WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Looking for a delicious and simple dinner idea? Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon is the perfect dish for you! With just a few easy ingredients like salmon, honey, and garlic, you can create a flavorful meal in no time. I’ll guide you through each step, from mixing the glaze to cooking the salmon perfectly. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned chef, this dish will impress everyone at your table. Let’s dive in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, garlic, and ginger creates a delicious glaze that elevates the salmon to new heights.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish not only tasty but also good for your health.
- Impressive Presentation: Garnishing with sesame seeds and green onions makes this dish visually appealing and perfect for entertaining.
Ingredients
When making honey garlic glazed salmon, it’s important to gather all your ingredients first. This makes cooking smooth and fun. Here’s what you need:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
– 2 green onions, finely chopped for garnish
Each ingredient plays a key role. The salmon is the star, offering rich flavor and a soft texture. Honey brings sweetness that balances the saltiness from soy sauce. Garlic adds depth, while fresh ginger gives a zing. Olive oil helps in cooking, keeping the fish moist. Seasoning with salt and pepper enhances all these flavors.
Optional garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions add a nice touch. They make the dish look great and give extra texture. Make sure to have everything ready. This will help you create a delicious meal without any rush.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
First, I whisk the glaze. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup honey, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon grated ginger. This blend smells amazing! Set aside a few tablespoons for later.
Next, I prepare the salmon. I pat the 4 salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Then, I season both sides with salt and pepper. This step helps enhance the taste.
Cooking Process
Now, I heat the skillet. I pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet and turn the heat to medium-high. Once the oil is hot, I place the salmon fillets skin-side down. I cook them for about 4-5 minutes.
After that, I gently flip the salmon fillets. I pour the honey garlic mixture over the salmon. I make sure to coat each piece evenly. Then, I cook for another 3-4 minutes. I spoon the sauce over the fillets as they cook. This creates a beautiful glaze.
If I want more flavor, I add the reserved sauce during the last minute. I let it bubble and gloss the fish. This step makes the dish even more special.
Finishing Touches
Next, I remove the salmon from the skillet. I let it rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep it juicy.
Finally, I serve the salmon. I like to top it with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh look. You can also pair it with rice or steamed veggies for a complete meal. Enjoy this simple dish!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Techniques
Achieving the perfect glaze:
To get that shiny glaze, wait until the salmon is almost done. Pour the honey garlic mix over the fish. Let it bubble for a minute. This makes it stick well and adds flavor.
Maintaining salmon moisture:
Keep your salmon juicy by not overcooking it. Cook on medium heat. Flip the fillets carefully to avoid breaking them. Use a non-stick skillet to help prevent sticking and keep the fish moist.
Flavor Enhancements
Basting techniques:
Basting helps make your salmon extra tasty. Use a spoon to drizzle the sauce over the salmon as it cooks. This keeps the flavors strong and the fish coated.
Balancing sweetness and saltiness:
The key is to balance honey and soy sauce. If your glaze is too sweet, add a bit more soy sauce. This gives you a nice mix of sweet and salty. Taste as you go to find the perfect level for your dish.
Pro Tips
- Choosing Fresh Salmon: Always opt for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture. Look for bright, moist flesh and avoid any that appear dull or dry.
- Controlling the Heat: Cooking the salmon over medium-high heat helps achieve a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Avoid cooking on too high heat to prevent burning the glaze.
- Basting for Flavor: Baste the salmon with the honey garlic sauce during the cooking process. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps create a beautiful glaze.
- Resting the Salmon: Allow the salmon to rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist dish.

Variations
Ingredient Alternatives
You can switch up fish types in this dish. Instead of salmon, try trout or tilapia. Both have mild flavors that work well with the honey garlic glaze. You can even use shrimp for a fun twist. Each option gives a new taste while still being simple.
For sweeteners, honey is the star, but you can explore other options. Maple syrup makes a great alternative. It adds a unique flavor that pairs nicely with garlic. You could also use agave nectar for a lighter touch. Each sweetener will change the final taste, so feel free to experiment.
Cooking Methods
When it comes to cooking methods, grilling and pan-searing are great options. Grilling gives a nice smoky flavor. It’s perfect for warm days. Just brush the glaze on the fish while it cooks. It creates a tasty crust.
Pan-searing is another easy way to cook honey garlic salmon. It gives a delicious caramelized finish. You can control the heat and glaze the fish right in the pan. This method makes it easy to keep the fish moist.
If you want a hands-off approach, consider oven-baking. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet, brush with the glaze, and bake for 12-15 minutes. This method is perfect for busy nights. It allows you to prepare sides while the salmon cooks.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To store leftovers, let the honey garlic glazed salmon cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Always make sure it is properly sealed to avoid drying out.
When reheating, use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet, cover it with foil, and heat for about 10 minutes. This helps keep the salmon moist. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts at low power. Check it often to avoid overcooking.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze honey garlic glazed salmon. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This way, the salmon stays good for up to three months.
To thaw, place the frozen salmon in the fridge overnight. If you need it faster, submerge the sealed bag in cold water for about an hour. Avoid using hot water, as it can start to cook the fish. Once thawed, you can reheat it using the same methods mentioned above.
FAQs
How long to cook salmon?
You should cook salmon for 8 to 10 minutes. This time includes both sides. For a perfect glaze, cook the skin-side down first. Flip it after 4 to 5 minutes. Then, add the honey garlic sauce and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it first. You can do this in the fridge overnight or under cold water. Once thawed, pat it dry before cooking. This helps the glaze stick better.
What to serve with Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon?
Honey garlic glazed salmon pairs well with rice or quinoa. You can also serve it with steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch too. Feel free to mix and match your sides.
How to tell when salmon is done?
To check if salmon is done, look for a few signs. The flesh should flake easily with a fork. It should also turn from bright pink to a light opaque color. If you have a food thermometer, look for 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.
You’ve learned how to make delicious honey garlic glazed salmon. We covered the key ingredients, easy steps, and tips for perfect flavor. Remember to experiment with different fish and sweeteners for your taste. Store leftovers well for later enjoyment. With this knowledge, you can impress friends and family at your next meal. Enjoy making new dishes and sharing great foo
Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon
A delicious salmon dish coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
- 4 fillets salmon (6 oz each)
- 0.25 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped for garnish
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and grated ginger. Set aside a few tablespoons for basting later.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
Once hot, carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, then flip them over gently.
Pour the honey garlic mixture over the salmon, making sure to coat evenly.
Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, spooning the sauce over the fillets as they cook to create a glaze.
If desired, in the last minute of cooking, add the reserved sauce from step 1 to intensify the flavor, allowing it to bubble and gloss the fish.
Remove the salmon from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
Serve the salmon topped with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish.
Optional sesame seeds and green onions enhance presentation and flavor.
Keyword glazed, honey garlic, salmon, seafood
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?