Spicy Honey-Garlic Salmon with Steamed Rice and Roasted Greens
Tender salmon glazed with a sweet, garlicky, and lightly spicy honey sauce, paired with fluffy steamed rice and caramelized roasted greens. A balanced, nutrient-rich dish perfect for lunch or dinner.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salmon
2 salmon fillets (≈200g each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon chili flakes
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari
Juice of ½ lemon
For the Steamed Rice
1 cup jasmine, basmati, or brown rice
2 cups water
Pinch of salt
For the Roasted Greens
2 cups broccoli florets, asparagus, or green beans
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Optional: sprinkle of lemon zest
Instructions
1. Prepare Rice
Rinse rice under cold water.
Combine rice, water, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes (10–12 minutes for white rice, 35–40 for brown).
Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.
2. Roast the Greens
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Toss greens with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Roast 12–15 minutes until tender and slightly crisp at edges.
3. Prepare Honey-Garlic Salmon
In a small bowl, mix honey, garlic, paprika, chili flakes, soy sauce (if using), salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Place salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 3–4 minutes.
Flip salmon and pour honey-garlic mixture over the fillets.
Cook 3–4 more minutes, spooning sauce over the top until salmon is cooked through and glazed.
4. Assemble the Plate
Serve steamed rice as the base.
Place salmon fillets on top or beside rice.
Add roasted greens to the plate.
Drizzle extra honey-garlic sauce over salmon and rice.
Optional: garnish with fresh parsley or a lemon wedge.
Notes
Adjust chili flakes to make it mild or spicier according to preference.
Salmon can also be baked at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes if you prefer oven cooking.
Use a mix of greens for more texture and color: broccoli, asparagus, and green beans work well together.
Tips
Pat salmon dry before cooking to get a nice sear.
Baste salmon continuously with honey-garlic sauce to caramelize it without burning.
Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, skip soy sauce or use tamari.
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, adjust cooking time to 35–40 minutes.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
You can prep rice and greens ahead, but cook salmon fresh for the best texture.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 450–500
Protein: 35–38g
Carbs: 40–45g
Fat: 15–18g
Fiber: 5–6g