If you’re craving a meal that bursts with flavor, is simple to prepare, and feels a little special, you’re going to love this Apricot Dijon Glazed Salmon with Roasted Broccoli Recipe. The sweet and tangy apricot glaze paired with the bold Dijon mustard creates a stunningly delicious coating for tender salmon, while the roasted broccoli adds a perfect crunchy, savory balance. This recipe is a fantastic weeknight dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds and wondering how something so easy can taste so gourmet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Apricot Dijon Glazed Salmon with Roasted Broccoli Recipe plays an important role, carefully balancing sweet, savory, and fresh notes while adding vibrant color and satisfying textures. These simple, quality ingredients come together effortlessly to create an unforgettable dish.
- Apricot preserves: Adds natural sweetness and a hint of fruitiness to balance the mustard’s sharpness.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a smooth, rich finish to the glaze while helping it meld beautifully with the salmon.
- Honey: Enhances the glaze’s sweetness and creates a slight caramelization when baked.
- Dijon mustard: Delivers a tangy kick that ties the glaze together with its classic, sharp flavor.
- Salmon filet (2 lb): The star of the dish; tender, flavorful, and perfect for roasting evenly.
- Sea salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that heighten natural flavors throughout the recipe.
- Broccoli (1 1/2 lbs): Adds vibrant green color, crunch, and a healthy vegetable component.
- Olive oil: Helps roast the broccoli until crisp and golden with a silky finish.
- Chives or green onion (for garnish): Brings a fresh, mild onion flavor and a bright pop of color to the final plate.
How to Make Apricot Dijon Glazed Salmon with Roasted Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat is key—it allows the broccoli to roast to perfection and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully on the salmon. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Roast the Broccoli
Arrange the broccoli florets on the baking sheet, then toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a simple but flavorful coating. Pop the broccoli into the oven for 5 minutes. This early roasting softens the broccoli just enough so it cooks evenly alongside the salmon in the next step—a smart cooking tip to keep everything perfectly timed.
Step 3: Make the Apricot Dijon Glaze
While the broccoli gets prepped in the oven, combine apricot preserves, unsalted butter, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for only about a minute. This quick step thins the glaze just enough to make it easy to spread, while intensifying the delightful flavors that will coat your salmon.
Step 4: Season, Glaze, and Bake the Salmon
After pulling the broccoli from the oven, gently push it to the sides of the baking sheet to create room for your salmon in the center. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the sheet, spacing them evenly. Season each piece with salt and pepper, then lavishly spread the apricot Dijon glaze over the top and sides of the fish. Bake everything uncovered for 6 to 10 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork but remains juicy and tender inside.
How to Serve Apricot Dijon Glazed Salmon with Roasted Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Scattering freshly chopped chives or green onions over the glazed salmon adds a fresh, subtle onion flavor that brightens the dish. It also gives a lively green color that enhances the plate’s presentation beautifully, making your meal look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Apricot Dijon Glazed Salmon with Roasted Broccoli Recipe is a complete meal in itself, but if you want to round it out, steamed jasmine rice or a light quinoa salad pairs wonderfully. These sides soak up the glaze’s wonderful flavors, balancing the dish without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider plating the salmon atop a bed of fluffy couscous with roasted broccoli delicately arranged around. Drizzle any remaining glaze lightly over the top and alongside the plate. For a dinner party, serve it family-style on a large platter garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. Presentation is all about highlighting the glistening glaze and vibrant green broccoli in an inviting way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Apricot Dijon Glazed Salmon with Roasted Broccoli Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the salmon and broccoli separated if possible to prevent sogginess, preserving that lovely texture for your next meal.
Freezing
While you can freeze the cooked salmon and broccoli, it’s best to do so separately and wrapped tightly to avoid freezer burn. Be aware that the texture of roasted broccoli can change after freezing, becoming softer upon reheating. For best results, enjoy frozen portions within one month.
Reheating
Rewarm your leftovers gently in a low oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) or in a skillet over medium heat to keep the salmon moist and the glaze glossy. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to dry out seafood and make roasted vegetables mushy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apricots instead of apricot preserves?
Fresh apricots can be used, but you’ll need to cook them down with a bit of sugar and water to create a glaze consistency. Preserves offer the perfect balance of sweetness and thickness right out of the jar, making the process quicker and easier.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! The salmon and broccoli hold up well when prepared in advance and reheated gently, making this an excellent option for nutritious, flavorful meal prep during busy weeks.
Can I substitute another vegetable for broccoli?
Yes, but keep in mind the cooking times. Vegetables like asparagus or green beans work nicely with similar roasting times, though denser veggies like carrots or Brussels sprouts may require extra roasting time before adding the salmon.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The salmon should flake easily when gently pressed with a fork and have an opaque, light pink color inside. Overcooking causes dryness, so keep an eye on the filet during those final minutes of baking.
Can I grill the salmon instead of baking?
Grilling is a delicious alternative! Apply the glaze during the last few minutes of grilling to avoid burning the sugars, and cook skin-side down first for nice grill marks and crisp skin.
Final Thoughts
This Apricot Dijon Glazed Salmon with Roasted Broccoli Recipe is a total winner for anyone who loves a meal that’s quick, healthy, and packed with flavor. From the luscious, tangy glaze to the perfectly roasted broccoli, every bite feels fresh and vibrant. I hope you give this recipe a try soon—it’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation, just like it is in mine.
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Apricot Dijon Glazed Salmon with Roasted Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Apricot Dijon Salmon and Broccoli recipe is a deliciously balanced meal featuring tender salmon fillets glazed in a sweet and tangy apricot dijon sauce, paired with perfectly roasted broccoli. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/4 cup apricot preserves
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb salmon filet (cut into 6 equal portions)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (for salmon)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (for salmon)
Broccoli and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 lbs broccoli (cut into medium florets)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (or to taste, for broccoli)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste, for broccoli)
- 1 Tbsp chives or green onion, chopped (to garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 450ËšF. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat liner to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Roast Broccoli: Place broccoli florets on the lined baking sheet and toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or adjust to taste. Roast broccoli alone in the preheated oven for 5 minutes to soften, as it requires more cooking time than the salmon. Remove the broccoli from the oven after roasting.
- Prepare Glaze: While the broccoli is roasting, combine apricot preserves, unsalted butter, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, cooking for about 1 minute until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Arrange Salmon and Broccoli: Push the roasted broccoli to the long sides of the baking sheet to make room in the center. Place the salmon fillets skin-side-down in the center of the sheet, spacing them evenly. Season the salmon with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste.
- Glaze and Bake: Evenly divide the prepared apricot dijon glaze over each salmon filet, spreading it over the top and sides. Bake uncovered at 450ËšF for 6 to 10 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and just cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped chives or green onion before serving.
Notes
- If the salmon fillets are particularly thick, opt for the full 10 minutes of baking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Use fresh broccoli florets cut evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- The glaze can be prepared ahead of time and warmed gently before applying to the salmon.
- For a gluten-free version, verify that the Dijon mustard and apricot preserves are gluten-free.
- Adjust salt and pepper to personal preference.
