Name: Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Roasted Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Prep time: 4 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 x 5-8 oz (150-180g) salmon fillets, skin on or off; 2 bunches asparagus; 1 bunch broccolini; 1 cup cherry tomatoes; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp whole egg mayonnaise; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

If you’re looking for a weeknight meal that’s quick, impressive, and oh-so-tasty, then I’ve got just the thing for you. This Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Roasted Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is a game-changer—sweet, savory, and perfectly caramelized salmon nestled amongst tender roasted veggies. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time, and you’ll find that it’s effortless enough to make on a busy evening without compromising on flavor. Let’s dive in!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick Prep: You can have everything ready in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Perfect Caramelization: The brown sugar glaze creates this amazing crust that’s sweet but balanced with a little heat from cayenne.
Healthy and Colorful: With asparagus, broccolini, and cherry tomatoes roasting right alongside, it’s a complete meal packed with nutrients.
Minimal Fuss, Maximum Flavor: One tray is all you need — which means fewer dishes and an easy cleanup.

The image shows four golden brown cooked salmon fillets laid side by side on a black tray. The salmon has a shiny, slightly crisp surface. Around the fillets are roasted bright green asparagus stalks with some tips slightly charred. Small, round red cherry tomatoes are scattered throughout the tray, some whole and some lightly softened. The background is out of focus, putting the focus on the salmon and vegetables. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Roasted Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes, baked salmon with sweet glaze, healthy salmon dinner, easy weeknight salmon recipe, caramelized salmon and veggies

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but they come together in a way that feels fancy without a lot of work. I always recommend fresh asparagus and sweet cherry tomatoes because they roast beautifully and add brightness to the dish.

Flat lay of four thick salmon fillets with skin on, two bunches of fresh green asparagus, one bunch of broccolini with small florets, a small bowl overflowing with bright red cherry tomatoes, a small dish of golden brown sugar, a tiny ramekin of creamy mayonnaise, a small spoonful of Dijon mustard, a drizzle of olive oil in a shallow dish, and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a small heap, all placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Roasted Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes, baked salmon with sweet glaze, healthy salmon dinner, easy weeknight salmon recipe, caramelized salmon and veggies

Salmon fillets: I use skin-on for extra flavor and texture, but skinless works if you prefer.
Asparagus: Choose firm, bright green stalks for roasting so they don’t get soggy.
Broccolini: A nice tender green that roasts quickly alongside asparagus.
Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness balances the savory-sweet glaze.
Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin for drizzling; it makes a difference in flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both veggies and salmon.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy depth to the glaze.
Mayonnaise: I like whole egg mayo for creaminess in the glaze without heaviness.
Brown sugar: The star of the glaze that caramelizes perfectly under the broiler.
Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch gives your salmon a gentle kick, but you can adjust according to taste.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love to tweak this Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Roasted Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe depending on what’s in season or what my family’s craving. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Add fresh herbs: Sometimes I sprinkle chopped dill or parsley on top after cooking for a fresh, herbal punch.
Swap veggies: Instead of broccolini, I’ve used green beans or sugar snap peas, which roast just as well.
Spice it up: For a smoky twist, I add smoked paprika instead of cayenne or throw some chili flakes into the glaze.
Diet-friendly tweaks: If you’re cutting calories, skip the mayo and use just Dijon and a touch of lemon juice in the glaze.

How to Make Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Roasted Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep your oven and veggies

First things first, preheat your broiler on high and move your oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source. This creates the perfect environment for caramelizing the salmon glaze and roasting veggies. Then toss your asparagus, broccolini, and cherry tomatoes on a baking tray sprayed lightly with olive oil. Drizzle more olive oil over the veggies and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Get your hands in there and toss everything around to coat evenly—this step really helps the veggies roast up beautifully without sticking.

Step 2: Add the salmon fillets and glaze

Wedge the salmon fillets in between the veggies on the tray and season the fish with salt and pepper. Now mix your glaze ingredients—Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper—in a small bowl until it’s smooth and ready to slather. Don’t be shy—coat the tops and sides of the salmon with this luscious mixture for that gorgeous caramelized crust you’re aiming for under the broiler.

Step 3: Broil to perfection

Pop the tray under the broiler for about 8 minutes—no flipping needed! The warmth should caramelize the brown sugar glaze into a shiny, slightly crisp layer while keeping the inside of the salmon tender and pink. A quick tip: keep an eye on it during the last couple of minutes to avoid burning the sugar. When done, take the tray out and let the salmon rest for two minutes before serving. This little pause helps the juices redistribute, making every bite juicy and flavorful.

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Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Roasted Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Broiler Distance Matters: Position your oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler to get that golden glaze without burning.
Use Fresh Vegetables: Picking firm asparagus and ripe tomatoes ensures they roast perfectly alongside the salmon in the same time frame.
Don’t Overcrowd the Tray: Giving veggies enough space helps them roast instead of steam, giving you that lovely caramelization.
Ready to Rest: Letting the salmon rest for 2 minutes locks in juiciness—don’t skip this step!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Roasted Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

A white plate holds a grilled salmon fillet in the center with a shiny, caramelized brown surface showing grill marks. Underneath and around the salmon are green asparagus and broccolini with a slightly charred texture. Bright red roasted cherry tomatoes, some whole and some halved, are scattered on the plate around the vegetables and fish. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate, its tip near the salmon. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. In the blurred background, there is a white dish with brown crumbs and some slices of a white baguette. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Roasted Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes, baked salmon with sweet glaze, healthy salmon dinner, easy weeknight salmon recipe, caramelized salmon and veggies

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishing simple: a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon over the top brightens the whole dish and cuts through the sweet glaze beautifully. Sometimes, I add a few capers for a briny kick that contrasts nicely with the caramelized salmon.

Side Dishes

While the roasted veggies are part of the main tray, I love serving this salmon alongside warm crusty bread rolls or a simple garlic butter rice to soak up the delicious glaze and any juices. A light quinoa salad or even a creamy mashed potato can elevate this meal for dinner parties.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated the salmon fillets on large white platters with the roasted veggies artistically arranged around them, finishing with edible flowers or microgreens for a pop of color. It’s a showstopper that looks far more complicated than it actually is.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. I like to keep the salmon and veggies together—you can gently reheat everything as a complete meal.

Freezing

While I prefer fresh broiled salmon because the texture is best right after cooking, you can freeze cooked salmon wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to a month. Just note veggies might get a bit softer after freezing and reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend popping leftovers back into a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes, keeping an eye so the glaze doesn’t burn. Microwaving can work in a pinch but might make the salmon a little dry.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat the salmon dry before applying the glaze. This helps the brown sugar crust adhere better and prevents excess moisture from steaming the fish instead of broiling it.
What if I don’t have broccolini?

Not a problem! You can swap broccolini for extra asparagus, green beans, or even snap peas. The key is to use vegetables that roast quickly and have similar cooking times to keep everything on one tray.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The glaze holds well in the fridge for a day or two. Just give it a quick stir before spreading on your salmon for an even coating.
How can I tell when the salmon is done?

Look for a caramelized, slightly browned surface and a salmon interior that’s softly pink but opaque. When you poke it with a fork, it should flake easily but still feel moist inside.

Final Thoughts

This Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Roasted Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is one I keep coming back to, whether for family dinners or when I want something simple and special. I used to struggle with broiling salmon without drying it out or burning the glaze, but once I found this sweet-and-spicy combo and perfect broiler distance, it was a total game changer. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how such an easy recipe feels like a treat every single time.