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Quick 15-Minute Balsamic Glazed Salmon Recipe with Easy Asparagus Sides

balsamic glazed salmon - featured image

A fast and flavorful balsamic glazed salmon paired with crisp-tender asparagus, ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for a healthy, satisfying weeknight dinner with minimal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets, 6 ounces each (170g)
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound or 450g), trimmed
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (60ml)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (30ml)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml), extra virgin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 lemon, sliced thin (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides liberally with salt and pepper. Trim the asparagus by snapping off the woody ends. Rinse and pat dry. Slice the lemon into thin rounds if using.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic until combined. Set aside.
  3. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a 12-inch skillet. Once hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down. Cook for about 4 minutes without moving the fish to develop a crispy skin.
  4. Carefully flip the salmon using tongs or a fish spatula. Arrange the asparagus spears alongside the salmon in the pan. Season the asparagus lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for another 3 minutes.
  5. Pour the balsamic mixture evenly over the salmon and asparagus. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently. Spoon the glaze over the salmon fillets continuously to coat and thicken the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the glaze bubbles and thickens.
  6. Once the salmon is cooked through (opaque and flakes easily, about 145°F/63°C in the thickest part) and the asparagus is tender-crisp, remove from heat. Plate the salmon and asparagus, drizzle any remaining glaze over the top, and garnish with lemon slices.

Notes

Keep an eye on the glaze to prevent burning; if it thickens too fast, add a teaspoon of water to loosen it. Pat salmon dry before cooking for crispy skin. Use medium-high heat for searing, then reduce heat when adding glaze. Let salmon rest briefly after cooking to keep moist.

Nutrition

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