What to Make With Salmon and Broccoli Tonight
Salmon and broccoli are a natural pair—one rich and buttery, the other earthy and bright.
Some ingredient combinations feel inevitable. Salmon's gentle richness plays beautifully against broccoli's slight bitterness, and they cook on nearly the same timeline. Add rice as a steadying base, peppers for sweetness and color, and you've got the bones of something genuinely satisfying without much fuss.
Garlic Ginger Salmon with Roasted Broccoli and Peppers over Rice
A vibrant, healthy one-pan meal featuring pan-seared salmon with a savory garlic-ginger glaze, served alongside roasted broccoli and peppers over fluffy rice.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cups water or broth
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package directions using water or broth.
- While rice cooks, toss broccoli and peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in a 400°F oven for 12-15 minutes until tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season salmon with salt and pepper, then sear skin-side down for 4 minutes until crispy.
- Flip salmon, pour the glaze over top, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until salmon is cooked through.
- Divide rice among serving bowls, top with roasted vegetables and glazed salmon.
This is just one option. Want to create your own recipe?
Customize the ingredients or generate a recipe built entirely from what you already have.
Build My RecipeQuick Variations
Lighter Option
Skip the rice or use cauliflower rice instead. Let the salmon and broccoli take center stage, dressed simply with lemon and olive oil, with peppers roasted until they soften.
Hearty Option
Build a grain bowl with generous portions of rice, topped with salmon, roasted broccoli and peppers, then finish with a creamy sauce or drizzle of sesame oil for depth.
Vegetarian or Flexible Option
Swap the salmon for chickpeas, white beans, or tofu. Roast everything together with rice and you'll have a complete, protein-rich meal that's just as satisfying.
Simple Substitutions
Protein Substitutes
- Cod or halibut
- Shrimp
- Chicken breast
- Tofu
- Chickpeas
- White beans
Carb Substitutes
- Quinoa
- Farro
- Couscous
- Sweet potato
- Cauliflower rice
- Orzo
Flavor Boosters
- Ginger and soy for an Asian lean
- Garlic and lemon for brightness
- Miso and sesame oil for umami
- Dill and mustard for herbal notes
- Coconut milk for creaminess
- Red pepper flakes for gentle heat
Common Questions
How do I keep salmon from drying out?
Salmon is forgiving, but aim for medium doneness—about 12–15 minutes in a 400°F oven depending on thickness. It'll continue cooking slightly after you pull it from heat.
Should I cook everything together or separately?
You can roast salmon and broccoli on the same sheet pan, though broccoli benefits from higher heat and earlier start time. Peppers and rice are better handled on their own timeline.
What's the best way to season this combination?
Keep it simple: salt, pepper, and acid (lemon or vinegar) are your foundation. Then layer in one flavor direction—whether that's Asian (soy, ginger), Mediterranean (garlic, herbs), or something else entirely.