickly.
  3. Heat the skillet. Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Let it heat until the oil shimmers and just starts to smoke—about 2 minutes.
  4. Sear the salmon. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down (if using skin-on). Press down gently with your spatula for a few seconds to ensure even contact. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the fillets carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
  5. Add the glaze. Pour the honey garlic glaze into the skillet around the salmon fillets. Let it bubble and thicken for about 1-2 minutes, spooning the glaze over the salmon as it cooks.
  6. Cook the asparagus. Push the salmon to one side of the skillet and add the prepared asparagus to the other side. Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs, until the asparagus is bright green and tender-crisp.
  7. Finish and serve. Remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the salmon and asparagus to a serving platter or individual plates. Spoon any remaining glaze from the pan over the top. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat the salmon dry for a good sear. Watch the glaze carefully as honey burns quickly. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork (internal temp 125-130°F for medium). Asparagus should be bright green and tender-crisp. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet with a splash of water.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic salmon, salmon and asparagus, one skillet salmon, quick salmon dinner, healthy salmon recipe, 30 minute dinner, weeknight dinner, gluten free salmon, dairy free salmon

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/easy-honey-garlic-salmon-and-asparagus-the-best-30-minute-dinner/