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.
Taylor says
My absolute favorite if I could make it everyday I would. The best sauce, going to try it on chicken next !
Diane Powell says
This is an amazingly tasty recipe. It is worthy to serve to company. Thank you.ย
Gordon says
Awesome will make again and again
Vic says
Great recipe, I cut the honey to 1/4 cup, and cut the salt away as well. ย Love this easy delicious recipe. Thanks!ย
Paul says
Awesome, easily as good as any restaurant in oh so easy. The next time I make it I will forgo the pan-searing beforehand, really no reason and the outcome will be the same. Be careful not to burn the honey garlic sauce, watch carefully….thanks Amanda!
Latisha Cator says
Omgggg this was a hitย
I literally hate fish and loved this ๐ย
It was fantastic!
Mark says
So delicious! Definitely added to my bookmarked recipes.
Sara Galosi says
This recipe is now in the salmon rotation. Tonight I didn’t have sriracha so added some hot pepper jelly that my sister made and at the last minute decided to add a little bit of bourbon! OMG –game changer!!
Linda says
Awesome and quick too! ย I used a sweet chili sauce instead of the sriracha since my husband is not fond of things too spicy or hot. ย Will surely make again and again.
Mc says
Very good we all loved itย
Mike Ram says
Dang. I used salmon I had in the freezer for months and this recipe still turned out to be killer good. My wife could not stop eating it. I made the sauce the day before and added a touch of sesame oil. As advertised. Keeper!
Lisaj says
I plated with Parmesan grits forming a thin round base, asparagus, salmon in the middle and drizzled the sauce over everything. Beautiful and delicious! I added an extra tbsp butter and 2 tbsp orange juice to slightly thin the sauce without altering the flavor. I was skeptical but the 1/2 c honey and the 1 tbsp siracha were the perfect sweetness and heat. A โkeeperโ recipe that I will make again! (I accidentally left this reply with 3 stars. Meant to select 5 stars).
Vanessa Rdz says
I added dijon mustard to the sauce, it was delicious, thank you.
Marcia says
oh my goodness this was good! ย Whole family loved it! ย I did the pan seared method. ย Subbed cholula sauce for the siracha since thatโs what I had on hand
Jane says
Iโve made this recipe twice – it is absolutely yummy. The third time I used this recipe I used boneless chicken thighs – once again, absolutely yummy.
Robin says
Made this tonight and am super impressed! Feels fancy and was very easy.ย
Aleksandra says
Amazing recipe! I was about to make salmon just seasoned, then I stumbled upon this recipe. I happened to have all the ingredents in the house, and decided to try it out. I am so glad I did! It is delicious! And so simple!! Thank you so much for sharing! I will use it again! โค๏ธ
Teresa says
Absolutely delicious! I will make this over and over! Thank you!ย
Mona Ayers says
absolutely wonderful and delicious. ย Seasons made the taste make you come back for more. ย will make this salmon again.
Summer Yule says
Such a special entree! My husband said this tasted like it came from a restaurant. I (accidentally) added extra blackening seasoning but everyone still enjoyed it very much. Thank you for the meal inspiration! We did potatoes and broccoli on the side.
Av says
Great and easy recipe to follow. Someone came out wonderful