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.
Carol says
If you ever hear someone say โI donโt like salmonโ this is the recipe to feed them. This was sooo good. It will stay in my recipe box forever.
Myss Terree says
So easy, and so delicious! I didn’t use as much honey as in the recipe. I used the broiler in my toaster oven, with the pan on the lowest shelf.
Nicole says
By far the best salmon recipe Iโve EVER tried!
Sam says
awesome! Made for dinner tonight and was a big hit. Always looking for new ways to make salmon. This will definitely be a make again meal.
Lynda Ahlen says
This was wonderful. I didnโt add the water because a couple people said too watery and it was perfect. I used lime juice. Iโll definitely do this again
Colleen & Craig says
Love this recipe! Sauce is never runny and itโs perfect for basting! The flavor is perfect and itโs our favorite for salmon!! I want to post a picture after coming out from under the broiler! I must try!! โค๏ธ
Mariluz Molina says
Delicious! My husband and I loved it! And pretty easy to make. I will be making it again for sure!!
Cheri says
Super tasty! All in one pan!
M. Simanek says
Made it in a glass pan and put quartered par boiled Yukon gold potatoes in the pan too Poured the sauce over everything Turned out great. two sons and grandson finished it off
Jimmy Jaramillo says
What temperature do I broil it in?
The Chunky Chef says
500 or 550ยฐF, but just make sure you’ve adjusted the oven rack as mentioned in the recipe, or else the salmon/sauce will burn.
Leigha Steven says
This is my husband’s favorite salmon recipe. He was always very hesitant about eating fish, but he always demolishes this salmon and is looking for more. We usually serve this salmon over rice and with roasted broccoli.
Candice says
This satisfied my picky eaters!
I thought I did something wrong because the sauce was a bit thin, but then I read your comment concerning that. We know now to simmer the sauce a bit longer next time.
Thanks for the new family fav!
Becky McIntyre says
I love this glaze. I did need to cook it down a bit as it was thin, even after it cooled a bit. I used a different (Cook’s Illustrated) cooking method for the salmon. Both went together super fast, making this a terrific any-day recipe. Thanks for the recipe!
Millie Bye says
Made this for tea tonight, delicious, will certainly make it again
John Rhoe says
I am a Pacific Northwest native and was nearly weaned on salmon. This dish is what salmon die to become! This recipe will honor any collection it becomes part of!
Maria Pasceri says
This was a very good recipe, and my Faroe Island Salmon was cooked perfectly. My sauce did thicken nicely. I did experience a little issue with the honey burning at the end of 5 minutes. Should I drop the pan 1 level lower? I was on the 2nd from the top. I do have a low broiler setting but thought that might not be enough. I would like your expert advice as this is a very good recipe.
Christopher says
Really enjoyed the salmon and got rave reviews from the family. I also found the sauce a little thin, a problem quickly remedied with 1/2 Tbs of corn starch mixed into a slurry them added to the bubbling sauce. Minor problem solved and the sauce adhers better to the salmon. Thanks for a great meal.
Nicole says
This was Excellent! Best Salmon dish I have ever made
Mimi says
Thank you for sharing this recipe โค๏ธ
Grace says
Perfect and even though I am not a big fish lovin person- it was great
Mary T Fedele says
This was the best salmon dish I have ever made.
Nikki says
I hate salmon! I keep on trying. Nothing every works . Tonight I tried your recipe and I loved it. Now I will have more salmon thanks to you.