Honey Garlic Salmon with Jasmine Rice and Steamed Vegetables is a wholesome, flavorful, and quick-to-make meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender, flaky salmon fillets are glazed with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the pan.

Paired with fragrant jasmine rice and lightly steamed vegetables, this dish offers a balance of protein, carbs, and fresh greens in every bite. It’s elegant yet simple, combining rich flavors, vibrant colors, and healthy ingredients to create a meal that is as satisfying as it is nourishing.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s both comforting and healthy without sacrificing flavor. The honey garlic glaze is irresistibly sweet and savory, clinging to the salmon and creating a rich, sticky coating.

The jasmine rice adds a subtle aromatic base, while the steamed vegetables provide freshness and texture. It’s a meal that feels indulgent but is quick to prepare and full of nutrients. The balance of flavors—sweet, savory, and slightly tangy—is perfect for satisfying a variety of taste preferences.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. The honey garlic salmon is easy to prepare but packed with flavor, while the combination of jasmine rice and vegetables makes it complete and nutritious.

It’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners, offering a balance of protein, carbs, and fiber. The flavors are universally appealing, and the presentation is colorful and inviting, making it perfect for serving guests or enjoying a satisfying solo meal.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 480 kcal per serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)

For the Rice

• 1 ½ cups jasmine rice
• 3 cups water
• Pinch of salt

For the Steamed Vegetables

• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup carrot slices
• 1 cup snap peas
• Salt, to taste

Optional Garnish

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Cooking Directions

1. Cook jasmine rice in water with a pinch of salt until fluffy.
2. Steam the vegetables until tender but crisp.
3. Prepare the honey garlic sauce by combining honey, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, sesame oil, and water; thicken with cornstarch if desired.
4. Season salmon with salt and pepper, sear in olive oil until golden and cooked through.
5. Pour honey garlic sauce over salmon during the last minute of cooking.
6. Serve salmon on a bed of jasmine rice with steamed vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Jasmine Rice
Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice, water, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Step 2: Steam the Vegetables
While rice cooks, steam broccoli, carrots, and snap peas until tender-crisp, about 5–7 minutes. Sprinkle lightly with salt and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, sesame oil, and water. For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with 1 teaspoon water and stir in.

Step 4: Cook the Salmon
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place salmon in the skillet, skin-side down if applicable, and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

Step 5: Glaze the Salmon
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the salmon during the last minute of cooking, spooning it over the fillets to coat evenly. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 6: Assemble the Plate
Place a portion of jasmine rice on each plate. Top with a salmon fillet and serve with a side of steamed vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

How to Serve

Serve hot with jasmine rice and steamed vegetables on the side. This dish pairs well with a light Asian-inspired salad or miso soup. A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly chilled green tea complements the honey garlic flavors beautifully.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh garlic and ginger for maximum flavor.
• Do not overcook salmon; it should be moist and flaky.
• If you prefer a thicker glaze, add cornstarch to the sauce and simmer for 1–2 minutes.
• Steam vegetables lightly to preserve crunch and color.
• Leftover honey garlic sauce can be drizzled over rice or vegetables for extra flavor.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon: Add ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Citrus Twist: Add 1 teaspoon fresh orange or lemon juice to the glaze.
• Teriyaki Variation: Replace honey with teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetable Swap: Use asparagus, bell peppers, or green beans instead of the listed vegetables.
• Brown Rice Option: Substitute jasmine rice with brown rice for added fiber.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store cooked salmon, rice, and vegetables separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezing: Not recommended for cooked salmon as it may lose texture. Raw salmon can be marinated and frozen for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Reheat gently to avoid overcooking salmon; use a low-temperature oven or stovetop skillet.

Special Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan for rice
• Steamer or pot with steamer basket
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small mixing bowl for sauce
• Wooden spoon or spatula

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes, thaw completely before cooking and marinating.

Q2: Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the honey garlic sauce can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Q3: Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes and brush with honey garlic sauce during the last 5 minutes.

Q4: Can I use other types of rice?
Yes, brown rice or basmati rice can be used, adjusting cooking time as needed.

Q5: How can I make this dish lower in sugar?
Reduce honey to 1–2 tablespoons or substitute with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Salmon with Jasmine Rice and Steamed Vegetables is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that balances sweet, savory, and umami notes. Tender salmon glazed with honey garlic sauce pairs perfectly with aromatic jasmine rice and crisp vegetables for a complete, well-rounded dinner. It’s ideal for weeknight meals, meal prep, or entertaining, offering simplicity, nutrition, and elegance in every bite. This recipe proves that healthy home-cooked meals can be fast, delicious, and visually appealing, making it a go-to favorite for any occasion.