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.
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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.
Lina says
I love this recipe! Have been using it since last year and its still the best! I even use the sauce for my shrimps and its delicious! Chefs kiss ๐๐ค๐ป
Mitzi C says
Oh, Girl! This was soooooooo good. I am not a huge fan of fish but my husband is so I wanted to try something different. You NAILED this! Thank you so much! I broiled skinny seasoned asparagus at the same time and did a shortcut risotto in the microwave for an easy, lovely dinner. Youโre brilliant!
Brenda says
This is a keeper!! Delicious!! My husband loved it. I didnโt use my broiler since my salmon pieces were thick. I seared both sides and then basted while pan frying and it worked out perfectly.
Jerry says
Good basic glaze however I don’t know why you would include water. What does it add? I made it without water and it was very good.
The Chunky Chef says
The water is added to help the sauce not burn, but I’m glad you enjoyed it ๐
jennifer snyder says
I cannot say enough good things about this recipe. My family BEGS for this weekly. I personally do not add the water and I keep it under the broiler until sticky and slightly crisp on the ends.
Cindy says
Loved it! Making again tonight
Nakoa says
Absolutely amazing. Got my grandpa to eat salmon with this recipe! Definitely recommend!
Debbie says
Delicious! Doesnโt take a lot of preparation so in my book that means a lot. ๐๐ป
Kathy Ancheta says
This was outstanding! My hubby isnโt big on any fish but heโll try it if it has a sauce on it. He really liked this recipe. He went back for thirds! Thanks for sharing an easy recipe with staples we probably already have on hand.
Michele says
Yum!!! Just made this and it was delicious. Not dry at all- flavorful. I topped with green onions and served with broccoli. Thank you for the recipe
Jody says
This salmon is the best recipe Iโve ever had in my life and Iโve cooked salmon many different ways, thank you for sharing your wonderful recipe.
Mommak says
Omg! This was delicious!! Will def be making again!!
Sara says
I love this recipe!! This is a favorite at our house. Even my son who doesnโt usually like salmon loves it!!
Jessica says
I made this tonight and it was a huge hit with the whole family! My 2.5 year old ate all my salmon! I made the sauce and put it over the salmon, then baked it in the oven at 400F until internal temp 145F (about 15 mins). Definitely adding to our rotation!
Brian Magee says
Excellent dish easy make, a new Family fav!
Joyce A Martin says
I found everything except the ingredients for the sauce. Where is it ?
The Chunky Chef says
The “jump to recipe” button will take you right to the full recipe card, which has a section of the ingredients titled “sauce” ๐
Rhonda says
Excellent recipe. It tastes great.
Nan T. says
DELISH! So easy, so fast, sooo good. Made for me and my hubby, but I know get togethers with friends will find them raving and asking for this recipe. Thanks much.
Lindsay Jattan says
This was amazing! I followed the recipe and it came out perfect! Juicy salmon, the sauce was absolutely perfect. My 2 year old son had 2 plates of it!! This will be my go too
Montana says
Holy Moly that was THE ๐ฃ!
And so darn easy to make โฅ๏ธ
Elise says
A little watery so I will cut back on the water next time but it was soooo good!