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Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Category: Family-Friendly Dinner Solutions

Honey garlic glazed salmon features golden-seared salmon fillets coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce made with honey, fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, and garlic. The dish comes together fast with simple steps: sear salmon fillets, whisk the glaze, simmer until thickened, then spoon over the fish. Serve immediately with steamed rice, quinoa, or sautéed vegetables for a delicious meal suitable for busy weeknights. Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, or sesame seeds for a pop of color and extra taste. For gluten-free variation, use gluten-free soy sauce.

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Updated on Sat, 28 Jun 2025 09:48:30 GMT
A dish of honey garlic glazed salmon. Save
A dish of honey garlic glazed salmon. | krispywithmia.com

This quick honey garlic glazed salmon is a family favorite for busy nights thanks to its irresistible sticky and savory sauce. A single skillet transforms fresh salmon fillets into a showstopper main course with just a handful of pantry ingredients. If you want an easy way to add more fish to your week, this recipe is for you.

My first time making this was a hectic Tuesday and everyone stopped what they were doing to hover in the kitchen as soon as that garlicky aroma hit. Now it is my top pick any time we want something both fast and special.

Ingredients

  • Salmon fillets: Fresh salmon is key for a tender flaky texture. Look for firm fillets with a bright color. Wild-caught has deeper flavor and firmer texture if you can find it
  • Salt: Enhances the salmon and helps draw out moisture for perfect searing
  • Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to balance the sweet glaze. Freshly ground is best for more aroma
  • Honey: This is the star of the glaze giving it shine and a balanced sweetness. Pick a local or raw honey for the brightest taste
  • Low sodium soy sauce: Lends savory depth and balances the honey. Choose gluten free if needed and taste for freshness
  • Fresh lemon juice: Cuts the richness and lifts the flavors. Squeeze from real lemons for the best zing
  • Garlic cloves: Minced garlic infuses the sauce with that classic bold aroma nothing beats fresh peeled garlic
  • Olive oil: Keeps the salmon from sticking and adds subtle flavor. A good extra virgin one will add a peppery note
  • Unsalted butter: Swirled into the pan for a glossy finish and richer sauce. Go for real butter here for the right silky texture
  • Chopped fresh parsley: For a fresh herby accent and a pop of green color. Pick perky bright parsley leaves
  • Lemon wedges: Serve alongside for extra zip and a restaurant style look
  • Sesame seeds: Add little nutty crunch and visual appeal. Sprinkle to taste if you want more texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Salmon:
Pat salmon with paper towels to remove moisture then season both sides with a light sprinkling of salt and black pepper. This helps the fish sear and lets the glaze shine
Make the Glaze:
Whisk honey soy sauce lemon juice and minced garlic in a small bowl until smooth. This blend should taste sweet savory and tangy all at once
Sear the Salmon:
Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium high until shimmering. Add salmon skin side down if yours has skin. Leave it undisturbed for four or five minutes until the bottom is deep golden and the sides begin to turn opaque
Glaze and Finish:
Flip each fillet over gently with a spatula. Drop in the butter letting it melt. Pour the glaze evenly across the pan. Cook for another three or four minutes basting the fillets with sauce to lacquer them. The glaze will bubble and thicken and the salmon will be just cooked through
Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the fillets to plates using a fish spatula. Spoon any extra sauce over top and finish with fresh parsley lemon wedges and sesame seeds. Serve right away for the best flavor and texture
A plate of salmon with a spoonful of honey and garlic sauce. Save
A plate of salmon with a spoonful of honey and garlic sauce. | krispywithmia.com

The honey you use makes all the difference here. Once I tried a fragrant wildflower honey and the glaze was so deep and floral that everyone noticed and asked for the brand. Choose your favorite for a special touch.

Storage Tips

Leftover honey garlic salmon keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two days. Gently reheat in the microwave or flake it chilled over salad the next day. For freezing let the salmon cool and wrap tightly in foil before freezing up to one month though the glaze is best when freshly made

Ingredient Substitutions

Try using maple syrup in place of honey for a different but equally delicious sweetness. Tamari can replace soy sauce if you need to avoid soy entirely. A sprinkle of chili flakes or ginger can be whisked into the glaze for a gentle kick

Serving Suggestions

This sticky salmon pairs wonderfully with steamed rice fluffy quinoa or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of glaze. Add sautéed green beans or roasted broccoli for color and crunch. For a special touch serve alongside a crisp green salad with lots of lemon

A plate of salmon with a honey garlic glaze. Save
A plate of salmon with a honey garlic glaze. | krispywithmia.com

Cultural Notes

Honey garlic sauce has become an international household favorite thanks to its roots in both Asian and Western cooking. This recipe is inspired by classic flavors I first had at a neighborhood bistro but brings in the quick pan method you see in Japanese or Korean home kitchens.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use skinless salmon fillets?

Yes, both skin-on and skinless salmon fillets work well. Adjust cooking times as needed to prevent overcooking without the protective skin.

→ How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 63°C (145°F) in the thickest part.

→ Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?

Maple syrup can be used in place of honey for a slightly different yet delicious glaze.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce. Always check ingredient labels for allergen safety.

→ What sides pair well with this salmon?

Steamed rice, quinoa, sautéed greens, or roasted vegetables are tasty options to serve alongside glazed salmon.

→ How can I add extra flavor?

For extra depth, marinate the salmon in half the sauce for 15 minutes before cooking. Discard used marinade before searing.

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Seared salmon fillets glazed with honey, garlic, and soy sauce. A sweet and savory main ready in 20 minutes.

Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
20 min
By: Mia Chen

Category: Dinner Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: International

Yield: 4 Serves

Diet Suitability: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Fish

01 4 salmon fillets (approximately 170 g each), skin-on or skinless
02 0.5 teaspoon salt
03 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Sauce

04 3 tablespoons honey
05 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (use gluten-free if required)
06 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
07 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
08 1 tablespoon olive oil
09 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

→ Garnish (optional)

10 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
11 Lemon wedges
12 Sesame seeds

Steps

Step 01

Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.

Step 02

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, low-sodium soy sauce, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic until smooth. Set aside.

Step 03

Warm olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Step 04

Place salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if using skin-on. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until golden and nearly cooked through.

Step 05

Turn the salmon over and add butter to the skillet. Pour the prepared honey-garlic sauce over the fillets.

Step 06

Continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes, spooning sauce over the salmon. Cook until the fish is cooked through and the glaze becomes thick and sticky.

Step 07

Remove skillet from heat. Transfer salmon to plates and drizzle with additional sauce from the pan.

Step 08

Garnish salmon with chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and sesame seeds as desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  1. Marinate salmon in half the sauce for 15 minutes for added depth of flavor; discard used marinade before cooking.
  2. Maple syrup can replace honey if required.
  3. Excellent accompaniments include steamed rice, quinoa, or sautéed vegetables.
  4. Serve with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc for a balanced pairing.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large nonstick skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring spoons

Allergen Info

Check every ingredient for potential allergens, and consult a health professional if unsure.
  • Contains fish (salmon)
  • Contains soy (soy sauce)
  • Contains dairy (butter)
  • Use gluten-free soy sauce as required for gluten intolerance
  • Carefully review labels for potential allergens

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

These details are approximate and shouldn’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 325
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Proteins: 32 g