Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious meal, this Honey Garlic Salmon is the perfect dish. It combines tender, flaky salmon with a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights but special enough for any occasion!

Step 1: Prepare the Honey Garlic Glaze

1. Mix the glaze ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Set the mixture aside.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

1. Heat the pan: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the salmon: Season the salmon fillets with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides. Place them skin-side down in the hot pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing the skin to crisp up.
3. Flip the salmon: Turn the salmon over and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes until the fillets are golden brown.

Step 3: Add the Honey Garlic Glaze

1. Pour the glaze over the salmon: Reduce the heat to medium and pour the honey garlic mixture into the skillet. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes, spooning the sauce over the salmon as it reduces and thickens slightly.
2. Glaze the salmon: Continue to baste the salmon with the sauce until it becomes a shiny, caramelized glaze, and the salmon is cooked through. This should take another 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the salmon to plates. Drizzle the remaining sauce over the fillets.
2. Add garnishes: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for extra brightness.

Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Salmon

• Don’t overcook the salmon: Salmon is best when it’s slightly pink in the center and flakes easily with a fork. Overcooking can dry it out.
• Skin-on or skinless: Cooking salmon with the skin on helps to lock in moisture, but if you prefer skinless, that works too!
• Fresh or frozen salmon: If using frozen salmon, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Honey Garlic Salmon with a variety of sides like:

• Steamed or roasted vegetables (such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots)
• Rice (try jasmine, basmati, or brown rice)
• Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
• A simple salad with a light vinaigrette

Variations

• Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon: Add a little more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to bring some heat.
• Citrus Honey Salmon: Swap the lemon juice for orange juice to give the dish a sweet, tangy twist.
• Maple Garlic Salmon: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper, more complex sweetness.

FAQs

1. Can I bake this salmon instead of cooking it in a skillet?

• Yes! To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon on a lined baking sheet, pour the glaze over the top, and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.

2. How long can I store leftovers?

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

3. Can I use frozen salmon?

• Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the salmon in the refrigerator before cooking.

4. Can I make this with other types of fish?

• Yes! This honey garlic glaze pairs well with other fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the fish.

5. Is there a substitute for soy sauce?

• If you need a soy-free option, try using tamari or coconut aminos as a replacement.

Conclusion

This Honey Garlic Salmon is a simple yet flavor-packed dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. With just the right balance of sweetness, tang, and savory goodness, it’s an easy recipe that you can make in a flash, whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Give it a try and enjoy the perfect bite every time!

Yield: 4

Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe

Print

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious meal, this Honey Garlic Salmon is the perfect dish. It combines tender, flaky salmon with a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights but special enough for any occasion!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish, optional)
• Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)

Instructions

1. Season the Salmon:
   Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Salmon:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down (if they have skin). Cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and the salmon is halfway cooked through. Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
   In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and fresh lemon juice. Simmer the sauce for 1-2 minutes until it slightly thickens.
4. Coat the Salmon:
   Add the salmon fillets back to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, basting the salmon with the sauce until it’s fully cooked through and glazed with the honey garlic mixture.
5. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired, and serve the honey garlic salmon with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

• Serving Suggestions: This honey garlic salmon pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.
• Cooking Tip: If your salmon fillets have skin, make sure to start cooking them skin-side down for a crispy texture. You can remove the skin after cooking if you prefer.
• Sauce Variation: For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.