Honey Garlic Salmon and Asparagus

Honey Garlic Salmon and Asparagus is the kind of dinner that feels special, yet fits perfectly into a busy weeknight. First, tender salmon fillets roast alongside crisp asparagus on a single sheet pan. Then, a glossy honey garlic sauce caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating rich flavor with minimal effort. As a result, every bite is savory, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying.

Moreover, this recipe delivers elegance without complication. Because everything cooks together, cleanup stays easy while flavors blend naturally. Meanwhile, fresh lemon juice and zest balance the sweetness, keeping the dish bright and well-rounded.

Interestingly, sheet-pan dinners became popular as home cooks searched for simpler ways to create restaurant-style meals. Today, they remain a favorite for good reason. Not only are they efficient, but they also allow ingredients to shine.

Whether served for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering, this salmon recipe feels both comforting and polished. Ultimately, it’s proof that simple ingredients can still create unforgettable results.

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

1½ lb salmon fillets
1 lb asparagus, trimmed
3 Tbsp olive oil
¼ cup honey
3 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat and prepare:
First, preheat the oven to 400°F. Then, line a large sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Make the honey garlic sauce:
Meanwhile, whisk together honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and glossy.

3. Arrange salmon and asparagus:
Next, place salmon fillets in the center of the prepared sheet pan. Arrange asparagus around the salmon. Drizzle olive oil evenly over the asparagus and season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

4. Glaze the salmon:
After that, spoon the honey garlic sauce generously over each salmon fillet, allowing some to drip onto the pan for added flavor.

5. Roast until tender:
Then, roast for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the asparagus is tender but still vibrant.

6. Finish and serve:
Finally, remove from the oven and spoon pan juices over the salmon before serving warm.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Perfectly Cooked Salmon: For juicy results, remove the salmon when it reaches about 135°F internally. It will finish cooking as it rests.
• Even Asparagus Texture: If your asparagus spears are thick, roast them for 4–5 minutes before adding the salmon for even doneness.
• Extra Flavor Finish: For deeper caramelization, broil the sheet pan for 1–2 minutes at the end while watching closely.