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.
Cheri says
This is the best sAlmon recipe ever! I donโt see how anyone could fail whether searing in a pan or using the broiler. Love it!
Maria gab says
Absolutely perfect recipe, so simple so quick, so delicious!!! Steady Keeper in my kitchen from now on.
Max says
What an absolutely delectable delicacy! Had a change in diet and wanted to give it a go… easily one of my favorite dishes I’ve ever tasted! Simple and easy to make, and delights tbe palate and the body like no other! Many props and blessings to you!
Dana says
This was amazing!! I never seem to like when I cook salmon at home but this recipe changed that. I actually seared it first on both sides in the butter and oil and then poured the sauce in. Came out so good with a little bit of crisp on the outside. This will definitely be on my dinner rotation!
Donna says
Made this tonight for dinner! It was fantastic.. no sriracha or blackened seasoning so that will be something we add next time.
LeeLee6970 says
Agree with other comments….tasted restaurant quality. Cooked as written. Made sure to keep eye on broiler when cooking. Delicious!
mallika says
I made it exactly the way with one small change, instead of the oven I made it in a pan and it turned out like a restaurant dish. what else I can ask for. thank u so much for making the Valentine dinner a hit.
Kristen says
Can you use a grill iron cast skillet?
Amanda says
Sure thing ๐
Adrianne says
It was wonderful. Quick and easy.
Tonya says
This dish was easy and very tasty! My kids even love it. I just didnโt season with paprika. My season was sea salt, black pepper and old bay season. Followed the sauce recipe and it was amazing ๐คฉ
Michele says
This was so delicious! My family loved it!
Pamela Leichsenring says
I’ve never really had confidence to prepare fresh salmon, until I read this recipe. Thank you so very much for this delicious and easily and quickly prepared recipe.
My husband loved it, so I’ll be making it often.
Jane Groff says
Thanks!! Delicious- even better the next day!
Yolande says
My go to weeknight Salmon favorite… I can eat it without sides!! I’m doing that right now while I’m waiting for my lemon jasmine rice and brussel sprouts to finish up!!! Yummmmmmm Can’t wait to try your spicy shrimp next!!
D says
This is fantastic! This is going to be new favorite, and I can’t wait to try out the sauce with some chicken wings!!!!
Sara says
I have been cooking salmon for years and have been using a different recipe almost every time because Iโm never quite satisfied with the texture. Or, if the texture is good, Iโm usually wishing the sauce or glaze had something more to offer. I happened upon this one and I think my search is over! The sauce is flavorful and the texture is perfect as a result of the basting then broiling. Amazing!
Lisa McLeod says
I tried this recipe and followed it to a tee. When I broiled it the sauce burned and the bottom of the fish was like charcoal!!! And that was according to your 5 to 6 minutes broiling time. Next time Iโm going to pan sear it!!
The Chunky Chef says
Sorry you had an unsuccessful try with this recipe! Every oven and broiler is different, which is why I added the qualifier “until salmon is caramelized and cooked to desired doneness”. Whenever I broil anything, I’m constantly checking on it, as things can go from beautifully browned, to black and burnt in just a little bit of time.
Brad Pulcipher says
This glaze/sauce is incredible! Has anyone used it with chicken as a marinade?
Jayde says
This is by far the best salmon recipe Iโve come across! Better than any restaurant, and so easy to make ๐ Iโve made this twice in the last week.ย
Kerri says
Delish! I read all the comments before making this for the first time last night and was excited when my boyfriend took one bite and said โthis is the best salmon Iโve had in my lifeโ! ย Pan seared and then broiled – very easy and quick for such a fabulous meal! I typically donโt leave comments on recipes often, but my boyfriend woke up this morning and one of the first things he said was how good dinner was last night! ๐
Stephanie Locke says
Excellent recipe. It was a restaurant quality dish and so simple to make.
Melissa Figueroa says
It was amazingย