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