Sheet Pan Salmon With Broccoli Rabe

Sheet Pan Salmon is the ultimate weeknight dinner—healthy, flavorful, and ready in just 20 minutes! This version features a delicious garlic-ginger-sesame marinade that infuses the salmon with the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Paired with nutrient-packed broccoli rabe, which adds a slightly bitter contrast, this dish is both satisfying and wholesome. I love how effortlessly it comes together on one pan, making cleanup a breeze. If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive meal, this Sheet Pan Salmon recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients for Sheet Pan Salmon

• (6 ounces) Skin-on Salmon Fillets: For best results, use wild-caught salmon for a firmer texture and richer flavor. If using frozen salmon, thaw it properly before marinating.
• Garlic and Minced Ginger: Infusing aromatic and savory notes, garlic and ginger elevate the overall taste profile, adding depth and warmth.
• Rice Vinegar: To a delicate tanginess, rice vinegar brings a hint of sweetness to balance the savory elements.
• Sesame Oil: Bestowing a nutty aroma and distinctive flavor, sesame oil enhances the overall richness of the dish.
• Coriander: Aromatic and citrusy, coriander adds a refreshing touch, complementing the richness of the salmon.
• Soy Sauce: The umami powerhouse, soy sauce, ties all the flavors together, providing depth, saltiness, and a touch of sweetness.
• Bunch of Broccoli Rabe: Providing a slightly bitter and earthy flavor, broccoli rabe adds a unique element to the dish, balancing the richness of the salmon.
• Chili Flakes: Introducing a gentle heat, chili flakes elevate the dish with a subtle spiciness.
• Salt and Pepper: Seasoning the broccoli rabe to perfection, salt and pepper add the final touches to this vibrant and flavorful side.

How to Remove the Bitterness from Broccoli Rabe

Broccoli rabe, also known as rapini, has a naturally bitter bite, but a few simple tricks can mellow its flavor. The traditional method involves chopping it into smaller pieces and blanching it in salted water with a drizzle of olive oil. A squeeze of lemon juice adds acidity, balancing out the bitterness beautifully.

If you want to retain more nutrients, roasting is a fantastic alternative. In this sheet pan salmon recipe, the broccoli rabe roasts alongside the salmon, caramelizing slightly for a more balanced, earthy flavor. The result? A tender, flaky salmon paired with perfectly roasted greens—an effortless, elegant meal.

Serving Suggestion Sheet Pan Salmon Broccoli

Enhance your sheet pan salmon and broccoli rabe dish with flavorful Lemon Greek Rice or Farmer’s Rice. The citrusy notes of the lemon perfectly complement the flavors of the salmon and broccoli rabe. Alternatively, you can opt for Farmer’s Rice, a delicious and hearty rice dish that pairs well with the flavors of the salmon. The choice between Lemon Greek Rice and Farmer’s Rice depends on your preference for a zesty or more earthy side dish.

Consider serving the dish with a Greek Salad. Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese tossed in a tangy dressing will add flavor to complement the sheet-pan salmon and roasted broccoli rabe. Alternatively, a kale-apple salad can provide a lighter side with nutrient-packed kale, crunchy apples, and a zesty vinaigrette.