Description
This Honey Jerk Salmon recipe features perfectly glazed salmon fillets with a spicy, sweet jerk seasoning combined with honey and smoked paprika. Roasted sweet potatoes and wilted baby spinach complement the dish, served alongside fluffy quinoa for a nutritious and flavorful meal that comes together in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Salmon and Glaze
- 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning, divided
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 lime, juiced plus extra wedges for serving
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 salmon fillets, skin-on, about ¾-inch thick and 6 ounces each
For the Vegetables and Sides
- 1 ¼ pounds sweet potatoes, cut horizontally into ½-inch coins
- 4 ounces baby spinach
- 4 cups cooked quinoa (can substitute couscous or rice)
- Cubed avocado (optional garnish)
- Sliced green onions (optional garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, basil and/or parsley (optional garnish)
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Position one rack in the top third and another in the bottom third of your oven to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line a rimmed, broiler-safe sheet pan with aluminum foil for the salmon.
- Make the Jerk Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 ½ tablespoons jerk seasoning, honey or agave, smoked paprika, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and black pepper until well combined to form the glaze.
- Arrange Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared sheet pan.
- Apply Glaze: Slather the jerk-spiced glaze all over the salmon fillets using your hands or a brush. You can prep the salmon up to a few hours ahead; if so, let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Season Sweet Potatoes: On a separate large rimmed sheet pan, drizzle the sweet potato coins with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ tablespoon jerk seasoning, generous pinches of salt and black pepper, then toss until well coated. Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer.
- Bake Sweet Potatoes: Bake the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender when pierced with a knife, stirring halfway through to ensure even roasting.
- Add Spinach: When the sweet potatoes are almost tender, push them to one side of the baking sheet. Evenly spread out the baby spinach on the other side and drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Roast Spinach: Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. After removing from the oven, stir the spinach to evenly distribute the heat and flavor.
- Bake Salmon: Move the sweet potatoes to the bottom rack. Place the glazed salmon on the top rack of the oven after the sweet potatoes have baked for at least 18-20 minutes. Bake the salmon for 8 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Broil Salmon: Once baked, switch the oven to broil on high. Broil the salmon for 2-3 minutes until the glaze is bubbling and the salmon is tender but still slightly translucent in the center. Remove sweet potatoes and spinach from the oven prior to broiling.
- Serve: To serve, spoon about 1 cup of cooked quinoa into a bowl. Top with a salmon fillet, roasted spinach, and sweet potatoes. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and garnish with cubed avocado, sliced green onions, and fresh herbs like cilantro, basil or parsley as desired. Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful meal!
Notes
- Salmon can be marinated in the jerk glaze up to a few hours ahead for enhanced flavor. Bring to room temperature before cooking.
- Sweet potatoes are cut into ½-inch coins to ensure even roasting and tender texture.
- You can substitute quinoa with couscous or rice based on preference.
- Broiling at the end caramelizes the glaze and seals in juicy salmon flavor.
- Additional garnishes like avocado, green onions, and fresh herbs add extra texture, color, and freshness to the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Caribbean