Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Salmon with Roasted Broccoli

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures the salmon cooks through quickly while maintaining its moist and tender texture.

2. Craft the Honey Garlic Glaze: In a small bowl, unleash your inner alchemist by whisking together the key components of the sauce. Start with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, providing a base for flavor and ensuring the glaze adheres beautifully to the salmon. Add 2 tablespoons of honey, the star ingredient that delivers a touch of sweetness and caramelization during roasting. Mince 2 cloves of garlic for a pungent and aromatic kick. Don't forget 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, which adds a touch of umami and enhances the savory profile. A teaspoon of sesame oil lends a subtle nuttiness that complements the other flavors perfectly. Finally, season the glaze with a sprinkle of black pepper (about ½ teaspoon) for a touch of heat and ¼ teaspoon of salt to balance the other flavors. Whisk everything together until well combined, creating a fragrant and flavorful sauce.

3. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels. This step removes excess moisture, allowing the honey garlic sauce to adhere better and achieve a beautiful sear. Place the salmon fillet skin-side down (if using skin-on salmon) on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

4. Glaze the Salmon: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the honey garlic sauce all over the salmon fillet. Don't be shy – coat the salmon evenly, ensuring it gets a good dose of flavor in every bite.

5. Prep the Broccoli: Now, let's turn our attention to the accompanying vegetable. Cut a head of broccoli into bite-sized florets, separating the florets from the thick stalk. In a separate bowl, toss the broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This coats the broccoli and helps it roast to a beautiful golden brown color. Season the broccoli with a sprinkle of salt (¼ teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon) to enhance its natural flavor.

6. Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Carefully arrange the seasoned broccoli florets around the salmon fillet on the baking sheet. This ensures even heat distribution and allows the broccoli to roast alongside the salmon, absorbing the delicious flavors from the honey garlic glaze.

7. Roast to Perfection: Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Let the magic happen for 15-20 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillet. However, the key is to cook the salmon until it is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork. The broccoli should be tender-crisp, with slightly browned edges.

8. Serve Immediately: Once cooked through, remove the baking sheet from the oven. The aroma of the honey garlic glaze and roasted broccoli will be truly enticing! Serve the salmon and broccoli immediately for the best texture and flavor.