Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- (Optional) red pepper flakes and fresh ginger
- Set aside.
Step 2: Prep and Season Salmon
- Pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Step 3: Sear the Salmon
- Add salmon to the hot pan, skin-side down (if skin-on).
- Cook for 4β5 minutes, then flip and cook another 3β4 minutes.
- Pour the honey glaze over the salmon and spoon it over the fillets while cooking.
- Let the sauce bubble and thicken for 1β2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Alternative (Oven Method):
- Preheat oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). Place seasoned salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake for 10β12 minutes, then broil for 1β2 minutes after brushing with glaze for caramelization.
Step 4: Serve
- Plate salmon and drizzle with extra glaze from the pan.
- Garnish with lemon slices, herbs, or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
π§ Storage & Reheating
Storage: Cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or glaze. Microwave in 30-second intervals, covered, until warmed through. Freezing: You can freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. π₯ Variations
Baked Salmon Version: Bake with the glaze at 400Β°F for 12β14 minutes, then broil for a golden finish. Add Citrus Zing: Use orange juice/zest instead of lemon for a fresh twist. Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or hot honey to the glaze. Asian-Inspired: Stir in hoisin sauce or miso paste. Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Vegetarian Swap: Use the same glaze over roasted tofu or cauliflower steaks. Herb Infusion: Add rosemary, dill, or thyme to the glaze for aromatics. Grilled Version: Grill the salmon and brush with glaze in the last 2β3 minutes. Pescatarian Bowl: Serve over jasmine rice with steamed veggies and edamame. Air Fryer Method: Cook salmon in the air fryer at 400Β°F for 8β10 minutes, brushing halfway through. β 10 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking. 2. Do I need to remove the skin?
Nope! Skin-on salmon crisps beautifully. Just cook it skin-side down first. 3. Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup makes a great substitute for a different flavor profile. 4. What side dishes go best?
Try garlic rice, roasted asparagus, mashed potatoes, or quinoa salad. 5. Can I make this ahead?
You can prep the glaze and salmon ahead, but cook just before serving for best texture. 6. Is this kid-friendly?
Yes! Omit red pepper flakes for a milder version. 7. How do I know when salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temp of 145Β°F (63Β°C). 8. Can I double the glaze?
Yes! Itβs great over veggies, rice, or other proteins. 9. What if I donβt have lemon juice?
Use vinegar (white wine or apple cider) as a substitute. 10. Can I grill the salmon?
Absolutely. Grill on medium heat for 4β5 mins per side and baste with glaze. π Conclusion
This Honey Glazed Salmon is a foolproof, flavorful recipe that tastes like something out of a restaurant β but with just 20 minutes and pantry ingredients. Whether you pan-sear, bake, or grill it, the sweet-savory combo of honey, soy, and garlic is simply irresistible. Perfect for dinner guests, meal prep, or a healthy weeknight treat. Save this recipe β it's one you'll come back to again and again. ππ―
Storage: Cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or glaze. Microwave in 30-second intervals, covered, until warmed through. Freezing: You can freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. π₯ Variations
Baked Salmon Version: Bake with the glaze at 400Β°F for 12β14 minutes, then broil for a golden finish. Add Citrus Zing: Use orange juice/zest instead of lemon for a fresh twist. Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or hot honey to the glaze. Asian-Inspired: Stir in hoisin sauce or miso paste. Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Vegetarian Swap: Use the same glaze over roasted tofu or cauliflower steaks. Herb Infusion: Add rosemary, dill, or thyme to the glaze for aromatics. Grilled Version: Grill the salmon and brush with glaze in the last 2β3 minutes. Pescatarian Bowl: Serve over jasmine rice with steamed veggies and edamame. Air Fryer Method: Cook salmon in the air fryer at 400Β°F for 8β10 minutes, brushing halfway through. β 10 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking. 2. Do I need to remove the skin?
Nope! Skin-on salmon crisps beautifully. Just cook it skin-side down first. 3. Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup makes a great substitute for a different flavor profile. 4. What side dishes go best?
Try garlic rice, roasted asparagus, mashed potatoes, or quinoa salad. 5. Can I make this ahead?
You can prep the glaze and salmon ahead, but cook just before serving for best texture. 6. Is this kid-friendly?
Yes! Omit red pepper flakes for a milder version. 7. How do I know when salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temp of 145Β°F (63Β°C). 8. Can I double the glaze?
Yes! Itβs great over veggies, rice, or other proteins. 9. What if I donβt have lemon juice?
Use vinegar (white wine or apple cider) as a substitute. 10. Can I grill the salmon?
Absolutely. Grill on medium heat for 4β5 mins per side and baste with glaze. π Conclusion
This Honey Glazed Salmon is a foolproof, flavorful recipe that tastes like something out of a restaurant β but with just 20 minutes and pantry ingredients. Whether you pan-sear, bake, or grill it, the sweet-savory combo of honey, soy, and garlic is simply irresistible. Perfect for dinner guests, meal prep, or a healthy weeknight treat. Save this recipe β it's one you'll come back to again and again. ππ―