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Honey-garlic salmon skillet is one of those dishes that makes dinner feel special without creating a mountain of dishes. Tender salmon fillets sear up golden before baking alongside crisp-tender broccoli, sweet bell pepper and savory brown rice in a sticky honey garlic glaze. It all cooks in one pan which means you can serve a nutritious satisfying meal any night of the week even when you are pressed for time.
This recipe became a weeknight lifesaver during our busy spring sports season since it only needs a skillet and a quick trip through the oven. My husband always asks for seconds and it is become my go-to whenever we host friends for dinner because it looks impressive but is low stress.
Ingredients
- Honey: Gives sweetness and helps create the sticky glaze. Try to use local honey for the best flavor
- Fresh garlic: Adds intense savory flavor. Grating it ensures it melts into the sauce
- Extra virgin olive oil: For sauteing the salmon and vegetables. Choose a fruity olive oil for healthy richness
- Skinless salmon fillets: About one inch thick. Even size ensures even cooking. Look for vibrant color and moist appearance
- Broccoli florets: Bring texture and earthy flavor. Choose florets with firm stems and no yellowing
- Red bell pepper: Adds color and sweetness. Look for glossy skin and no soft spots
- Scallions: Add mild onion bite and a pop of freshness. Use both white and green parts
- Carrot: Peeled and sliced for a touch of sweetness. Select firm carrots with bright orange color
- Cracked black pepper: To season and balance the sweetness
- Salt: For seasoning and flavor enhancement. Use kosher salt if possible
- Reduced-sodium soy sauce: Provides umami and keeps things from getting too salty
- Rice vinegar: Adds gentle tang. Use unseasoned for clean acidity
- Microwaveable brown rice: Saves time and soaks up the glaze. Choose a variety with only rice as the ingredient
- Unsalted chicken broth: Helps moisten the rice mixture. Low sodium is best for controlling saltiness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Honey Garlic Glaze:
- Stir honey and grated garlic together in a small bowl until fully blended This is the base for glazing the salmon and veggies
- Sear the Salmon:
- Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium high Brush salmon fillets on top with a little honey garlic mixture Place them honey side down in the hot skillet and cook undisturbed for one to two minutes until a lovely golden crust forms Remove salmon to a plate browned side up
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Into the same skillet add broccoli bell pepper scallions carrot cracked black pepper a bit of salt and the remaining garlic Cook over medium heat stirring often for about two minutes until vegetables just start to soften
- Deglaze and Build the Rice Layer:
- Pour in soy sauce and rice vinegar scraping up browned bits from the bottom for maximum flavor Add in the brown rice and chicken broth Stir well to combine
- Bake the Vegetables:
- Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about ten minutes or until broccoli is almost tender
- Glaze and Finish the Salmon:
- Remove skillet from oven Brush the tops and sides of the salmon with the reserved honey garlic mixture and sprinkle with more salt Nestle the salmon on top of the veggies browned side up Return to the oven for six to eight minutes until the fish easily flakes with a fork and registers 120 degrees
- Garnish and Serve:
- Scatter extra sliced scallions over the skillet for a pop of green and bring it straight to the table
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I always look forward to biting into the sweet crunchy broccoli in this dish My favorite night was making this for my mom on a Sunday when she surprised me with a visit and we sat around laughing until dinner was cold
This skillet dinner also reminds me of fun weeknights when everyone helps by topping their own salmon with extra scallions
Storage Tips
Store any leftover salmon and vegetables separately in airtight containers to prevent the fish from drying out They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days To reheat place the veggies in the microwave first then add the salmon and heat on medium to avoid overcooking or reheat gently in a low oven until warmed through Salmon dries out quickly so check after a few minutes
Ingredient Substitutions
You can easily swap out veggies try snap peas or zucchini for a springtime spin If you do not have brown rice plain white rice or quick cooked farro also work well For the glaze maple syrup is lovely in place of honey and tamari works as a gluten free soy sauce substitute
Serving Suggestions
Though this recipe is a complete meal on its own you can round it out with a crisp cucumber salad or simply sautéed greens For a party serve the skillet at the center of the table and let everyone help themselves Spoon extra sauce over everything for more flavor
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Cultural Context
Honey garlic glazed salmon is inspired by the bold and balanced flavors of East Asian home cooking The sticky sweet savory glaze echoes dishes enjoyed across Japanese Korean and Chinese kitchens where quick stovetop methods and simple pantry sauces turn seafood and vegetables into comfort food
Recipe FAQs
- → Should salmon be pan-seared cold or at room temperature?
Let salmon sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. This ensures even searing and a tender, moist finish.
- → How can I check if salmon is fully cooked?
Look for opaque, bright flesh that flakes easily with a fork. The juices should be pink and the internal temperature should reach 120°F.
- → What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Keep salmon and vegetables in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Microwave salmon gently or warm in a 275°F oven to prevent drying out.
- → What sides work well with this skillet?
This dish is well-rounded on its own, but pairs nicely with sautéed spinach or charred sugar snap peas for extra greens.
- → Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
Yes, you can substitute similar sturdy vegetables like cauliflower, snap peas, or zucchini for variation.