Looking for a quick and delicious dinner that’s packed with flavor? This Honey Garlic Salmon is the answer! The salmon is coated in a sweet, tangy, and garlicky glaze, then baked (or pan-seared) to perfection. It’s a dish that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make—perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or when you want something healthy and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The honey garlic glaze is the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
- Quick & Easy: This meal comes together in just 20 minutes—ideal for busy days.
- Healthy & Delicious: Salmon is packed with omega-3s, and this glaze makes it feel like a treat.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or tanginess to suit your tastes.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Salmon fillets (fresh or thawed frozen works fine)
- Honey (for that sweet, sticky goodness)
- Garlic (fresh garlic gives the best flavor)
- Soy sauce (adds savory depth)
- Olive oil (for cooking the salmon)
- Lemon juice (for a tangy finish)
- Salt and pepper (for seasoning)
Find the full ingredient list in the recipe card below!
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Garlic Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with a little salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon, skin-side down if it has skin. Sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Glaze the Salmon
Once the salmon is nearly cooked, pour the honey garlic glaze over the fillets. Let it simmer for a minute or two, until the glaze thickens and coats the fish.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
Serve the salmon immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or lemon slices, and drizzle any extra glaze from the pan on top.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For Extra Flavor: Add a little ginger to the glaze for a subtle spice kick.
- Don’t Overcook: Salmon cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid dryness. It should flake easily with a fork when done.
- Make It Spicy: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the glaze.
- Use Fresh or Frozen: Both work well, just be sure to thaw frozen fillets completely before cooking.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Citrus Twist: Try substituting the lemon juice with lime or orange juice for a different citrus flavor.
- Pan-Seared or Baked: You can either pan-sear the salmon as described, or bake it at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes if you prefer a hands-off cooking method.
- Vegetarian Option: If you’re looking for a vegetarian dish, try this glaze over roasted tofu or tempeh.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Serve with Rice: Jasmine rice, quinoa, or wild rice make a great side dish to soak up any extra glaze.
- Roasted Veggies: Serve with roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or a side salad for a complete, healthy meal.
- Potatoes: Mashed potatoes or crispy roasted potatoes pair wonderfully with this flavorful salmon.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked salmon (without glaze) for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Reheat Gently: Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stove with a little splash of water to keep it moist.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes! This glaze works well with other fish like trout, tilapia, or even chicken breasts. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
2. How do I know when the salmon is done?
Salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
3. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the honey garlic glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
4. Can I use a non-stick skillet?
Absolutely! A non-stick skillet will work great for preventing the fish from sticking. Just be sure to use enough oil for searing.
In Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Salmon is a must-try recipe—sweet, savory, and full of flavor. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or just craving a quick yet impressive meal, this dish is your go-to. Serve it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got yourself a delicious and healthy dinner that everyone will love!
Print
Honey Garlic Salmon: Sweet, Tangy, and Totally Irresistible
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes (baked) or 8–9 minutes (pan-seared)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (normal) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Honey Garlic Salmon is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish where the salmon fillets are coated in a sweet, tangy, and garlicky glaze. Whether baked or pan-seared, this recipe brings out the best in your salmon with a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. It’s quick, healthy, and sure to impress at any dinner table.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a little tang)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, Dijon mustard (if using), and lemon juice. Set aside.
- Season the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cook the salmon:
- Option 1 (Baked): Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the honey garlic glaze over the fillets. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Option 2 (Pan-Seared): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and cook for 4–5 minutes. Flip the fillets and cook for another 3–4 minutes. During the last minute of cooking, brush the glaze over the salmon and cook until caramelized.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven or skillet. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the glaze.
- You can use salmon fillets with skin on or skinless fillets for this recipe.
- Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- For a more intense flavor, marinate the salmon in the glaze for 30 minutes before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 65mg