Oh boy, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite weeknight meals: Sheet Pan Teriyaki Salmon and Veggies! This dish has saved me on countless busy evenings when I just don’t have the time—or energy—for an elaborate dinner. The best part? It’s a one-pan wonder that yields maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Who doesn’t love that?
I fell in love with this recipe during one particularly hectic week. I had just come home from work, exhausted and hangry. I rummaged through my fridge and found some salmon fillets and a rainbow of veggies staring back at me. I decided to throw them all on a sheet pan with my go-to teriyaki sauce, and wow, I was blown away! The flavor was so savory and satisfying that it quickly turned into a family favorite. Now, every time I make it, I’m instantly transported back to that cozy evening when it made my week just a little brighter.
What’s in Sheet Pan Teriyaki Salmon and Veggies?
Let’s talk about the star players in this dish, shall we? Each ingredient comes together to create a delicious meal that’s both nutritious and good for the soul!
Salmon: The hero of the dish! Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are fantastic for your heart. I usually go for Wild Alaskan Salmon if I can find it, as it has a great flavor and is more sustainable.
Teriyaki Sauce: This sweet and savory sauce is what takes the dish to the next level! While store-bought teriyaki sauces work perfectly, you can also whip up a homemade version if you’re feeling adventurous.
Bell Peppers: These colorful beauties not only add a sweet crunch, but they’re also packed with vitamins A and C. I like to use a mix of red, yellow, and green for a gorgeous presentation.
Broccoli: A classic veggie in many dishes, broccoli is high in fiber and all sorts of vitamins. Plus, it soaks up all that lovely teriyaki flavor!
Carrots: Sweet and crunchy, carrots are a delightful addition that provides a nice contrast in texture.
Red Onion: Adding a bit of sharpness, I find that red onion caramelizes beautifully when roasted, giving a lovely sweet flavor.
How Many Does It Serve?
This recipe will easily serve 4 hungry people, but if you’re like me and can never get enough salmon, you might find yourself fighting for leftovers. Whoops!
How to Make Sheet Pan Teriyaki Salmon and Veggies?
So, let’s dive into the “how” of this delectable dish. Here’s a simple step-by-step that’ll have you chowing down in no time:
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for getting that beautiful caramelization on your veggies and salmon.
2. **Prepare the Ingredients**: While the oven heats up, chop your veggies. Cut the bell peppers into strips, slice the carrots, and chop the broccoli into florets. The goal is to have everything roughly the same size for even cooking.
3. **Arrange on the Sheet Pan**: Place the salmon fillets in the center of a large sheet pan and surround them with the veggies.
4. **Drizzle and Season**: Pour your teriyaki sauce generously over the salmon and veggies. Feel free to add a sprinkle of salt and pepper for good measure.
5. **Roast in the Oven**: Slide the sheet pan into the oven and roast for about 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the veggies are tender. I adore using a food thermometer; I aim for about 145°F (63°C) on the salmon.
6. **Serve**: Take it out of the oven (careful, it’s hot!) and marvel at your beautiful creation. You can sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for that extra flair, but it’s quite delightful as is.
Serve it Up Like a Pro!
Okay, now for some fun tips and variations to jazz up your meal.
– **Serving Suggestions**: Serve it over a bed of jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful juices. You could also swap out the rice for cauliflower rice if you’re on a low-carb kick.
– **Veggie Variations**: Feel free to switch out the veggies! Snap peas, zucchini, or even asparagus work wonderfully. Just keep the cooking time in mind.
– **Spice it Up**: If you’re a spice lover, why not add some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha on top for a little heat?
Now that you know how to whip this up, it’s time to give it a try! I promise it’s a dish that will impress anyone at dinner and leave you with plenty of smiles. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t need another easy, tasty recipe in their repertoire? I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Happy cooking!