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Spring Honey Garlic Salmon with Asparagus: Easy 20-Minute Dinner

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A quick and easy spring dinner featuring caramelized honey garlic salmon and tender-crisp asparagus, all cooked in one pan in under 20 minutes. This recipe recreates a cherished memory with perfectly balanced sweet and savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 1/4 cup honey (runny, like clover or wildflower)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced finely)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium; tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh squeezed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound, woody ends snapped off)
  • Zest of 1 lemon (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep everything first. Take salmon out of fridge 10 minutes before cooking. Pat fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Snap woody ends off asparagus. Mince garlic, squeeze lemon, and mix honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
  2. Start the asparagus. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add asparagus in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until bright green and slightly charred. Remove to a plate and set aside.
  3. Sear the salmon. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Place salmon fillets skin-side down (or presentation-side down if skinless). Cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until golden crust forms.
  4. Flip and glaze. Carefully flip salmon and cook for another 2 minutes. Pour honey garlic mixture into the pan around the salmon (not directly on top). Add 1 tablespoon butter. Let bubble for 1-2 minutes, spooning glaze over salmon as it thickens, until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Bring it all together. Return asparagus to the pan for the last minute of cooking, tossing gently in the glaze. Remove from heat immediately.
  6. Finish and serve. Sprinkle lemon zest over everything. Add a pinch of flaky sea salt if desired. Serve immediately while warm and glossy.

Notes

Pat salmon dry for best sear. Watch heat carefully as honey burns quickly; reduce to medium after adding glaze. Let salmon rest 2 minutes before serving. For thicker fillets (over 1 inch), add an extra minute per side. If glaze gets too thick, add a splash of water to thin.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/spring-honey-garlic-salmon-with-asparagus-easy-20-minute-dinner/