Sticky sweet and garlicky, this glazed salmon recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, and in one pan. Hands down, the most addicting salmon ever!
This ultra easy salmon recipe is a winner when it comes to weeknight dinners!ย We love easy main dishes, like my Honey Lime Shrimp, and Blackened Tilapia Bowls.ย This is one of myย Dinnerย recipes youโll definitely want in your recipe rotation!
HONEY GARLIC SALMON RECIPE
Have you ever made a recipe that truly surprised you?ย Normally I’m not a huge salmon lover, but after one bite of this ultra tender salmon, I was absolutely in love.ย I literally did a little dance in the kitchen because I finally found a way that I can enjoy salmon!
We all know how nutritious salmon is… loaded with omega 3’s, high in protein and tons of vitamins, so I’m glad I can enjoy those benefits.ย And now, so can you!
You won’t believe how such a simple recipe can pack SO much flavor.ย Each bite is full of sweet and savory flavors and delicate textures.
HOW TO MAKE GLAZED SALMON
I know some people, myself included, worry about pan-searing a salmon filet, going to flip it over, and…. well now your beautiful filet is mangled and in several pieces.
For that reason, I kept this recipe simple… so simple in fact, that there is NO pan-searing.ย No flipping required.
- Pat salmon filets dry and season with spices on all sides.
- Heat butter and oil, then add garlic, water, soy sauce, sriracha, honey and lemon juice.
- When hot, add salmon filets (skin side down if your filets have skin), and cook 3 minutes.
- While salmon cooks, use a spoon to baste the filets.
- Broil for 5-6 minutes, until salmon is sticky sweet, slightly charred, and cooked to desired doneness.
COOKING TIPS FOR SALMON RECIPES
- Buy good salmon – I prefer to buy fresh salmon from the grocery store, instead of frozen filets in bags, since those tend to be very thin.ย Cooking Light has a great article on how to pick the best salmon at the grocery store.
- Use it quickly – Salmon can go “off” or bad pretty quickly, so I prefer to buy my salmon no more than 1 day ahead of time.
- To skin or not to skin – if you decide to pan-sear your salmon, leave the skin on (and sear skin side first).ย The skin provides a layer of protection against the hot pan, and it’s a LOT easier to slide a spatula underneath crispy skin than underneath tender flesh.ย Plus, you’ll get crispy skin!ย To cook this recipe as written, it really doesn’t matter if your filets have skin or not.
- Don’t overcook – Salmon is prone to overcooking, and the line between not done enough and dry and overdone is pretty fine.ย The USDA recommends salmon be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 F degrees.ย ย However, different peopleย prefer their salmon to be more rare or more well-done, like a steak.ย To be on the safe-side, I stick to the USDA’s recommendation.
VARIATIONS OF THIS RECIPE
- Pan-Sear – if you’d prefer, season salmon as directed, then pan sear in the pan.ย Flip over and sear on the other side, then remove to a plate.ย Add sauce ingredients to pan and cook until warmed through.ย Add salmon back to pan and spoon sauce over the salmon.
- Bold Lemonย – feel free to add lemon zest to the sauce, or even add a few slices of lemon to the pan while you cook and broil the salmon for a more bold lemon flavor.
- Try Lime – switch the lemon juice for lime juice for a slightly different flavor.
- Green Onions – I love to top these salmon filets with some sliced green onions for a different flavor twist.
MAKING HONEY GARLIC SALMON AHEAD OF TIME
I think this recipe tastes best when made right before eating, but you can whisk together the sauce ahead of time if you’d like.
However, this salmon recipe also tastes amazing cold, on top of a salad.ย So if that’s your intention, then yes, make it a few hours to a day ahead of time ๐
STORAGE
Any leftover salmon should be refrigerated in an airtight container and consumed within 3 days.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT FOR THIS RECIPE
- 12โณ wide skilletย โ I love this pan, and love that it’s oven and broiler safe (a must for one pan recipes).
BE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN TO CHECK OUT OTHER READERSโ COMMENTS FOR TIPS AND REVIEWS.
AND DONโT FORGET, IF YOUโVE MADE THIS RECIPE, LEAVE A COMMENT AND PLEASE GIVE IT A STAR RATING LETTING ME KNOW HOW YOU ENJOYED IT!
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!
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)
SAUCE
- 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
- Pat salmon dry, then season with salt, pepper, paprika and blackening seasoning (if using). Set aside.
- IMPORTANT: Adjust oven rack to middle position, then preheat broiler. If you broil this with the rack up high the sauce will burn.
- Add butter and oil to a large, oven-safe skillet over MED-HIGH heat. Once butter is melted, add garlic, water, soy sauce, sriracha, honey and lemon juice and cook 30 seconds or so, until sauce is heated through.
- Add salmon, skin side down (if using salmon with skin), and cook 3 minutes. While salmon cooks, baste frequently with sauce from the pan by spooning it over the top of the salmon.
- Broil salmon for 5-6 minutes, basting with sauce once during the broil, until salmon is caramelized and cooked to desired doneness.
- Garnish with minced parsley if desired.
