Honey Garlic Salmon Brussels Sprouts: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe

Honey Garlic Salmon Brussels Sprouts: Prepare to be amazed by this flavor explosion! Imagine perfectly seared salmon, glistening with a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze, nestled amongst crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

While salmon has been a staple food source for coastal communities for centuries, the combination of honey and garlic as a glaze is a more modern culinary innovation. This pairing likely draws inspiration from Asian-inspired cuisine, where sweet and savory flavors are often masterfully balanced. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way it elevates humble ingredients to something truly special.

People adore Honey Garlic Salmon Brussels Sprouts for several reasons. First, the taste is simply irresistible. The richness of the salmon is perfectly complemented by the sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce, while the Brussels sprouts offer a delightful textural contrast. Second, it’s incredibly convenient. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Finally, it’s a healthy and satisfying meal that you can feel good about eating. So, are you ready to discover your new favorite dish? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• For the Salmon:
• 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• For the Brussels Sprouts:
• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (or quartered if large)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish

Preparing the Honey Garlic Sauce:

Okay, let’s get started with the star of the show – the honey garlic sauce! This sauce is seriously addictive, and you’ll want to put it on everything. Trust me on this one.

1. Mince the Garlic: First things first, mince those garlic cloves. I like to use a garlic press, but finely chopping them works just as well. The smaller the pieces, the more flavor you’ll get infused into the sauce.
2. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is nicely combined. The honey can sometimes be a bit stubborn, so keep whisking until it’s smooth.
3. Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. This is important to prevent lumps in your sauce. This slurry will help thicken the sauce to that perfect, glossy consistency.
4. Combine and Cook: Pour the honey garlic mixture into a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, slowly drizzle in the cornstarch slurry while continuously whisking. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes just a minute or two. Be careful not to overcook it, or it might become too thick.
5. Taste and Adjust: Give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you want it sweeter, add a little more honey. If you want it saltier, add a tiny pinch of salt or a dash more soy sauce. If you want more heat, add a few more red pepper flakes. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
6. Set Aside: Once the sauce is perfect, remove it from the heat and set it aside. It will thicken slightly as it cools.

Preparing the Brussels Sprouts:

Next up, let’s get those Brussels sprouts ready. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness and gives them a lovely crispy texture. No more mushy, bitter Brussels sprouts here!

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is key to getting those crispy edges.
2. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: While the oven is preheating, trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and remove any loose outer leaves. Then, halve or quarter them, depending on their size. If they’re small, halving them is fine. If they’re larger, quartering them will ensure they cook evenly.
3. Season the Brussels Sprouts: Place the Brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss them well to make sure they’re evenly coated. This is important for even cooking and flavor distribution.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure they’re not overcrowded, as this will steam them instead of roasting them. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
5. Roast the Brussels Sprouts: Roast the Brussels sprouts for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re tender and nicely browned. Flip them halfway through to ensure even browning on both sides. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. You want them to be slightly charred around the edges for that perfect roasted flavor.
6. Optional Garnish: While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, you can prepare the optional garnish. Chop some pecans or walnuts and set them aside. Once the Brussels sprouts are done, you can sprinkle them with the chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.

Cooking the Salmon:

Now for the main event – the salmon! This is where the magic happens. We’re going to pan-sear the salmon to get a beautiful crispy skin (if you’re using skin-on fillets) and then finish it off with that amazing honey garlic sauce.

1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear. Season them with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Heat the Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the salmon. You should see the oil shimmering.
3. Sear the Salmon: If using skin-on salmon, place the fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. Sear for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. If using skinless salmon, sear for 3-4 minutes per side. Avoid moving the salmon around too much while it’s searing, as this will prevent it from developing a good crust.
4. Flip the Salmon: Carefully flip the salmon fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and flake easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
5. Add the Honey Garlic Sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the salmon fillets in the skillet. Let it simmer for a minute or two, allowing the sauce to coat the salmon and heat through. Spoon the sauce over the salmon to ensure it’s evenly coated.

Assembling and Serving:

Alright, we’re in the home stretch! Now it’s time to put everything together and enjoy this delicious meal.

1. Plate the Brussels Sprouts: Divide the roasted Brussels sprouts among plates.
2. Top with Salmon: Place a salmon fillet on top of each serving of Brussels sprouts.
3. Drizzle with Sauce: Spoon any remaining honey garlic sauce from the skillet over the salmon and Brussels sprouts.
4. Garnish (Optional): If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
5. Serve Immediately: Serve immediately and enjoy! This dish is best served hot, so don’t let it sit around for too long.

Conclusion:

This Honey Garlic Salmon with Brussels Sprouts isn’t just a meal; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Seriously, if you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and incredibly satisfying, you absolutely have to try this recipe. The sweet and savory glaze on the salmon perfectly complements the slightly bitter, roasted Brussels sprouts, creating a symphony of tastes and textures that will leave you wanting more. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters.

But what makes this recipe a true must-try? It’s the simplicity! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a restaurant-quality dish on your table in under 30 minutes. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a recipe that saves time without sacrificing flavor? Plus, the combination of protein, healthy fats, and fiber makes it a complete and balanced meal that will keep you feeling full and energized.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. While the Honey Garlic Salmon and Brussels Sprouts are fantastic on their own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking.

* Grain Bowl Bliss: Serve the salmon and Brussels sprouts over a bed of quinoa or brown rice for a heartier meal. The grains will soak up the delicious honey garlic sauce, adding another layer of flavor.
* Lemon Zest Boost: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest to the salmon before baking for a bright and citrusy twist.
* Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey garlic glaze.
* Veggie Variety: Feel free to swap out the Brussels sprouts for other vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* Sweet Potato Power: Roast some sweet potato cubes alongside the Brussels sprouts for added sweetness and nutrients.
* Herb Infusion: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
* Gluten-Free Option: Ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free or use tamari.

I truly believe that this Honey Garlic Salmon Brussels Sprouts recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the perfect balance of convenience, health, and deliciousness. I’ve made it countless times, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience a culinary delight! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

And now, for the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavor? What did your family think? Your feedback is invaluable and helps me create even better recipes for you in the future. Don’t be shy – let me know what you think! Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear about your Honey Garlic Salmon and Brussels Sprouts success!