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.
Dimmi di Piรน says
This was insanely delicious and easy to pull together. I used way less garlic, and skipped the sriracha. Also, baked instead of broiled after the stove top 3 minute basting step. The salmon was perfectly cooked, tender and the sauce scrumpious. Can’t wait to buy more salmon and prepare this dish again.
Julie says
This is a favorite at my house! โค๏ธ
linda says
It was very good..making it agsin today..flavor great and no fishy taste
Michele says
The only reason you would have a fishy flavor is if your fish wasn’t fresh.. Has nothing to do with the recipe.. Although this recipe is great… But if it was fishy, it’s nothing to do with the recipe.. You got bad fish.
Carol Gates says
I made this recipe and followed the instructions exactly family loved it. Will definitely make again
Meg says
Excellent! Very tasty.
Meg says
I just made this and it was delicious! I followed the recipe and will definitely make this again. My son loved it,not the same boring usual salmon I normally make. Even my husband liked it and he likes โplain โfood. Thanks for a great recipe. Iโm going to make it again next week.
Marina Dequasie Crawford says
Delicious! Tonight will be the third time making this dish. So tasty and so easy, yet it seems fancy and special, like something youโd get in a nice restaurant. My husband and I love this.
Tip: Aldi has really good Norwegian salmon for less than $12 per pound.
Thanks for this amazing recipe, Amanda!
Jodi Russell says
Delicious!! Unfortunately didnโt have all of the spices at home but it was still fantastic. I have them all now and am planning on making again for company.
My husband loved it also!
Jill says
My sauce is not thickening. Itโs running. Iโve already put the salmon in.
sara says
Some people complained that it was too watery, I left out the water and was way too watery still.
Julie says
Followed the recipe exactly, turned out perfect! Used the recipe with chicken, too! Family loved them both!
Crystal Zepeda says
I love this recipe. My husband doesnโt like salmon, but loves it when I make this dish. The first time I tried the recipe I didnโt have honey so I used maple syrup. Perfectly sweet and a little kick from the blackening seasoning. Sooo good!
Joan says
Delicious and easy to prepare,!
James says
Tonight I made your Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon and it was incredible.
My wife said it was the best salmon she has ever eaten. After dinner she made me print the recipe for her in case I were to die so she could keep making it. My wife likes salmon much more than I, but, I must say, this recipe might change that. Thank you for such a great recipe that is tasty, quick to make and a real pleaser.
Pat says
Just made this. It’s DELICIOUS. I added garlic powder and seafood seasoning. I did not use blackening. I added srichacha to taste and used more fresh garlic to taste. I will definitely make this again; it was easy.
L.M. Smith says
Water sauce likely comes from using frozen salmon
Jenna says
My family’s favorite salmon recipe, absolutely delicious!! Super quick and easy to make, it’s a weeknight staple at our house.
Jessie Titus says
This really is the best salmon recipe I’ve ever tried. It’s so easy and so, so good. Thumbs up!!!!
Ninita says
My family thought I bought it from a restaurant. Will be making this frequently. It was amazingly delicious. My niece asked for the recipe.
Tammy Lawrence says
Made this for dinner and my husband loved it. I would skip the salt on the rub since the soy sauce is so salty. I used liquid aminos since that’s what I had.
Side dish of broccoli was yummy in the sauce as well.