Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe
If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful fish dish that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly, this Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, flaky salmon filets coated in a luscious glaze that perfectly balances sweet honey, savory garlic, and a little zing from sriracha and lemon juice—all caramelized to perfection under the broiler. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special dinner with friends, this dish promises to deliver big on taste with surprisingly simple steps and ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the essentials that make this recipe shine. Every ingredient plays a vital role, bringing layers of flavor and delightful textures to the dish without overwhelming your kitchen counter. These staples are easy to find and come together for a truly satisfying meal.
- Salmon filets (4 x 6 oz): Choose fresh, firm filets with the skin on if you like that crispy texture.
- Kosher salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances natural flavors without overpowering the salmon.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 tsp): Brings a smoky warmth that complements the sweet glaze beautifully.
- Blackening seasoning (1/4 tsp, optional): For those who love an extra kick of spice and complexity.
- Butter (3 Tbsp): Melts into the sauce, giving it a rich, silky finish.
- Olive oil (2 tsp): Helps achieve perfect searing and adds earthiness.
- Minced garlic (6 cloves): Infuses the dish with aromatic pungency and depth.
- Honey (1/2 cup): The heart of the glaze—sweet, sticky, and irresistibly glossy.
- Water (3 Tbsp): Balances the sauce so it’s not too thick or sticky.
- Soy sauce (3 Tbsp): Adds savory umami that rounds out the sweetness.
- Sriracha sauce (1 Tbsp): Gives a subtle heat that wakes up every bite.
- Lemon juice (2 Tbsp): Adds brightness and liveliness to the glaze.
How to Make Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Season Your Salmon
Begin by patting the salmon dry—this step is more important than you might think. It helps the seasonings stick better and ensures your fish gets a nice sear instead of steaming. Then sprinkle kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and if you like a bit more boldness, blackening seasoning evenly over the filets. Set them aside while you prepare the glaze; this resting step lets the flavors settle.
Step 2: Prepare Your Oven
Adjust your oven rack to the middle position and preheat the broiler. This is key because broiling salmon too close to the heat can quickly burn the glaze. The middle rack helps create that perfect caramelized layer without turning the sauce bitter.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, combine butter and olive oil. When the butter melts, toss in the minced garlic, water, soy sauce, sriracha, honey, and lemon juice. Let the sauce warm through for about 30 seconds. This quick cooking melds the flavors, creating that sticky, glossy glaze we’re all after.
Step 4: Sear the Salmon
Place the salmon in the skillet skin side down if your filets have skin. Cook for about 3 minutes and start frequently basting the top of the salmon with the bubbling sauce from the pan—this step is downright magical as it imparts flavor while forming a beautiful glaze.
Step 5: Broil to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to the oven under the broiler for 5 to 6 minutes. Be sure to baste the salmon once more during this time. Keep an eye on it—the surface should caramelize and take on a gorgeous golden brown color while the fish cooks through to your liking.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle some fresh minced parsley over the salmon if you have it on hand. Not only does it add a pop of green that brightens the dish visually, but its freshness is a wonderful contrast to the rich glaze.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond parsley, consider adding thin lemon wedges or a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds. These toppings enhance the flavors and add delightful textures without distracting from the main star—the honey garlic glaze.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up the glaze. Roasted asparagus, garlic green beans, or even a crisp mixed salad also complement the rich salmon and add freshness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salmon over a bed of fluffy mashed sweet potatoes or creamy polenta for a cozy touch. For a light yet colorful presentation, arrange it atop spiralized zucchini or carrot noodles with a drizzle of extra glaze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftover salmon to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, letting you enjoy this delicious glaze again without any hassle.
Freezing
If you want to keep leftovers longer, freezing is an option. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use freezer-safe containers. Frozen salmon will maintain its quality for about 2 months. Just note the texture might be a bit softer upon reheating.
Reheating
To warm your salmon, gently reheat in a low oven (around 275°F) for 10 to 15 minutes, or in a skillet over low heat. This helps preserve moisture and prevents overcooking. You can also add a splash of water or extra glaze to revitalize the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use this recipe with frozen salmon?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat it dry well to achieve that perfect sear and avoid steaming the fish.
Is there a substitute for honey in the glaze?
If you’re out of honey or prefer an alternative, maple syrup or agave nectar can work well, giving the glaze a similar sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?
Look for an opaque, flaky texture that easily separates with a fork. The internal temperature should be about 125°F for medium-rare or higher if you prefer it more done.
Can I make this recipe spicy or milder?
Definitely! Adjust the sriracha amount to your taste or omit it altogether for a milder dish. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat if you like it spicy!
What type of pan works best for this recipe?
An oven-safe skillet is ideal since it can go from stovetop to broiler seamlessly. Cast iron or stainless steel skillets work perfectly, giving a great sear and even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again because it’s just that good—quick, flavorful, and elegant without fuss. I encourage you to grab those simple ingredients, follow these steps, and treat yourself to a vibrant, glistening salmon that feels special no matter the occasion. Trust me, it’s a keeper!
Print
Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon recipe features succulent salmon filets perfectly seasoned and cooked in a luscious honey garlic sauce. The combination of sweet honey, tangy soy sauce, spicy sriracha, and aromatic garlic creates a delicious glaze that caramelizes under the broiler for a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 (6 oz each) salmon filets
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/4 tsp blackening seasoning (optional)
Honey Garlic Glaze
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3 Tbsp water
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sriracha sauce
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon filets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and blackening seasoning if using. Set the salmon aside to allow the seasoning to settle.
- Preheat the Broiler: Adjust the oven rack to the middle position to prevent the glaze from burning, then preheat your broiler. This ensures even cooking and caramelization of the glaze without burning.
- Prepare the Glaze: Place a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter and olive oil. Once the butter melts completely, add the minced garlic, water, soy sauce, sriracha, honey, and lemon juice. Cook the sauce for about 30 seconds, stirring gently, until it warms through and the flavors meld.
- Cook the Salmon in Skillet: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet with the glaze. Cook for about 3 minutes, basting the tops of the salmon frequently by spooning the sauce over them to build flavor and moisture.
- Broil the Salmon: Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil the salmon for 5 to 6 minutes. During broiling, baste the salmon with the glaze once more to enhance the caramelization. Cook until the salmon is cooked through and caramelized on top to your liking.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven carefully. Optionally garnish the glazed salmon with minced fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately to enjoy the rich honey garlic flavors.
Notes
- Use skin-on salmon for best results, as the skin helps hold the fillet together during cooking.
- Adjust sriracha quantity to control spiciness according to your preference.
- Serve with steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- If you don’t have a broiler-safe skillet, transfer the salmon to a preheated baking dish before broiling.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
