How long it takes: about 20 minutes Equipment you’ll need: oven-safe skillet Servings: 4
Honey Garlic Salmon
Perfectly balanced sauce. Salmon works well with sweet sauces and glazes but you never want it too sweet. This honey garlic salmon has the perfect sweet and savory balance, with umami soy sauce and garlic (lots of it!) balancing the honey. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a hint of citrus, or leave it out. It’s up to you! A healthy lean protein. Salmon is among the most nutritious foods you can add to your diet, with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and a number of important vitamins and minerals. We should all be eating more salmon and this honey garlic salmon recipe makes it easy! Dinner in 20 minutes. Seriously, how many dinners can you make in 20 minutes that don’t come from the freezer or a box?! Fish cooks quickly, which is why I love it for a weeknight meal.
Ingredient Notes
Salmon Fillets: You can make this recipe with skin-on or skinless salmon, so choose whichever option your family prefers. Seasoning: Kosher salt, coarse ground black pepper, and paprika are rubbed over the salmon. Olive Oil: You’ll need just a bit of olive oil in the pan when you sear the honey garlic salmon on the stovetop. Garlic: There’s a lot of garlic in this recipe—it is honey garlic salmon, after all! We use a generous amount to balance the sweetness. Honey: An everyday type of honey is fine here. The kind that comes in those adorable little plastic bears is perfect. Soy Sauce: You can substitute tamari for a gluten-free option, or use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your sodium intake. Lemon Juice: This is optional, but it will give the glaze a hint of tangy citrus flavor. Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of spicy red pepper flakes give the sauce a bit of tingly heat! If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can omit it altogether. Chopped Fresh Parsley or Green Onions: For an optional garnish.
How to make Honey Garlic Salmon
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Make the glaze by whisking together the garlic, honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice (if using) in a liquid measuring cup or small bowl. Season the salmon. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels, then season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and paprika; season both sides for skinless fillets and the flesh side for skin-on fillets. Sear the salmon. Set an oven-proof skillet over medium high heat. Add the oil to pan and place the salmon fillets in skillet, skin side up (if you’re using skin-on). Sear for 3 minutes, then remove from the heat and flip the fillets. Add the glaze and bake. Pour the glaze over the salmon, then place the skillet in the oven and bake the salmon for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Garnish and serve. Remove the skillet from the oven, then garnish the honey garlic salmon with parsley and green onions, if desired. Plate and drizzle with sauce from the skillet.
How to Tell When Salmon Is Done
The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer to confirm that it has reached 145ºF. The next best way is to use a fork to flake the salmon; if it flakes, rather than feeling hard or mushy, the salmon is done.
Recipe Variations
Try another acid. Instead of lemon juice, you can use orange juice or rice vinegar. Garnish with sesame seeds. White or black sesame seeds (or a combination of both!) add visual interest and texture to this honey garlic salmon. Swap in maple. Although I do love the honey in this recipe, you can also try making it with maple syrup for a different flavor. Try it with pork. The honey garlic combination goes well on other meats, too. We love succulent honey garlic pork chops!
Serving Ideas
Serve this honey garlic salmon over a cooked grain like rice or quinoa. Instant pot brown rice, Instant Pot white rice, and Instant Pot quinoa make it easy! To give your plain grains an upgrade, try coconut rice, fried rice, or cilantro lime rice. If you prefer potatoes, try crispy parmesan potatoes or mashed red potatoes. A simple baked potato is always welcome, too. Did you know that air fryer baked potatoes turn out really well, too, and in much less time? Add a veggie side or salad. Try cabbage salad, air fryer green beans, or roasted broccoli!
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftover honey garlic salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat: Reheat leftover salmon in a skillet set over medium heat until it’s warmed through. You can add a splash of vegetable broth or water and cover the pan to keep the fillets moist. Interested in a weekly meal plan that includes this recipe? Take a look at Meal Plan #51. You’ll find a wholesome recipe for each weekday plus a categorized grocery list. We add a new meal plan weekly.
