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### How to Make Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon with Asparagus
Now that we’ve explored the key ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to make **Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon with Asparagus**. This recipe is straightforward and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Honey Mustard Glaze**
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste, and whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Taste the glaze and adjust the flavors as needed. If you like it sweeter, add more honey; if you prefer more tang, add a bit more mustard or lemon juice.
#### **Step 2: Prepare the Asparagus**
Trim the tough ends of the asparagus by snapping off the woody stems or cutting them with a knife. This will leave you with the tender portion of the asparagus.
Drizzle a little olive oil over the asparagus and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika if desired. Toss the asparagus to coat evenly.
#### **Step 3: Cook the Asparagus**
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and place the asparagus in the skillet. Sauté the asparagus for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s lightly browned and tender yet still crisp. Remove the asparagus from the pan and set it aside.
#### **Step 4: Sear the Salmon**
Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and increase the heat to medium-high. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down if you’re using skin-on salmon. Sear the salmon for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it’s golden and cooked through. The salmon should have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part of the fillet.
#### **Step 5: Add the Honey Mustard Glaze**
Once the salmon is cooked, spoon the honey mustard glaze over the top of each fillet. You can drizzle it on directly or use a pastry brush to apply an even layer. Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the glaze to slightly caramelize and coat the salmon.
#### **Step 6: Combine Salmon and Asparagus**
Return the cooked asparagus to the skillet with the salmon and glaze. Toss the asparagus gently to coat it in the honey mustard glaze, and cook for another minute or so to ensure everything is heated through.
#### **Step 7: Serve and Garnish**
Once everything is cooked and glazed, transfer the salmon and asparagus to plates. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or dill and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
### Tips for Perfect Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon with Asparagus
1. **Don’t Overcook the Salmon**: To ensure your salmon remains moist and tender, avoid overcooking it. Salmon cooks quickly, and even a minute too long can result in dry, tough fish. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
2. **Customize the Glaze**: Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the glaze by tweaking the honey and mustard ratio. If you prefer a more savory glaze, use less honey and add a bit of garlic or smoked paprika.
3. **Use Fresh Asparagus**: For the best flavor and texture, always use fresh asparagus. Canned or frozen asparagus won’t have the same crispness and flavor profile.
4. **Serve with a Side**: While the honey mustard salmon and asparagus are filling on their own, you can add extra sides like roasted potatoes, quinoa, or a green salad to round out the meal.
5. **Grill the Salmon**: If you prefer grilling your salmon, you can easily
adapt the recipe by grilling the salmon fillets and glazing them with honey mustard once they’re off the grill. The smoky flavor from the grill adds another layer of complexity.
### Nutritional Benefits
This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of the main ingredients:
#### **Salmon**
Salmon is a powerhouse of nutrients. It’s high in protein and packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are known to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and support brain health. Additionally, salmon provides B vitamins (including B12), which support energy production, and selenium, an essential mineral that acts as an antioxidant.
#### **Asparagus**
Asparagus is a nutrient-dense vegetable that’s low in calories but rich in vitamins and minerals. It’s a great source of vitamin K, which plays a key role in bone health, and folate, which is important for cellular function and the prevention of birth defects. Asparagus is also high in fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.
#### **Honey**
While honey is naturally sweet, it has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, meaning it doesn’t cause a rapid spike in blood sugar. Additionally, honey contains small amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can provide health benefits such as improving digestive health and boosting the immune system.
### Conclusion
**Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon with Asparagus** is the perfect dish for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-prepare meal. The rich, savory flavor of the salmon paired with the sweet-tangy honey mustard glaze and tender asparagus creates a harmonious combination that is satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing a meal for guests, this dish offers convenience, balance, and a burst of flavor in every bite. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a gourmet meal that is sure to impress. Try it out today and enjoy the deliciousness of honey mustard glazed salmon with asparagus!
