There are few dishes as comforting, wholesome, and satisfying as perfectly cooked salmon coated in a luscious honey garlic glaze. The balance of sweet honey, savory garlic, and the natural richness of salmon creates a meal that feels restaurant-worthy yet is simple enough to prepare at home. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, roasted vegetables, or even a light salad, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prep for the week ahead. Let’s dive into the full recipe, along with helpful tips and serving suggestions.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
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4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off depending on preference)
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2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter for extra richness)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Honey Garlic Glaze:
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1/3 cup honey
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4 cloves garlic, minced (or grated for a smoother texture)
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2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or lime juice for a tangier note)
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1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (optional, for warmth and depth)
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1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 teaspoons water (optional, to thicken the glaze if desired)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Begin by patting the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This step ensures a good sear and prevents the fish from steaming instead of browning. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. If your fillets have skin, keep it on while cooking, as it helps retain moisture and adds flavor.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, and ginger (if using). The honey provides sweetness, while the soy sauce balances it with umami, and the lemon juice adds brightness. This combination creates the sticky, glossy glaze that makes the dish irresistible.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, dissolve the cornstarch in a little water and set it aside to add later.
Step 3: Sear the Salmon
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin). Cook for 3–4 minutes without moving them to allow the skin to crisp up and the flesh to develop a golden crust. Flip carefully with a spatula and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the salmon is nearly cooked through but still slightly pink in the center.
Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets. A good rule of thumb is 4–5 minutes per half-inch of thickness. Remember, salmon will continue cooking after you remove it from the heat, so avoid overcooking.
Step 4: Add the Glaze
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the pan with the salmon. Let it bubble gently, spooning the sauce over the fillets as it thickens and caramelizes. If you want a thicker consistency, add the cornstarch slurry at this stage and stir until the glaze coats the salmon beautifully.
Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, just until the salmon is glazed and glossy.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the salmon to plates and drizzle any extra sauce from the pan over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, sesame seeds, or thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the salmon just before eating.
Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon
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Choose high-quality salmon: Wild-caught salmon generally has a firmer texture and richer flavor than farmed. If using frozen salmon, thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the fillets in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough. Crowding will lower the heat and prevent a good sear.
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Mind the garlic: Garlic burns easily, so be careful when adding it to a hot pan. Incorporating it into the sauce instead of sautéing it first helps prevent bitterness.
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Adjust sweetness and saltiness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey slightly. For a saltier glaze, increase the soy sauce.
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Use an oven method if you prefer: Instead of pan-searing, you can bake the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, then brush on the glaze during the last few minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Some great options include:
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Steamed rice or quinoa: The grains soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully.
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Roasted or sautéed vegetables: Asparagus, green beans, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts complement the rich salmon.
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Mashed or roasted potatoes: A hearty side that balances the dish.
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Fresh salad: A crisp cucumber or mixed greens salad provides contrast to the sticky glaze.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon hits all the flavor notes—sweet, savory, tangy, and rich—while remaining quick and easy to prepare. In under 30 minutes, you can create a dish that tastes like something from a fine dining restaurant. It’s healthy, family-friendly, and endlessly adaptable, making it a recipe worth keeping in your weekly rotation.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this salmon recipe is sure to impress with its glistening glaze and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Once you try it, it may very well become one of your go-to favorites for years to come.