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Chef Tips
- If you'd prefer, season salmon as directed, then pan sear in the pan.ย Flip over and sear on the other side, then remove to a plate.ย Add sauce ingredients to pan and cook until warmed through.ย Add salmon back to pan and spoon sauce over the salmon.
- A couple of readers have reported having a watery sauce, which I've never personally encountered during all the testing for this recipe. If you feel the sauce is a bit watery, you could reduce the amount of water used, or simmer the sauce a bit before adding the salmon.
Video
Nutrition Disclaimer
The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
RLH says
Cheese and crackers, this was an amazing recipe, especially the sauce for it! I had the salmon with some broccoli for the side, and we ended up dipping our broc in the sauce, too! So tasty.
Tymika Bates says
I never leave reviews, but i had to for this recipe! Hands down this is the best recipe for salmon ever. I did not have to change any part of this recipe, it was perfect!!!!
Leigh H Fullilove says
There are different sriacha sauses .Which one do you use in the video and what kind of soy sauce
The Chunky Chef says
I use Huy Fong Sriracha Chili Sauce, and any brand of low sodium soy sauce will work.
Eileen M says
Yum!!! I have made so many recipes from various sites and this is the first time I have loved something enough to leave a review. I am not a huge fan of salmon but I made this for my husband and daughter tonight. It smelled so delicious, I had to try it and I was not disappointed. Thank you, this is definitely going into the rotation!
Barbara Gundrum says
Just made it again. Was looking forward to Salmon for the first time in Maine and did not disappoint. Thank you again!
Lyn G says
I picked the Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon recipe off the internet just before beginning to prepare my salmon for tonight’s dinner. I liked the name, I had all the ingredients and it looked easy to prepare. I had 10oz (2 pieces) of salmon, so I halved all the ingredients. It was, as advertised, easy to prepare. When it came to using an oven proof pan, I had to improvise. So I used my stovetop pan for stage 1, and I lined a cookie sheet with a strip of aluminum foil and transferred the salmon and some sauce to it for stage 2. Served the salmon, with leftover sauce, with home grown butternut squash and rice. We both loved it. Thank you Amanda.
Michael says
Absolutely amazing with out of this world flavor! This is so simple and quick to make. I have made this recipe 5 or 6 times with the same results every time. Whether you are new to cooking or just new to cooking fish, this is an excellent, fool-proof recipe that you should try! Make sure to read all the tips and suggestions.
Kim Lissa says
Made this awesome salmon using the pan seared method. Let the sauce cook down and thicken up before adding my fish back. So thick and delicious, clung to the salmon just like Amanda’s picture. We devoured ours before any pictures could be taken.
Amanda you are my go to chef for the best food I have ever Made!
Thank you.
LaTonya says
I made this salmon dish for our familyโs Sunday dinner. Everyone loved, loved, loved it. My daughter said she doesnโt even like salmon but enjoyed the flavor of this dish and said the salmon was extremely moist the way I prepared it ( I pan seared it first). I will be making this dish often. Thank you for sharing!
Barbara Gundrum says
I did make it. I occasionally push myself to eat salmon. I’m 1/4 Aleut/Alaskan Native and could not say I liked salmon. I DO NOW! I will be making this again and am looking forward to it!
Sam says
My dad was burned out on salmon but needed it for his health. With the first bite he was preparing to preserve his left overs. And I only had garlic powder!
JoAnne M. says
Excellent recipe!! I will use this again and again. I made a double batch and will use it on chicken for dinner this weekend! Easy and delish!
Pamela Bosch says
So delicious, simple & easy! I have made this twice now & used different spices. Try the recipe with lime vs lemon. Better than take out! Amanda has excellent recipes that are tried & true. If your looking for something with great taste look her up on the internet.
Nancy Gallagher says
Thank You so much for sharing this delicious recipe Amanda! I never took a liking to salmon but came upon this recipe and decided to give it a try..have made this 3 times already and canโt get over how incredibily good & easy this is to make! Iโve pan seared it and the skin crisps up so nice and ohh the deliciousness! Place on top of a salad for an easy dinner or add a side of rice & veggies. โค๏ธ
Tracey says
So this was fabulous! My mum said “I’d order this at a restaurant, I’m so impressed.” I mixed the honey & other ingredients ahead of time & decided to add shrimp to it as well. I will confess that I used frozen salmon (on hand ingredients lol), oven baked some asparagus, & fried up some potato pancakes. Added my favourite wine for my beverage of choice, & totes blew it out of the water.
Thank you
Victoria Laird says
This salmon recipe is consistently the absolute best and my number 1 go to. The perfect balance of flavours. Amazing
Kysh says
Simple. Delicious. Simply delicious!
Rachel says
This is sooo delicious! Four of my six family members love it. The other two hardly eat anything so their opinion doesnโt count lol. Itโs easy and tasty, which makes it a winner in my book.
Joanna says
My first time making Salmon, and let me tell you my family loved it! Will be making it again! Amazing flavor and so easy to make, this recipe is a must to try!
Debora says
Addictive!!! Best salmon recipe ever!!! I serve it with jasmine rice and we pour some of the sauce on the rice and itโs to die for! Steamed broccoli as the vegetable and its restaurant quality!!!
Nageen says
You are an awesome chef dear Amanda.