If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful seafood dish, this Honey Glazed Salmon recipe will become your new favorite. The rich combination of sweet honey and savory garlic in a glossy glaze makes for a restaurant-quality dish that can be ready in just 20 minutes! Perfect for a busy weeknight or a special dinner, this recipe will leave everyone wanting more.
PrintHoney Glazed Salmon
🔥 Sweet & Savory Perfection! Tender salmon fillets with a golden, honey-glazed finish that melts in your mouth. This 20-minute dish is your new weeknight winner! 🍯🐟
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 pieces of Salmon fillets (7 oz each)
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tsp garlic powder
For the Honey Glaze:
- ½ cup salted butter (or olive oil for a lighter option)
- 5 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- ½ cup honey (adjust for desired sweetness)
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or Tamari for a gluten-free option)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup quick and easy.
2. Prepare the Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine butter, soy sauce, honey, and garlic. Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth sauce. Allow it to simmer for about 3 minutes so the sauce can thicken slightly. Set aside.
3. Season the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Generously season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then, pour the honey glaze over the fillets, ensuring they are well coated.
Tip: No need to marinate the salmon beforehand. The glaze and seasoning provide enough rich flavor once it’s baked.
4. Bake the Salmon
Place the salmon in the oven and bake for 12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. While baking, the glaze will caramelize, giving the salmon a beautiful golden finish.
5. Add Extra Glaze and Serve
Once done, spoon any remaining glaze from the pan over the fillets to intensify the flavor. Serve immediately, and enjoy the tender, succulent salmon with its sweet and savory honey glaze!
Notes
1. Choosing the Right Salmon
When it comes to selecting salmon, fresh is always better. If possible, choose wild-caught salmon, which is typically more flavorful and nutritious than farm-raised varieties. Look for fillets that are firm, bright in color, and have a pleasant ocean-like scent.
2. Don’t Overcook
Salmon is a delicate fish, and overcooking it can lead to a dry, tough texture. The key is to cook the salmon just until it flakes easily with a fork. For most fillets, this takes about 12-15 minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on the fillets, and use a food thermometer if necessary; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
3. Resting Time
Just like meat, salmon benefits from a short resting period after cooking. Letting the salmon sit for a couple of minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist, tender bite.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients:
- 4 pieces of Salmon fillets (7 oz each)
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tsp garlic powder
For the Honey Glaze:
- ½ cup salted butter (or olive oil for a lighter option)
- 5 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- ½ cup honey (adjust for desired sweetness)
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or Tamari for a gluten-free option)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup quick and easy.
2. Prepare the Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine butter, soy sauce, honey, and garlic. Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth sauce. Allow it to simmer for about 3 minutes so the sauce can thicken slightly. Set aside.
3. Season the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Generously season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then, pour the honey glaze over the fillets, ensuring they are well coated.
Tip: No need to marinate the salmon beforehand. The glaze and seasoning provide enough rich flavor once it’s baked.
4. Bake the Salmon
Place the salmon in the oven and bake for 12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. While baking, the glaze will caramelize, giving the salmon a beautiful golden finish.
5. Add Extra Glaze and Serve
Once done, spoon any remaining glaze from the pan over the fillets to intensify the flavor. Serve immediately, and enjoy the tender, succulent salmon with its sweet and savory honey glaze!
Practical Tips:
- Choosing the Salmon: Opt for wild-caught salmon for a more robust flavor.
- Customizing the Sweetness: Adjust the honey quantity based on your preference. More honey for sweetness, or less if you want to enhance the soy and garlic balance.
- Pairing Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, rice, or a simple mixed salad. You can even try it alongside quinoa or roasted potatoes for a more substantial meal.
This honey glazed salmon is not just a quick and easy dinner option but also a nutritious one. Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, it promotes heart health while delivering mouthwatering flavor.
Creative Variations of Honey Glazed Salmon
If you love the base recipe but want to switch things up, here are a few variations you can try:
1. Spicy Honey Glazed Salmon
For those who enjoy a little heat, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the honey glaze. The sweetness of the honey will balance out the spiciness, creating a tantalizing flavor combination.
2. Citrus Honey Glazed Salmon
Add a burst of citrus by incorporating freshly squeezed lemon or orange juice into the glaze. The acidity of the citrus will brighten the dish and complement the richness of the salmon.
3. Herb-Crusted Honey Glazed Salmon
For an earthy twist, sprinkle fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley over the glazed salmon before baking. The herbs will add a fragrant aroma and extra depth to the dish.