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.
Shari says
This is a winner!! Very tasty. Will make again!
Michelle says
I have made this a couple of times. It is quick and easy and my family loves it.
Heather says
Wow! So tasty. I did not have quite enough honey. Probably 1/2 of what the recipe calls for. I also did not have Sriracha but I used 1/2 Tbsp of hot sauce and 1/2 Tbsp of chili sauce. Will make again and pass on to family.
Vivian Bremer says
Decided to cook this for bf and it knocked his socks off. I didnโt have soy sauce so I used those soy ginger dip sauce (packet) I had for egg rolls and forgot to add water and used agave because I didnโt have honey. This was delicious! My picky daughter loved it too! I will make this again!
stacy says
Hi Amanda, I made the Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon and I have to tell you that this is so far the BEST tasting salmon that I have ever had, hands down! I’ve tried many recipes and no joke, this is amazing, incredible flavor. I often cook for my family and mother and rarely do I get comments but this time….my mother could not stop raving about how wonderful it tasted and my picky daughter even liked it. So, I just wanted to thank you for sharing this heavenly dish! Keep them coming!!!
Kari says
Can i bake this instead of pan frying???
The Chunky Chef says
Iโve only tested this recipe as written. So without testing and retesting it myself, I can’t say for certain how long to bake it and at what temperature. If you do some experimenting, I’d love to know how it turns out!
Food Network Devotee says
Quick and delicious
Kristy says
My husband and I absolutely LOVE this dish. We have ot once a week. Thank you.
Sonja H says
Great flavor and enjoyed it so very much! Gotta try- those that are reading this- you wonโt be disappointed ๐ฃ๐ฝ๏ธ
Cathy says
Very good. Salmon was moist and so tasty. My husband loved it
Patty says
It was delicious! My new favorite way to make salmon๐. Canโt wait to try some of your other recipes.
Salmon lovers says
Delicious combination of sweet, spicy and savory-this is our favorite salmon recipe!
Cynthia says
Loved this! I did as some suggested and slightly cooked the salmon first then placed in the skillet and broiled. When done the sauce was a bit thin or watery for my liking, however I added in just 2 tablespoons of instant potato flakes to thicken and it was perfect. Thanks
Cathy says
Great recipe
Deanne says
I love your your recipes!! Apple crisp is sooo good!!
Marina says
Made this for my sonโs birthday dinner tonight. It was easy and tasted amazing!
Laura says
My kids and husband LOVE THIS! Itโs on our weekly/monthly rotation, thank you!
Maria Aviles says
So easy and delicious pairing with a spinach tomatoes almonds cranberries salad
Pierrette says
Absolutly very delicious
So easy
Did not have enough honey so I used maple syrup 1/2&1/2.
Made it in the pan not used the broiler
Thank you for the recipe
Terri Clark says
We brought back a lot of salmon from an Alaskan fishing trip. This recipe will definitely be added to the list. I did not add the water. Followed all the other directions. This dish looks really pretty in presentation