Honey Garlic Salmon

Honey Garlic Salmon is a flavorful and wholesome dish that features perfectly seared salmon fillets glazed with a sticky, sweet-savory honey garlic sauce. Paired with vegetables or rice, this elegant yet easy meal is ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish offers a beautiful balance of flavors—rich salmon, sweet honey, savory garlic, and a touch of tanginess. It’s quick to prepare, highly nutritious, and visually impressive. The sauce caramelizes beautifully on the salmon, delivering restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.

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
• Garlic (minced)
• Soy sauce
• Lemon juice or rice vinegar
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)
• Optional: green beans, asparagus, or scallions for serving

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and lemon juice.
2. Pat salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon, skin-side down, and sear for 3–4 minutes.
4. Flip the salmon and pour the honey garlic sauce into the pan.
5. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, spooning the sauce over the fillets until it thickens and glazes.
6. Optionally, add vegetables like green beans or scallions to the pan during the last few minutes.
7. Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Serves 4 and takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook.

Variations

• Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper flavor.
• Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Bake the salmon instead of pan-searing for a hands-off option.
• Use lime juice and cilantro for a zesty, tropical version.
• Pair with jasmine rice or couscous for a complete meal.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. Avoid overcooking to preserve the salmon’s texture.

FAQs

Can I bake the salmon instead?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes and pour the sauce over halfway through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the dish gluten-free.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking.

What sides go well with this salmon?

Steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a light salad pair beautifully.

How do I know when salmon is cooked?

It should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I use this sauce for other proteins?

Yes, it works great with chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Does the sauce need thickening?

It thickens naturally as it simmers, but you can reduce it longer for a thicker glaze.

Should I remove the salmon skin?

You can leave it on for crispiness or remove it after cooking.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, store the mixed sauce in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, the sweet-savory balance is usually well-liked by children.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Salmon is a standout recipe that’s fast, flavorful, and sure to impress. With its tender texture and glossy, aromatic glaze, it’s an easy dish that turns any dinner into something special. Whether you’re new to cooking salmon or a seafood enthusiast, this recipe delivers every time.

Honey Garlic Salmon

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Honey Garlic Salmon is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender salmon fillets seared to perfection and glazed with a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce.

• Author: Emma Harper
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan-Seared
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup honey
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Optional: sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

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Instructions

1. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon, skin-side down if applicable, and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Return salmon to the skillet and spoon sauce over the fillets. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to glaze the salmon.
6. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

• Use fresh salmon for best results, but frozen and thawed works as well.
• Adjust honey or soy sauce amounts to suit sweetness and saltiness preference.
• Serve with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 85mg