Honey Garlic Salmon – Let me just say, this Honey Garlic Salmon is one of those recipes, you know? The kind you make on a whim thinking, “Eh, we’ll see how this turns out,” and suddenly it’s your signature dish. I remember the first time I whipped this up, and yeah… let’s just say I wasn’t exactly confident. I’d barely cooked fish before, and here I was, trying to sear salmon like some culinary pro on a Tuesday night with about 20 minutes to spare. Who was I kidding? But let me tell you, this salmon came out so good that I thought, “Maybe I’m onto something here.” My partner gave me that look — you know, the “okay, this beats takeout any day” kind of look.
And now? This Honey Garlic Salmon is in heavy rotation in our house. There’s something about that sweet, garlicky glaze that’s just chef’s kiss. Plus, it made Delish’s top recipes list for 2022, so I guess I’m not the only one who fell for it. Trust me, if I can make this work (and actually impress people with it!), so can you. Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe?
Alright, let’s talk about why this Honey Garlic Salmon deserves a spot in your weekly meal lineup. First off, it’s quick. I mean, who has time for a 90-minute dinner on a random Thursday? With this, you’re in and out of the kitchen in 20 minutes, tops. Plus, it’s got that sweet and savory balance going on — honey and soy sauce make it rich but not overpowering, while lemon and red pepper flakes add just enough punch to keep it interesting. And here’s a fun twist: it’s foolproof. I know fish can be intimidating, but I swear, even my scatterbrained Tuesday self can nail this. Once you get that first crispy sear down, you’ll be hooked.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s break down what makes this Honey Garlic Salmon recipe so, well, irresistible. Each ingredient has a purpose here — no fillers, just flavors that work together perfectly:
- Honey: This isn’t just for sweetness; it caramelizes when it hits the heat, giving you a nice sticky glaze. Honestly, it’s the kind of thing that makes you want to lick the spoon (not that I’d ever do that…).
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Just enough salt without going overboard. It balances the honey and gives that deep umami flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Think of this as the fresh zing that keeps the dish from being too rich. Plus, lemon and fish are like PB&J — meant to be.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just a little kick. I’m not a big spice person, but this? It’s like a warm little surprise with each bite.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Not just any oil, my friend. This one adds a subtle richness and helps with that golden crust.
- Salmon Fillets: Fresh is best, but let’s be real, I’ve used frozen fillets plenty of times. Just pat them dry and you’re good to go.
- Garlic: Because, well… is there any dish garlic doesn’t improve?
- Lemon Slices: These add a touch of citrusy magic and make the whole thing look like you’ve been watching food shows in your free time.
How To Make Honey Garlic Salmon?
Alright, let’s break it down. Cooking salmon might sound fancy, but trust me, you’ve got this.
- Whisk That Sauce
Start by mixing honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. This is where the magic starts. It might look simple, but this sauce? Game-changer. Just don’t taste it too much, or you’ll have none left for the salmon! - Heat Up the Pan
In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high. Here’s the deal: you want it hot, but not so hot that it starts smoking. This is what gives the salmon that crispy, restaurant-style crust. - Sear the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if they’ve got skin) and season with salt and pepper. Now, don’t poke it! Let it sear undisturbed for about six minutes. This is your golden crust moment. - Flip & Add Garlic
Flip the fillets, add that last tablespoon of oil, and toss in the garlic. Let it cook just until you can smell it – seriously, there’s nothing like that smell of garlic hitting the pan. - Pour in the Sauce
Add your honey mixture and lemon slices, letting the sauce bubble away until it reduces by about a third. While it’s thickening up, spoon it over the salmon. This is where all those flavors get cozy together. - Serve It Up
Plate the salmon, drizzle with that sticky glaze, and add the lemon slices as a garnish. There you go – dinner that looks and tastes like you spent way more time on it than you did.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Storage Options:
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. I’d suggest reheating it on the stove or in a low oven, though, to keep it from getting rubbery. You can freeze it too, but just know the texture may be a bit softer when you thaw it out.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to change things up? Here’s where you can get a little creative:
- Maple Syrup Instead of Honey: Adds a deeper sweetness, especially if you’re into that cozy fall vibe.
- Grated Ginger: A little fresh ginger goes a long way and adds a nice spicy warmth.
- Another Type of Fish: Trout, cod… whatever’s fresh or in your freezer. Just adjust the cooking time!
- More Spice: Add a dash of hot sauce or extra red pepper flakes if you want more kick.
- Brown Sugar Swap: Use brown sugar instead of honey for a molasses-like sweetness that’s different but equally delicious.
What to Serve with Honey Garlic Salmon?
Now that you’ve got this Honey Garlic Salmon, let’s talk sides. Here’s what pairs perfectly:
- Rice or Quinoa: Soak up all that extra sauce.
- Roasted Veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts work great here.
- Mashed Potatoes: A creamy side that balances out the glaze.
- Green Salad: Fresh greens for a little crunch.
- Crusty Bread: Because why waste a single drop of that sauce?
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen salmon?
Totally! Just thaw it and pat it dry. Frozen fillets work just as well here, and hey, sometimes it’s all we’ve got on hand, right?
What if I don’t have low-sodium soy sauce?
No worries! Just use regular soy sauce and maybe add a splash of water to balance it out.
Can I use this glaze on something else?
Yes, and you should! Try it on chicken or shrimp, or even tofu if you’re in the mood for something different.
So, there it is – the Honey Garlic Salmon that’ll turn you into a weeknight dinner hero. I can’t wait for you to try it! Let me know how it turns out, and hey, if you make any fun tweaks, I’d love to hear about it. Happy cooking!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Honey Garlic Salmon
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 4 salmon fillets 6 ounces each, patted dry
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lemon sliced into rounds
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended; set aside.
Heat the Skillet
- In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to warm until hot but not smoking, ensuring an optimal temperature for searing the salmon.
Sear the Salmon
- Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if applicable. Season the salmon generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook undisturbed for approximately six minutes, or until the skin or surface achieves a deep golden color.
Add Garlic and Flip the Salmon
- Gently flip the salmon fillets, being careful to maintain their shape. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about one minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant but does not burn.
Incorporate the Honey Mixture and Lemon Slices
- Pour the prepared honey mixture into the skillet, then add the lemon slices. Allow the sauce to cook and reduce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reduces by about one-third. Spoon the sauce over the salmon fillets to ensure even coating.
Serve
- Transfer the salmon to serving plates and drizzle with the reduced sauce from the skillet. Garnish with the lemon slices, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
