If you’re craving a dinner that feels both luxurious and effortless, the Sheet Pan Honey Glazed Salmon with Asparagus Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This beautiful dish combines tender, flaky salmon with crisp-tender asparagus—all coated in a luscious honey glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and savory at the same time. Best of all, it all roasts together on one sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze and the whole process wonderfully simple. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or impressing guests, this recipe really hits the spot every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Sheet Pan Honey Glazed Salmon with Asparagus Recipe lies in its straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role: the salmon brings richness and heartiness, asparagus adds bright, fresh crunch, and the honey glaze ties everything together with its glossy, flavorful coating.
- 1 lb fresh wild caught salmon (3-4 filets): Look for firm, vibrant pieces for the best texture and flavor.
- ¼ cup coconut aminos: A savory, slightly sweet sauce that replaces soy sauce, adding depth without overpowering.
- ⅓ cup pure honey: This provides the essential sweetness to balance the acidity and create that beautiful glaze.
- 4 cloves garlic (1 ½ tablespoons): Fresh garlic gives a punch of aromatic warmth to the glaze.
- Juice of ½ lemon (1-2 tablespoons): Adds a fresh, zesty brightness to lighten up the whole dish.
- ¾ to 1 lb. asparagus, ends trimmed: Choose firm stalks; asparagus brings vibrant color and a subtle earthiness.
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil: Helps crisp up the asparagus and salmon for the perfect finish.
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overwhelming.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A little pepper sharpens each bite with mild heat.
- 4 lemon wedges: Perfect for serving, adding extra juice as desired at the table.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or 1 ½ tablespoons arrowroot powder: Thickens the glaze for that glossy, sticky finish.
- 1 tablespoon water: Used to make the cornstarch slurry and ensure smooth consistency.
- 2 green onions, sliced on the bias, green part only (optional): Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and pretty garnish.
How to Make Sheet Pan Honey Glazed Salmon with Asparagus Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. I like to line my sheet pan with parchment paper because it makes clean-up so much easier and prevents sticking. This initial step sets the stage for roasting the salmon and asparagus perfectly without fuss.
Step 2: Whisk Up That Glaze
Combine coconut aminos, honey, minced garlic, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Whisk until the honey dissolves smoothly into the liquid. Half of this glaze will marinate your salmon, infusing it with bold, balanced flavors, while the other half will thicken into a glossy finish later on. If you have time, let the salmon soak in the glaze for a few minutes or even up to four hours—this little bit of extra patience really elevates the dish.
Step 3: Prep the Asparagus
Toss the trimmed asparagus with avocado or olive oil, along with salt and pepper so every bite is perfectly seasoned. Spread the asparagus evenly across your sheet pan, then nestle the marinated salmon filets right among the stalks. Add lemon wedges around the edges for an extra pop of flavor as they roast.
Step 4: Bake
Pop the sheet pan into the oven and roast for 10 minutes. This quick roasting time bakes the salmon gently until it’s tender and flaky, while the asparagus turns beautifully crisp-tender without losing its vibrant green color.
Step 5: Simmer and Thicken the Glaze
While baking is happening, pour the reserved glaze mixture into a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat. Then whisk together your cornstarch or arrowroot powder with water, creating a smooth slurry. Stir this slowly into the simmering glaze, letting it thicken for 2-3 minutes. This thickened glaze will be the sweet, sticky goodness that perfectly coats your salmon and asparagus at the final step.
Step 6: Broil to Finish
Once the baking time is up, remove the sheet pan from the oven and switch your oven to broil. Spoon or brush the thickened glaze generously over the salmon and asparagus. Return the pan to the oven and broil for just 1 to 2 minutes until the glaze turns golden and caramelized. Watch closely here; you want that perfect glaze without any burnt edges!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish by scattering sliced green onions over the top for an added layer of color and flavor. Serve your masterpiece with lemon wedges on the side. This moment is all about savoring the harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, savory, and fresh flavors from your beautiful Sheet Pan Honey Glazed Salmon with Asparagus Recipe.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Honey Glazed Salmon with Asparagus Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes really elevate this dish. I recommend fresh green onions sliced on the bias for a hint of mild onion flavor and a pop of color. Lemon wedges allow everyone to adjust the tang to their liking, brightening each bite perfectly. If you want to get fancy, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty crunch that complements the glaze superbly.
Side Dishes
This recipe is lovely on its own, but you can serve it with fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the extra glaze. Quinoa or cauliflower rice are excellent lighter alternatives. For a heartier meal, roasted baby potatoes or a simple mixed green salad provide balance and extra texture.
