Honey Garlic Sheet-Pan Salmon with Broccoli & Carrots
There’s something undeniably comforting about a Honey Garlic Sheet-Pan Salmon with Broccoli & Carrots. This one-pan wonder not only captures the sweet and tangy essence that honey and mustard bring to salmon, but it also beautifully highlights the vibrant colors and textures of fresh vegetables. With its glossy glaze and sizzling edges, this dish is equal parts elegant and homey—a meal that feels special yet is simple enough for a weeknight.
Table of Contents
When I first stumbled upon this recipe in a charming little cookbook, I knew I had to give it a try. The idea of a complete, nutritious meal coming together on a single pan resonated with my busy lifestyle and love for flavor. The first time I made it, the aroma of roasting garlic mingled with honey wafted through my kitchen, making my family rush to the dinner table in eager anticipation. Trust me, every bite of flaky salmon, sweet carrots, and tender broccoli will remind you why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prep this meal in about 15 minutes, and it’s ready to impress!
- Irresistible Flavor: The sweet and tangy honey garlic glaze beautifully complements the savory salmon.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: When served, this dish is colorful and vibrant, ensuring it’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for a weeknight dinner or hosting friends with minimal effort.
- Diet-Friendly Options: It’s naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ¼ cup pure honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps in caramelizing during baking. You can substitute it with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- 3 tablespoons whole grain mustard: Provides tanginess and texture. Dijon mustard can be used as an alternative for a smoother finish.
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil, divided: This keeps everything moist and enhances flavor. Use avocado oil if you prefer.
- Zest of 1 lemon (1-2 teaspoons): Brings brightness to the dish; the citrusy aroma elevates the salmon’s flavor.
- 1 large or 2 small garlic cloves, finely minced (2 teaspoons): Essential for that unmistakable garlic goodness and depth.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a warm, herbal touch that complements salmon beautifully. Fresh thyme can be used for a stronger flavor.
- ½ teaspoon fine salt, more to taste: Enhances all the flavors; adjust according to your taste preference.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A little kick that balances the sweetness of the honey.
- 4 salmon fillets, about 1-inch thick (4-5 oz each): Fresh, high-quality salmon is key here for a buttery texture and rich flavor.
- Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and helps maintain the beautiful surface of the vegetables.
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets (4-5 cups): Provides a nutritious crunch, and the green color adds vibrancy.
- 1 lb small red or yellow potatoes, cut in half if large: Hearty and filling, they soak up the flavors brilliantly.
How to Make Honey Garlic Sheet-Pan Salmon with Broccoli & Carrots
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. This step ensures that everything cooks evenly and at the right temperature for perfectly roasted vegetables and salmon.
Whisk the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup pure honey, 3 tablespoons whole grain mustard, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the zest of one lemon, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon fine salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix until smooth. Reserve 3 tablespoons of this honey mustard mixture to coat the potatoes later.
Marinate the Salmon: Place 4 salmon fillets into a shallow bowl and spoon the remaining honey mustard mixture over them. Use a spatula or a marinade brush to make sure the salmon is well-coated. Let it sit for a moment as the flavors soak in.
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Generously mist a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Place the halved potatoes on the baking sheet. Toss them with the reserved 3 tablespoons of honey mustard mixture until well-coated, ensuring every piece is nicely covered.
Bake the Potatoes: Spread the potatoes cut-side down in an even layer on the pan and bake for 15 minutes. This initial baking step starts cooking the potatoes, so they’re tender by the time everything else is ready.
Add Vegetables: After 15 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and push the potatoes to one side of the pan, making space for the vegetables. Place about 4-5 cups of broccoli florets on the opposite end, allowing room in the middle.
Season the Broccoli: Drizzle the broccoli with the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil and toss until everything is coated. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the broccoli, enhancing its natural flavors.
Arrange the Salmon: Place the marinated salmon fillets in the center of the baking sheet, sandwiched between the potatoes and broccoli. This positioning allows the flavors to mingle during cooking.
Bake to Perfection: Return the baking sheet to the oven. Bake until the salmon flakes easily with a fork, for about 8-13 minutes, depending on thickness. You’ll know it’s done when the salmon looks opaque and the edges start to crisp.
Serve: Finally, serve your Honey Garlic Sheet-Pan Salmon with lemon wedges on the side. Squeezing fresh lemon juice adds an extra pop of flavor to this delightful meal.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow your Honey Garlic Sheet-Pan Salmon to cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked salmon and vegetables in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warm. Note that the texture may not be as tender after freezing, but a splash of fresh lemon juice can bring back some flavor.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the salmon; it should flake easily but not be dry. Use a fork to check!
- If your veggies are unevenly cut, some may cook faster. Make sure all pieces are similar in size to ensure they roast evenly.
- Feel free to swap the broccoli for other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for variety.
- Before marinating, allow your salmon to come to room temperature for better even cooking.
- Want to amp up the garlic flavor? Try roasting additional garlic cloves on the side.
This dish is the ideal balance of ease and elegance, making it accessible for busy weeknights while also impressive enough for gatherings. Plus, the combination of sweet honey and savory garlic with fresh veggies is hard to beat. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or seasoning blends according to your family’s taste—there’s always room for creativity in the kitchen! Enjoy your culinary journey with this delightful recipe!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Absolutely! You can use frozen salmon, but be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat them dry to remove any excess moisture to help achieve that crispy texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey mustard sauce or even a splash of sriracha. Alternatively, drizzle some hot sauce over the finished dish for an extra kick!
Can I substitute the potatoes with other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to replace the potatoes with other root vegetables like sweet potatoes or even different greens like asparagus. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary for different veggies, so adjust accordingly.
How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
The salmon is done when it is opaque and flakes easily with a gentle press using a fork, usually within 8-13 minutes of baking. Using an instant-read thermometer, the internal temperature should reach at least 145°F.
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📖 Recipe Card
Honey Garlic Sheet-Pan Salmon with Broccoli & Carrots
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy the delightful combination of tender salmon, vibrant broccoli, and sweet carrots in Honey Garlic Sheet-Pan Salmon. This recipe is perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner that requires minimal prep and cleanup. Ideal for those craving healthy and homemade meals!
Ingredients
- ¼ cup pure honey
- 3 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil, divided
- zest of 1 lemon (1–2 teaspoons), after zesting cut the lemon into wedges for serving
- 1 large or 2 small garlic cloves, finely minced (2 teaspoons)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon fine salt, more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 salmon filets, about 1 inch thick (4–5 oz each)
- cooking spray
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets (4–5 cups)
- 1 lb small red or yellow potatoes, cut in half if large
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Whisk together honey, mustard, 1 tablespoon of oil, lemon zest, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Set aside 3 tablespoons of this mixture for tossing with potatoes.
- Coat salmon fillets with the remaining honey mustard mixture, making sure all sides are covered; set aside.
- Mist a baking sheet with cooking spray and add potatoes. Toss with reserved honey mustard mixture and spread cut-side down on the sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Take out the pan, move potatoes to one side, creating space for the broccoli and salmon.
- Place broccoli florets on the other side, drizzle with remaining olive oil, toss, and sprinkle with salt.
- Position salmon in the middle of the pan between the potatoes and broccoli. Bake until salmon flakes easily, about 8-13 minutes more.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Adjust salt and spices according to your preference. If you like more kick, add red pepper flakes.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 filet with vegetables
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
