Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy dinner? Look no further! This recipe combines the best of Chinese flavors with the simplicity of a quick weeknight meal. Honey garlic glazed salmon, paired with vibrant sesame broccoli, offers a delightful fusion of textures and tastes that will impress your family and friends. This recipe is perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas or exploring homemade cooking, and it’s easily adaptable to suit your preferences. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
For the Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon:
- 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Sesame Broccoli:
- 1 pound broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions:
Preparing the Honey Garlic Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
Cooking the Salmon:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
- Pour the honey garlic glaze evenly over the salmon fillets, ensuring they are well coated.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets.
Cooking the Sesame Broccoli:
- While the salmon is baking, steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Don't overcook!
- Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the cooked broccoli and toss to coat.
- Stir in soy sauce and toasted sesame seeds. Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serving:
Serve the honey garlic glazed salmon immediately alongside the sesame broccoli. A simple serving of rice or quinoa complements this dish perfectly.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in the honey garlic glaze for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Substitute other vegetables for the broccoli, such as asparagus, green beans, or sugar snap peas.
- If you don't have rice vinegar, you can substitute apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- For a richer glaze, add a tablespoon of butter to the honey garlic mixture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This delicious and healthy Chinese fusion recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. It's a perfect choice for a healthy meal, a quick dinner, or impressing guests with delicious dishes. Enjoy this culinary adventure!