Creative Ways to Present
If you really want to impress, arrange the salmon and asparagus on a rustic wooden board with scattered herbs and lemon slices. Serve with small bowls of extra glaze and soy sauce on the side for dipping. For family-style dinners, place everything on a large platter and let everyone help themselves—this always adds a warm, inviting feel to the meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The salmon and asparagus will keep well for up to three days, making for delicious next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
I wouldn’t recommend freezing the cooked salmon and asparagus together, as the texture can suffer. However, you can freeze the unbaked marinated salmon separately in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake fresh when you’re ready.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, gently warm in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes to retain the crispness of the asparagus and prevent the salmon from drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can overcook the fish and make it rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator before marinating and baking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
What if I don’t have coconut aminos?
If you don’t have coconut aminos, feel free to substitute with low-sodium soy sauce or tamari. Keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Can I use other vegetables besides asparagus?
Absolutely! Broccoli, green beans, or snap peas all work wonderfully with this recipe. Just adjust roasting times slightly depending on the vegetable’s firmness.
Is this recipe paleo or gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is both paleo and gluten-free, especially when using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and arrowroot or cornstarch as the thickener.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has an opaque, light pink color in the center. Because this recipe uses high heat and a short bake time, the salmon should be juicy and tender.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Sheet Pan Honey Glazed Salmon with Asparagus Recipe a try soon. It’s a wonderful combination of elegant flavors with down-to-earth, easy cooking techniques. From the sticky sweet glaze to the tender fish and bright asparagus, this dish brings warmth and joy to any table. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll be one you’ll want to turn to again and again for an effortless yet impressive meal.
PrintSheet Pan Honey Glazed Salmon with Asparagus Recipe
This Sheet Pan Honey Glazed Salmon recipe offers a delicious and healthy way to prepare wild-caught salmon paired with tender asparagus. Coated in a sweet and savory honey glaze made from coconut aminos, garlic, and lemon juice, the salmon bakes quickly in the oven alongside perfectly roasted asparagus. The glaze is then thickened and broiled to a beautiful golden finish, creating a flavorful and elegant meal that’s easy to prepare and clean up. Ideal for a nutritious weeknight dinner, this recipe yields four servings with a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Salmon and Glaze
- 1 lb fresh wild caught salmon (3–4 filets)
- ¼ cup coconut aminos
- ⅓ cup pure honey
- 4 cloves garlic (1 ½ tablespoons, minced)
- Juice of ½ lemon (1–2 tablespoons)
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or 1 ½ tablespoons arrowroot powder
- 1 tablespoon water
- 4 lemon wedges
- 2 green onions, sliced on the bias, green part only (optional)
Vegetables
- ¾ to 1 lb. asparagus, ends trimmed
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F. For easier cleanup, optionally line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Glaze and Marinate Salmon: In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, honey, minced garlic, and lemon juice until the honey dissolves. Pour half of this mixture over the salmon in a bowl or container, turning to coat evenly. You may marinate the salmon in the fridge for a few minutes or up to 4 hours. Pour the other half of the mixture into a small saucepan and set aside.
- Prepare Asparagus and Arrange on Sheet Pan: Toss the trimmed asparagus with oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the asparagus evenly over the prepared baking sheet. Nestle the marinated salmon filets among the asparagus and add lemon wedges. Discard any leftover marinade liquid in the bowl.
- Bake Salmon and Asparagus: Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, allowing the salmon and asparagus to cook through.
- Simmer Glaze: While baking, set the saucepan with the reserved glaze mixture over medium-high heat and bring it to a simmer.
- Thicken Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until dissolved and milky. Gradually whisk this slurry into the simmering glaze in the saucepan. Continue simmering with occasional stirring for 2-3 minutes, until thickened, then remove from heat and let it rest to thicken slightly more.
- Broil with Glaze: When baking time is done, remove the sheet pan from the oven and switch the oven to the broil setting. Spoon or brush the thickened glaze over the salmon and asparagus.
- Broil to Finish: Return the sheet pan to the oven and broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully until the glaze turns golden and slightly caramelized. Avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the sheet pan, garnish the dish with sliced green onions if using, and serve immediately. Optionally, serve over cooked rice. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Marinating the salmon for longer will deepen the flavor but is not required.
- Using parchment paper helps with quick cleanup but is optional.
- Arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute for cornstarch for thickening the glaze.
- Watch the broiler closely during the glaze finishing step to prevent burning.
- Leftover salmon and asparagus can be repurposed in salads or grain bowls.
- Adjust lemon juice and honey to taste for a more tangy or sweet glaze.
