Description
Honey Glazed Salmon
Ready to impress with a healthy, flavorful dinner that’s a breeze to prepare? This Honey Glazed Salmon is a winner with a sweet, garlicky glaze that caramelizes beautifully. In just 20 minutes, you’ll enjoy a tender, juicy dish that looks and tastes restaurant-quality—without leaving your home!
4 salmon fillets (7 oz each)
2 tsp sea salt
2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp garlic powder
½ cup salted butter (or olive oil)
5 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup honey
¼ cup soy sauce (or Tamari for gluten-free)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet.
2. In a saucepan, combine butter, soy sauce, honey, and garlic. Simmer for 3 minutes.
3. Place salmon on the baking sheet, season, and coat with glaze.
4. Bake for 12 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Kcal: 357 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This ensures the skin gets crispy and the glaze adheres properly. Place them skin-side down on your lined baking sheet.
- Season Generously: Evenly sprinkle the sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder over the top of each fillet. Let them sit while you make the glaze.
- Create the Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Carefully whisk in the honey and soy sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Glaze and Bake: Brush a generous amount of the glaze over the top and sides of each salmon fillet, reserving about ¼ cup. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. For a final caramelized finish, brush with the reserved glaze and broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist, flaky texture.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a light meal, serve it over a bed of mixed greens or with steamed asparagus and lemon wedges. For something heartier, pair it with jasmine rice, quinoa, or roasted baby potatoes to soak up the extra glaze. A simple cucumber salad or sautéed green beans also make excellent accompaniments.
How-to Summary
In short: Dry and season salmon. Simmer butter, garlic, honey, and soy sauce into a glaze. Generously coat the salmon and bake at 425°F for 10-12 minutes. Broil briefly for extra caramelization, then rest before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use skinless salmon? Yes, you can. The cooking time may be slightly less, so check for doneness a minute or two earlier. The skin helps protect the flesh during cooking, but the recipe works without it.
- How do I know when the salmon is done? The salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part. The flesh will be opaque and moist.
- Can I make the glaze ahead of time? Absolutely. Prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before using.
- What can I substitute for soy sauce? For a gluten-free option, use Tamari or coconut aminos. Both will provide a similar savory, umami depth to the dish.
- Is it possible to cook this on the stovetop? Definitely. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes. Add the glaze, flip the fillets, and cook for another 3-4 minutes, basting frequently.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Drying the Salmon: Skipping the pat-dry step leads to steaming instead of roasting, preventing a good sear and glaze adhesion.
- Overcooking: Salmon continues to cook while resting. Remove it from the oven just before it reaches your desired doneness to keep it juicy.
- Using High-Heat Honey: When broiling the final glaze, watch it constantly. Honey burns quickly, so 1-2 minutes under the broiler is usually sufficient.
- Crowding the Pan: Ensure space between fillets on the baking sheet. Crowding creates steam and results in soggy, rather than caramelized, salmon.
Conclusion
This Honey Glazed Salmon recipe proves that an elegant, healthy dinner doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors and a foolproof method, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Mastering this simple technique opens the door to endless variations, making it a cornerstone recipe for your weekly meal rotation. Enjoy your delicious, restaurant-quality creation!