Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Honey Glaze and Charred Broccolini
A vibrant seafood dish featuring pan-seared salmon topped with a tangy citrus-honey glaze, paired with smoky charred broccolini to balance the flavors. This seafood-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, olive oil, broccolini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz broccolini
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 5 minutes without moving until the skin is crisp and golden.
- Step 3: Flip the salmon and cook an additional 3 minutes until cooked through and opaque. Remove salmon and keep warm.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add 12 oz broccolini and cook over medium-high heat for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until edges are charred and stems are tender-crisp.
- Step 6: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp honey, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes.
- Step 7: Pour the citrus-honey glaze into the skillet with broccolini and cook for 2 more minutes until the glaze thickens slightly and coats the broccolini.
- Step 8: Serve the salmon fillets topped with the glaze and broccolini alongside for a fresh, balanced plate.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Honey Glaze and Charred Broccolini take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Honey Glaze and Charred Broccolini?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Honey Glaze and Charred Broccolini?
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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Honey Glaze and Charred Broccolini 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.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Honey Glaze and Charred Broccolini?
Seafood seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.