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.
Video
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.
jean says
I am not a salmon fan but my daughter is so we made this. AMAZING!!!! The sauce is delicious. It was a little thin but still delicious. Definitely will be making this again!!!
Tiffany Mc says
First, let me state I detest salmon. I grew up Alaska, and would eat it five times a week after we’d spend all summer catching the evil fish (yes–King Salmon are evil! I’ve lost more lures to them than any other AND they typically bite because they are annoyed by the fishing line NOT because they’re hungry–they’re just mean). I’m so over salmon that if I was a grizzly I’d probably starve rather than consume it.
My 17-year old daughter also loathes this fish. I’m very proud of her. But we had a freezer full of fresh king salmon my Alaskan parents shipped to us in Georgia (thanks, mom and dad), and a dear friend had a birthday coming up and begged for salmon so because I’m not a jerk (usually), I sighed, googled recipes and figured this recipe sounded good.
O.M.G.
First time I’ve ever had seconds (and then thirds the next day for lunch and then fought with my kid over the last piece and she won because she has sharp pointy nails and I feared for my eyes when she gets that look and if you have a teenage girl, you know exactly what look I’m referencing) and my own salmon-hating daughter has asked that I make this three times the last month alone.
I followed the recipe exactly–no alterations except maybe more garlic because there’s no such thing as too much garlic unless you’re a vampire and I think even the undead would like this recipe–this just melts in your mouth.
I’m also apparently making this again tonight because my daughter just texted me a picture of her taking salmon out of the freezer with a begging emoji. And she still has those nails.
(adds honey to grocery list)
The Chunky Chef says
Tiffany, this comment wins the day! I’m so happy you and your daughter love this recipe as much as we do, and as a fellow mother of a teenage girl (also with sharp nails)… I totally get it lol ๐
Chris says
Holy Hanna! What an amazing recipe! We occasionally enjoy salmon at restaurants, but we’ve recently decided to make more meals at home and are being more health conscious. This was my very first time making salmon…and it was absolutely delicious! Easy directions for a novice to follow. I feel very confident making this the next time we have guests. Thank you for sharing your talent!
Sabrina says
Made it and it was wonderful and such an easy recipe with ingredients you already have in your kitchen!
Jackie says
Very tasty topping for fish with hints of sweetness that can easily be compliments to a nice salad or side of vegetables
Niema Johnson says
Loving it!!! Will always have mine this way.
Jenna says
I did this recipe and while I didnโt do the best the first time, it was still delicious. I sadly do not have any stainless steel pans for the oven. Is cast iron okay? If yes what should I adjust? I know it holds more heat so I was unsure.
Thanks!
The Chunky Chef says
Cast iron should work just fine; just keep an eye on the salmon while it’s in the oven ๐
Alex says
LOVED this recipe. I have made salmon countless times using numerous recipes and yours, is by far, the BEST !!!! This is the first recipe I have tried from your website and will most assuredly be trying more. Thank you for sharing !!!!!
Julie says
Oh My Goodness! This is most likely the best salmon that Iโve ever had. Simple ingredients โ๏ธ Simple instructions โ๏ธ Big on flavor and it doesnโt overpower the salmon ๐ค๐ป๐ค๐ป๐ค๐ป
Christina Hinton says
This was amazing!!!! I have never eaten salmon and had no desire to do so. My grandsons are extremely picky eaters and the oldest won’t try anything. Friday night he asked if he could try salmon and sushi. Saturday I bought to pieces of salmon came home from the store and made this recipe to go with a tri-tip. Both grandsons tried it loved it and so did I. Now with lent approaching I have something to make that we all will eat!!!!!
Hannah K says
Easy and delicious. My goal was to eat more salmon in the new year and this recipe is my new go to.
This is my new favorite food blog! Thanks for the great recipes.
Deb Couri says
Loved this! Can’t wait to eat my leftovers tomorrow night . . . and who ever says that about salmon??
Debbie says
made this tonight and it was delicious! i let the sauce reduce until it was less liquid and then threw in the salmon. i used garlic and ginger paste and sprinkled some sesame seeds and spring onion on top then made some thsi sticky rice to go with it. ill definintly make this again
Michele says
It was delicious
Jacquelyn says
Love it, great recipe. If I can suggest to anyone else if you like a sticky less water if you like thin sauce then the three tbsp will do.๐๐พ
Deedee says
Omg… Not a fish fan what so ever. But decided to try this just because its healthy and the pics all looked yummy.. My kids loved it and even my neighbors said anytime i make it they will deff want some!!! So good. I added real lemon, a little parsley, and some extra garlic & chili powder. Cant go wrong!!!! 5 stars. Thx for the recipe!!
Trish says
Awesome! Made it several times and now need nutrition facts….any idea what they are?
The Chunky Chef says
So glad you love it! Since I’m not a nutritionist or dietician, I don’t provide full nutritional information for recipes as there is a potential for error, and I wouldnโt want to potentially and/or unknowingly pass along incorrect information. If full nutrition information is important to you, I recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer, or that you seek a nutritionist/dietitian for exact nutritional information.
M. Young says
Weโve used this several times. Itโs my oldest daughterโs favorite!
Debbie Page says
This is delicious. I tweeked it using garlic salt, garlic powder, and only olive oil (no fresh garlic and out of butter). I highly recommend you try it. It was fast and easy.
Patricia says
Thank you .. delicious!