This Honey Glazed Salmon recipe is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home. The salmon is pan-seared to perfection and finished with a sticky, sweet, and savory honey glaze that’s hard to resist. It’s ideal for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe brings out the natural richness of salmon with just a few ingredients. The honey glaze gives the fish a beautiful caramelized finish while balancing out the bold flavor of the salmon. It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect go-to for busy days. Plus, it pairs well with just about anything—from rice to roasted veggies or a crisp green salad.
ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless
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Honey
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Soy sauce
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Garlic, minced
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Olive oil or butter
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Lemon juice
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Optional garnish: sesame seeds or chopped parsley
directions
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I start by patting the salmon dry with paper towels and seasoning both sides with salt and pepper.
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In a small bowl, I mix together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and lemon juice.
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I heat oil or butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
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I place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down if they have skin, and sear for about 4-5 minutes until nicely browned.
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I flip the fillets and cook the other side for 2-3 more minutes.
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I reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the honey glaze mixture.
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I spoon the sauce over the salmon continuously for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the fish in a glossy glaze.
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Once the salmon is cooked through and the glaze is sticky, I remove it from the heat and let it rest for a minute before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 20-25 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 10-15 minutes for cooking.
Variations
Sometimes I swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make it gluten-free. If I want a little heat, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the glaze. I’ve also tried using maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper, earthier sweetness, and it works beautifully. For an extra citrusy kick, I zest the lemon before juicing it and stir that into the glaze.
storage/reheating
To store leftovers, I place the salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat it, I prefer using the oven or a skillet on low heat to keep the glaze from burning and the salmon from drying out. Microwaving is fine too, but I cover it with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture.
FAQs
How do I know when the salmon is cooked?
I check for doneness by gently pressing the salmon with a fork; it should flake easily and be opaque in the center. An internal temperature of 145°F is also a good indicator.
Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing it?
Yes, I often bake it at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, then add the glaze during the last few minutes or broil it briefly to caramelize the top.
What sides go well with honey glazed salmon?
I like serving it with steamed rice, quinoa, roasted broccoli, asparagus, or a fresh cucumber salad. The sweet glaze pairs well with both starchy and green sides.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, I just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture interfering with the glaze.
Is this recipe healthy?
I consider it a healthy option—it’s high in protein, rich in omega-3s, and lower in added sugars compared to many restaurant-style versions.
Conclusion
Honey Glazed Salmon is one of those recipes I keep coming back to—it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Whether I’m cooking for myself or entertaining guests, it always feels like a special treat without much effort. Give it a try and see how effortlessly delicious it can be.
Honey Glazed Salmon
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Honey Glazed Salmon recipe is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. With a sticky, sweet, and savory honey glaze, the salmon is pan-seared to caramelized perfection. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners alike.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: sesame seeds or chopped parsley
Instructions
- Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and lemon juice.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place salmon in the pan (skin-side down if applicable) and sear for 4-5 minutes until browned.
- Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the honey glaze.
- Spoon glaze over the salmon continuously for 2-3 minutes until thick and glossy.
- Remove from heat, let rest briefly, and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Substitute maple syrup for honey for a different sweetness profile.
- Zest the lemon before juicing to enhance citrus flavor.
- Works well baked at 400°F for 12-15 minutes; broil at the end for glaze caramelization.
