Balsamic Glazed Salmon with Asparagus Recipe
If you want an effortless meal that looks stunning on the plate, Balsamic Glazed Salmon with Asparagus is your new secret weapon. This dish packs bold flavor into a 25-minute recipe, pairing silky, oven-baked salmon with crisp asparagus and a glossy, tangy-sweet balsamic glaze. It’s quick enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests, with a harmony of textures and colors that make every bite memorable. Once you try this irresistible combination, Balsamic Glazed Salmon with Asparagus will find its way into your regular recipe rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Even the most fabulous dishes come down to their building blocks. For Balsamic Glazed Salmon with Asparagus, you only need a handful of fresh, simple ingredients, each playing a key role—tender fish, vibrant veggies, a few pantry staples and a hint of sweetness to pull it all together.
- Salmon fillets: Use four 6-ounce portions for perfectly juicy, flaky results; wild or farmed both work well here.
- Asparagus: One bunch brings vivid green color and satisfying crunch, and it roasts beautifully alongside the salmon.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything roast evenly; a drizzle makes all the difference.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the other flavors; don’t be shy.
- Balsamic vinegar: The star of the glaze, offering signature tang and depth—choose a good-quality balsamic for best flavor.
- Honey: Brings delightful sweetness that balances the sharpness of the vinegar in the glaze.
- Dijon mustard: A little goes a long way, adding gentle heat and complexity without overpowering the fish.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the glaze with aromatic punch, making every bite pop.
How to Make Balsamic Glazed Salmon with Asparagus
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Sheet Pan
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s fully heated when you’re ready to roast. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup and to help prevent sticking—there’s nothing worse than losing precious glaze to the pan!
Step 2: Arrange the Salmon and Asparagus
Place your salmon fillets and trimmed asparagus spears directly onto the lined baking sheet. This “sheet pan supper” technique means everything cooks at once, infusing the veggies with rich, savory salmon juices for maximum flavor payoff.
Step 3: Season and Oil
Drizzle everything generously with olive oil and sprinkle with plenty of salt and pepper. Both the fish and veggies benefit from this simple step—it ensures a golden finish and seasoning in every bite.
Step 4: Prepare the Balsamic Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Warm over medium heat, stirring constantly. Within about 4–5 minutes, the glaze will simmer, thicken, and transform into a luscious, fragrant syrup ready to elevate your salmon.
Step 5: Glaze and Roast
Brush half of your warm glaze generously over the salmon fillets, reserving the rest for later. Pop the sheet pan into the oven and roast everything for 12–15 minutes. You’ll know the Balsamic Glazed Salmon with Asparagus is ready when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the asparagus is perfectly tender-crisp.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Drizzle the remaining balsamic glaze over the cooked salmon right before serving for a final hit of glossy sweetness. The aroma is irresistible, and each forkful is pure perfection alongside the roasted asparagus.
How to Serve Balsamic Glazed Salmon with Asparagus
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley, dill, or chives adds lively color and a fresh pop to each serving. Lemon wedges on the side are perfect for a bright, zesty squeeze just before your first bite. If you want a hint of luxury, a few shavings of parmesan over the asparagus make this Balsamic Glazed Salmon with Asparagus really shine.
Side Dishes
Fluffy rice, quinoa, or a handful of baby potatoes are tasty, hearty sides that soak up every last drop of the balsamic glaze. For a lighter touch, serve with a crisp green salad or a simple citrus slaw—the refreshing crunch is a beautiful match to the sweet and tangy salmon.
Creative Ways to Present
Balsamic Glazed Salmon with Asparagus is gorgeous on its own, but don’t be afraid to play! Try layering the salmon over a bed of herbed couscous. For family-style wow factor, present everything right on the sheet pan at the table, or arrange individual portions with asparagus spears fanned under the salmon fillet for a splash of color and drama.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Balsamic Glazed Salmon with Asparagus cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it stays fresh for up to two days. Keep the salmon and asparagus together for easy reheating, or separate if you want to use them in different dishes later.
Freezing
Salmon freezes well, but asparagus can become soggy after thawing. If you want to freeze, wrap the cooked salmon portions tightly and freeze for up to one month. It’s best to prepare fresh asparagus when you reheat, so you keep its lovely texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the salmon and asparagus in a low oven (about 300°F) for 8–10 minutes. This keeps the salmon moist and helps the glaze stay glossy. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the fish. For extra flavor, brush with a bit more balsamic glaze if you have any left.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them fully and pat dry before cooking, so you get beautiful browning and the flavors can really meld with the glaze.
Is there a substitute for honey in the glaze?
Yes, you can use pure maple syrup or even agave nectar for a slightly different sweetness—the glaze will still balance out the balsamic perfectly.
How can I tell when the salmon is done?
The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque throughout. Twelve to fifteen minutes in a hot oven is just about right, but checking a minute or two early is always smart if your fillets are thinner.
Can I grill this recipe instead of baking?
Definitely! Grill the salmon and asparagus over medium heat, brushing with glaze as they cook. The grill adds delicious smokiness and beautiful char lines for an extra-special presentation.
Is Balsamic Glazed Salmon with Asparagus gluten-free?
It is! With just salmon, veggies, vinegar, honey, mustard, and garlic, there are no gluten-containing ingredients—just double-check your Dijon mustard to be sure it’s gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Ready to make dinnertime a little brighter? This Balsamic Glazed Salmon with Asparagus offers big rewards from minimal effort, perfect for any night of the week. Try it once and it’ll become a go-to favorite you’ll love to share!
Print
Balsamic Glazed Salmon with Asparagus Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A perfect weeknight dinner, this Balsamic Glazed Salmon with Asparagus is both flavorful and easy to prepare. The tangy balsamic glaze complements the tender salmon and roasted asparagus for a delicious and healthy meal.
Ingredients
Salmon Fillets:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
Asparagus:
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare salmon and asparagus: Arrange the salmon fillets and asparagus on the sheet. Drizzle olive oil over both and season with salt and pepper.
- Make the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer and cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Glaze and roast: Brush half of the glaze over the salmon fillets. Roast in the oven for 12–15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and the asparagus is tender.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle the remaining glaze over the salmon before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in half the glaze for 30 minutes before roasting.
- You can also grill the salmon and asparagus instead of roasting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with asparagus
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
