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.
Erin says
This recipe is absolutely delicious! Itโs the only way Iโll cook salmon!ย
Jamie says
Delicious!!! I will make this recipe again for sure! Probably could add some sesame oil and/or sesame seeds to change it up.
Sherree W says
I am making dinner for me and my husband …using only two filets. The seasoning that is needed how do I distribute over the meat as I don’t want it to be over seasoned pls? Also I am using without skin….when I add the salmon to the pan do I flip it after it cooks three minutes before adding to oven or leave it just the way it is on that one side (of course basting it) before adding it to the oven?
The Chunky Chef says
Since you halved the salmon, you’d need to halve the seasoning amounts as well, or else it could end up over seasoned. I recommend flipping the salmon over, just to ensure it’s properly cooked on both sides ๐
Brittany says
Question! Could I make this using Halibut?!
The Chunky Chef says
Without testing it myself, I can’t say for certain, but I think it would work well!
Tarra says
My daughter made this for dinner the other night, and it was DELICIOUS!! I plan on making it myself soon, as I love a glazed salmon if I don’t grill it. Two best ways to eat salmon. GREAT recipe!
Lauren Rothstein says
This is the best salmon Iโve ever had!! ย Neither my husband nor I particularly like salmon but we are trying to eat more of it because of the health benefits.ย
Quick and easy with ingredients we already had on hand. Only thing I did differently was add some chili flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
Canโt wait to make it again. Thank you for the amazing recipe!!
Nadine O says
this recipe is GOLD! both mine and my husband’s preferred method to cooking salmon. The ingredients are short but the flavor depth is perfect. After a busy day of work I have no problem coming home to cook this. thank you!
Terry says
Delicious. ย I used the pan sear method in my stainless all-clad pan and substituted coconut aminos for the soy sauce. ย It was fantastic. ย Winner winner salmon dinner. ๐
Jan says
Could this be done only in the oven (skipping the searing part)? I ask because I have a super long piece of salmon that I want to try this with but too long for a skillet
The Chunky Chef says
Without testing it myself, I couldn’t say for certain, but I think if you did it on a big baking sheet that could work.
Ruven Pinkhasov says
Way too sweet in my eyes. I could barely finish the fish. My wife loved it though.
Marcia says
What temperature do you set the oven at?
I looked through this, but, didn’t see it.
The Chunky Chef says
You don’t bake it, it’s broiled on high ๐
Bonnie says
This was so delicious and easy to make , my boyfriend said it’s restaurant quality!! Loved it ,thank youย
Michelle Cole says
I rarely, if ever, leave reviews on recipes but this one is just so DANG easy and delicious!! ย Thank you!!
Don says
This was very good. I had everything on hand so I’m glad I found this recipe. Packed with flavor and easy to make. What I like about recipes like this is you don’t have to measure the ingredients out. My wife wants this in our regular rotation. Thanks for sharing.ย
just2girlz says
Best damn salmon recipe on the planet!
Thank you ChunkyChief
Stay Strong
Paula says
Absolutely amazing! ย Loved it. ย It will be a regular in my meal rotationย
Heather R. says
Made 2 batches (8 fillets) using the same sauce! My husband gave 4 stars and I give it 5! Definitely a keeper for another night!
Sarah says
Absolutely Delicious. The whole family loved it. I added about 10 minutes under the broiler for salmon to finish cooking. (Took the veggies out before final 10 minutes of cooking.) Added a little garlic powder and paprika to veggies when I tossed them in the oil prior to cooking. We used sweet potato and cauliflower. We will be making this again!
Jacqueline Courtney says
My husband loves Salmon I’m not a big Salmon fan but when I tried this recipe my Salmon was so delicious I had to make more Salmon the next night for dinner. love it
DANIEL CASAREZ says
I lovws this, it came out awesome. Very delious and easy to make.
Daphne says
I tried this and I must have done something wrong because it was pretty awful. I had one serving but I’m tossing the rest.
The Chunky Chef says
Oh no, I’m sorry you didn’t have success with this recipe! I know how disappointing that can be. Honestly, I’m surprised, as so many others have had this recipe turn out wonderfully… if you’d like to troubleshoot, feel free to shoot me a message at amanda@thechunkychef.com
Niecy says
Loved the recipe. My phone died half way through so I didn’t see that you were supposed to do the butter and garlic prior to adding the other ingredients. I did them all at one time and it still came out delicious. I’ll definitely make thks again.
veronica wakeham says
Pretty good used less honey notย