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Light Honey Garlic Salmon with Asparagus: Easy 20-Minute Meal

light honey garlic salmon - featured image
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A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring pan-seared salmon and asparagus in a light honey garlic sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, this wholesome meal is packed with protein and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (6-ounce / 170g each) salmon fillets, skin on or off
  • 1 bunch (about 1 pound / 450g) asparagus, woody ends trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (cornstarch slurry)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus. Mince the garlic. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil (if using).
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the asparagus in a single layer. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same hot skillet. Carefully place the salmon fillets in the pan, presentation side down. Sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is deep golden brown.
  4. Flip the salmon fillets. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the pan around the salmon. Let the sauce come to a simmer.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Spoon the bubbling sauce over the tops of the salmon fillets continuously for 2-3 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature of 125°F-130°F / 52°C-54°C for medium).
  6. If a thicker sauce is desired, push the salmon to one side, stir the cornstarch slurry, and pour it into the sauce. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until thickened.
  7. Return the cooked asparagus to the pan, nestling it around the salmon. Spoon sauce over the asparagus. Warm through for 30 seconds.
  8. Serve immediately, spooning any remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with sesame seeds or black pepper if desired.

Notes

Pat salmon dry for best sear. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. Reduce heat when adding sauce to prevent burning. For extra crispy skin, press down gently on fillet with spatula for first 10 seconds of searing.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic salmon, salmon with asparagus, quick salmon dinner, healthy salmon recipe, 20-minute meal, one-pan salmon

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/light-honey-garlic-salmon-with-asparagus-easy-20-minute-meal/