If you are looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet incredibly simple to make, the Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe is here to steal the spotlight in your kitchen. This recipe combines tender, flaky salmon with a luscious glaze of honey, soy sauce, and freshly squeezed lemon juice, creating a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this honey-glazed masterpiece is guaranteed to become a favorite repeat on your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role. Each add to the perfect harmony of taste and texture, making this dish as satisfying as it is beautiful.
- 3 filets Skin On Salmon (6 ounces each): Using skin-on salmon helps keep the fish moist and flavorful during cooking.
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the salmon and other ingredients.
- 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balances the sweetness of the glaze.
- 1/2 Teaspoon Granulated Garlic: Introduces a mild, aromatic depth that complements the glaze.
- 1/2 Teaspoon Paprika: Provides subtle smokiness and adds beautiful color.
- 1/2 Teaspoon Chili Powder: Offers a touch of warmth without overwhelming the dish.
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil: Helps create a luscious base for the sauce and keeps the fish from sticking.
- 1/2 Cup Honey: The star of the glaze, delivering sweetness that caramelizes to perfection.
- 3 Tablespoons Soy Sauce: Brings savory umami notes, balancing the honey’s sweetness.
- 4 Cloves Garlic (Minced): Fresh garlic adds punchy aromatic flavor and a savory bite.
- Juice from 1 Lemon: Adds bright acidity that cuts through the richness and enhances all flavors.
How to Make Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Season the Salmon
Begin by patting your salmon filets dry. This simple step ensures the spices stick perfectly. Mix together salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, paprika, and chili powder, then sprinkle the blend evenly over each salmon filet. Setting it aside allows the flavors to meld right from the start.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to the highest broil setting and position the rack in the middle. This will allow the salmon to cook evenly under the broiler after you’ve started it on the stove, creating that beautifully crisp exterior everyone loves.
Step 3: Make the Glaze and Start Cooking
In a 10-inch or larger oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, combine olive oil, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Whisk these together into a shiny glaze full of flavor. Place the salmon filets skin side down right into the skillet, nestling them gently into the sauce.
Step 4: Sear and Baste
Cook the salmon skin side down for about 3 minutes, continuously basting the fish with the sauce from the pan using a metal spoon. This step helps lock in moisture and layers on that irresistible glaze glaze
Step 5: Broil to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven, letting the salmon broil for 5 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on it to reach your preferred doneness — flaky, tender, and caramelized is the goal. The broiling intensifies the honey glaze, creating a wonderful shiny coating on the fish.
Step 6: Glaze and Garnish
Once out of the oven, spoon more of the delicious sauce over the salmon to enhance that radiant honey glaze. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro brighten the dish and add a vibrant contrast against the golden glaze. Thin lemon slices or zest sprinkled on top also add a lovely aromatic lift, making each bite feel fresh and lively.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the glaze. Think steamed jasmine rice, garlic roasted asparagus, or even a crisp mixed green salad for a light, refreshing balance. Mashed potatoes or buttery quinoa are also excellent cozy options that complement the honey’s sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning dinner presentation, place the salmon filets over a bed of sautéed spinach or spiralized zucchini noodles. Drizzle extra glaze artistically around the plate and add edible flowers for a special occasion flair. Making each portion look as delicious as it tastes turns your meal into an experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any cooked salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep beautifully for up to 2 days. The glaze holds up well, keeping the salmon moist and flavorful when reheated gently.
Freezing
If you want to save this amazing Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe for another day, wrap the cooked filets tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to a month, though fresh is always best for texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the salmon gently in a low oven (around 275°F) for about 10-15 minutes or until just heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible — the slow warming keeps the glaze glossy and the salmon tender.
FAQs
Can I use different types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While salmon is ideal for its rich flavor and fatty texture, you can try this honey glaze on trout, cod, or even halibut. Just adjust cooking times to suit the thickness and delicacy of your chosen fish.
Is it necessary to broil the salmon?
Broiling adds a beautiful caramelized finish to the glaze that’s hard to replicate otherwise. However, if you don’t have a broiler, finishing the salmon in a hot skillet or under a grill setting can work well too.
Can I make the honey glaze ahead of time?
Yes! Preparing the glaze in advance is a great time-saver. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, then whisk it well before cooking.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork but still feels moist inside. The broiling time in this recipe typically achieves that, but always check to your preference.
What can I substitute for soy sauce if I have an allergy?
For a soy-free alternative, try coconut aminos or tamari (if gluten is not a concern). Both offer a similar savory depth without soy allergens.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe is truly one of those magical dishes that combines ease and elegance on one plate. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, the balance of sweet and savory flavors will delight your palate every single time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own personal favorite as well!
Print
Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Broiling and Pan Searing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Glazed Salmon recipe features perfectly seasoned salmon filets cooked in a luscious honey-soy glaze. The salmon is first pan-seared to lock in flavor, then finished under the broiler to achieve a caramelized, slightly crispy top. The combination of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and lemon creates a sweet and tangy glaze that enhances the natural flavors of the fish, making it a quick and delicious meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasoning
- 3 filets Skin On Salmon (6 ounces each)
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 Teaspoon Granulated Garlic
- 1/2 Teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 Teaspoon Chili Powder
Glaze
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1/2 Cup Honey
- 3 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 4 Cloves Garlic (Minced)
- Juice from 1 Lemon
Instructions
- Season the salmon: Pat the salmon filets dry thoroughly with a paper towel to ensure a good sear. In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, paprika, and chili powder. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon filets and set aside.
- Preheat the broiler: Set your oven to the highest broil setting and position the oven rack in the middle of the oven to allow even cooking without burning.
- Prepare the glaze and sear salmon: Heat a 10-inch or larger oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and lemon juice to the skillet. Whisk these ingredients together to form the glaze. Place the seasoned salmon filets skin side down into the skillet with the glaze.
- Sear the salmon: Cook the salmon filets skin side down for about 3 minutes, basting continuously with the glaze using a metal spoon. This helps to infuse flavor and create a caramelized base.
- Broil the salmon: Transfer the entire skillet with the salmon to the preheated oven. Broil for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the salmon reaches your desired level of doneness and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized on top.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and spoon the glaze over the salmon filets for extra flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately for a delicious, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Ensure the skillet you use is oven-safe to prevent damage during broiling.
- Watch the salmon closely while broiling to avoid burning due to the honey glaze.
- Adjust the chili powder amount to control the heat level of the dish.
- For extra crisp skin, make sure the salmon is patted very dry before seasoning.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
