Honey-Garlic Salmon with Steamed Broccoli and Quinoa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple pan-seared salmon glazed with honey and garlic, served with fluffy quinoa and lightly steamed broccoli for a balanced meal. This seafood recipe (gluten free, high protein), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs salmon fillets, honey, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 International cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water and combine with 2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
  2. Step 2: While quinoa cooks, whisk together 3 tbsp honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp soy sauce in a small bowl.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 salmon fillets with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until crisp.
  4. Step 4: Flip salmon and immediately brush with honey-garlic mixture. Cook another 3-4 minutes until salmon is cooked through and glaze is sticky.
  5. Step 5: Steam 3 cups broccoli florets over boiling water for 5 minutes until tender-crisp.
  6. Step 6: Serve salmon atop quinoa with steamed broccoli on the side and 4 lemon wedges for squeezing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Garlic Salmon with Steamed Broccoli and Quinoa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Honey-Garlic Salmon with Steamed Broccoli and Quinoa?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Garlic Salmon with Steamed Broccoli and Quinoa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Honey-Garlic Salmon with Steamed Broccoli and Quinoa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Honey-Garlic Salmon with Steamed Broccoli and Quinoa gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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