Honey Garlic Salmon is a mouthwatering dish featuring tender salmon fillets glazed with a sweet, garlicky sauce that caramelizes beautifully during cooking. Paired with fresh vegetables like asparagus or green beans, this dish is simple yet packed with flavor, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to love Honey Garlic Salmon:
- Quick and easy: This recipe requires minimal prep and can be on your table in under 30 minutes.
- Healthy and nutritious: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins.
- Versatile: The honey garlic glaze complements other proteins like chicken or shrimp, and it works well with various sides such as rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
- Elegant presentation: Despite being simple, this dish looks impressive enough to serve at a dinner party or holiday meal.
- Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, garlic level, or add a touch of spice to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
honey
soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
fresh garlic, minced
olive oil
lemon juice
fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
asparagus or green beans (optional)
salt
black pepper
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- If baking, place salmon on a lined baking sheet and brush generously with the honey garlic sauce. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until salmon flakes easily.
- If using a skillet, heat a bit of olive oil, place salmon skin-side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, brushing with sauce as it cooks.
- Optional: Sauté or roast asparagus/green beans in the same glaze or simply seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Variations
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness.
- Try with chicken thighs or shrimp.
- Include fresh ginger for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve with rice noodles or quinoa instead of pasta.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw completely before cooking.
Is it okay to remove the skin?
Yes, though skin helps keep the salmon moist.
What sides go well with Honey Garlic Salmon?
Rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or pasta are all great options.
Can I grill the salmon instead?
Yes, this glaze works beautifully on the grill.
How can I tell when the salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and be opaque throughout.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, store it in the fridge up to 3 days.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Can I make it dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
How do I keep the glaze from burning?
Cook over medium heat and watch carefully; honey can burn quickly at high temps.
What herbs can I use besides parsley?
Cilantro or chives work well too.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Salmon is a delicious, wholesome dish that balances sweet and savory flavors with ease. It’s quick, healthy, and versatile — a perfect addition to your regular dinner rotation or a standout for special occasions.
PrintHoney Garlic Salmon
Honey Garlic Salmon is a mouthwatering dish featuring tender salmon fillets glazed with a sweet, garlicky sauce that caramelizes beautifully during cooking. Paired with fresh vegetables like asparagus or green beans, this dish is simple yet packed with flavor, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet or Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- honey
- soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- fresh garlic, minced
- olive oil
- lemon juice
- fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- asparagus or green beans (optional)
- salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- If baking, place salmon on a lined baking sheet and brush generously with the honey garlic sauce. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until salmon flakes easily.
- If using a skillet, heat a bit of olive oil, place salmon skin-side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, brushing with sauce as it cooks.
- Optional: Sauté or roast asparagus/green beans in the same glaze or simply seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness.
- Try with chicken thighs or shrimp for a variation.
- Include fresh ginger for an extra layer of flavor in the sauce.
- Serve with rice noodles or quinoa instead of pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or in a skillet to prevent drying out.
- If using frozen salmon, ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking.
- Although you can remove the skin, it helps keep the salmon moist during cooking.
- This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or pasta.
- The glaze can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For grilling, the glaze works beautifully on the grill as well.
- To prevent the glaze from burning, cook over medium heat and watch carefully, as honey can burn quickly at high temperatures.
- For a different flavor, you can substitute parsley with cilantro or chives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg