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Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe

Featured in Simple Healthy Meals.

This game-changing salmon recipe transforms ordinary fillets into an extraordinary dish with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The magic lies in its honey-garlic butter glaze, enhanced with Dijon mustard and fresh lemon juice, creating a caramelized exterior while keeping the salmon perfectly moist inside. What makes this recipe special is its foolproof approach - the precise temperature and timing ensure perfectly cooked, flaky fish every time, while the final broil creates an irresistible caramelized finish. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's both simple enough for weeknight dinners and elegant enough for special occasions.
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Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Fri, 17 Jan 2025 02:06:16 GMT
Sweet and savory honey garlic salmon, perfectly glazed and ideal for an easy dinner. Pin it
Sweet and savory honey garlic salmon, perfectly glazed and ideal for an easy dinner. | lastminrecipes.com

Honey Garlic Salmon has become my ultimate "impress without stress" dinner recipe. After perfecting this dish through countless iterations, I've discovered that the magic lies in the perfect balance of sweet honey, savory garlic, and umami-rich soy sauce, creating a glaze that transforms simple salmon into a restaurant-worthy meal.

The first time I served this to dinner guests, they couldn't believe how quickly it came together. The secret lies in the timing of the glaze application.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Salmon: Look for bright, firm flesh with no grey areas
  • Honey: Local raw honey provides best flavor
  • Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium for better glaze control
  • Garlic: Fresh cloves, never pre-minced
  • Lemon: Fresh juice only, no bottled
  • Oil: High smoke point for perfect searing
Delicious honey garlic salmon with a golden glaze, perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Pin it
Delicious honey garlic salmon with a golden glaze, perfect for a quick and healthy meal. | lastminrecipes.com

Detailed Preparation Steps

Perfect Salmon Preparation:
Pat salmon completely dry. Let rest at room temperature 15 minutes. Season just before cooking. Score skin if using skin-on. Make uniform portions for even cooking.
Glaze Creation:
Combine ingredients in specific order. Whisk honey and soy first. Add garlic and lemon gradually. Taste and adjust balance. Keep warm but not hot.
Stovetop Method:
Heat pan until water droplets dance. Add oil just before salmon. Place salmon skin-side down. Press gently with spatula. Don't move for first 3 minutes.
Oven Technique:
Preheat thoroughly to 400°F. Line pan with parchment. Position rack in middle. Monitor internal temperature. Allow room between fillets.
Glaze Application:
Wait until salmon is nearly done. Apply in thin layers. Watch for caramelization. Don't let glaze burn. Reserve some for serving.

My favorite entertaining trick is to prep the glaze ahead and have everything ready to go when guests arrive - the cooking itself becomes part of the evening's entertainment.

Glazed honey garlic salmon, a flavorful and simple recipe for any occasion. Pin it
Glazed honey garlic salmon, a flavorful and simple recipe for any occasion. | lastminrecipes.com

This Honey Garlic Salmon has become my go-to recipe for both casual family dinners and elegant entertaining. The combination of perfectly cooked fish and caramelized glaze creates a dish that's both impressive and approachable. Whether you're new to cooking fish or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What temperature should I cook the salmon?
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
→ How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
→ Can I make this spicier?
Yes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for extra heat.
→ What type of salmon works best?
Wild-caught salmon will give you the richest flavor, though any salmon fillets work well.
→ What should I serve with this salmon?
Pair it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.

Perfect Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe

Tender salmon fillets baked with a luscious honey garlic butter glaze until perfectly flaky. A foolproof recipe for the best salmon ever.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Healthy Eating

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredient

01 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)

→ Honey-Garlic Glaze

02 3 tablespoons melted butter
03 2 tablespoons honey
04 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
06 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

→ Seasonings & Garnish

07 1 teaspoon paprika
08 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
11 Lemon slices for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

Step 02

Place salmon fillets skin-side down on prepared baking sheet.

Step 03

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 04

Brush glaze generously over salmon fillets, ensuring full coverage.

Step 05

Bake for 12-15 minutes, until salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F (63°C) internal temperature.

Step 06

For a caramelized finish, broil for 2-3 minutes after baking.

Step 07

Garnish with chopped parsley and optional lemon slices. Serve immediately.

Notes

  1. Use wild-caught salmon for richer flavor
  2. Add cayenne pepper to glaze for extra spice
  3. Pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or green salad

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or foil
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Pastry brush
  • Meat thermometer

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Fish (salmon)
  • Dairy (butter)
  • Mustard

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 10 g
  • Protein: 28 g