I’ve been making this Honey Garlic Salmon recipe for years, and it never fails to impress both weeknight dinner crowds and special guests. What I love most about it is how the sweet honey and savory garlic create this irresistible glaze that makes the salmon literally shine on your plate. The best part? You only need a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes to get this restaurant-quality dish on the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s the thing about salmon – it can be tricky to get right. But this honey garlic version is practically foolproof, and the flavors are spot-on every time. The natural sweetness of the honey brings out the salmon’s rich flavor, while the garlic adds that perfect savory kick. Plus, it’s packed with protein and healthy omega-3s, making it a nutritious choice that doesn’t taste like health food.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes and chopped parsley
Quick tip: If you can’t find fresh salmon, frozen works too – just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking. And if you’re watching your sodium, try low-sodium soy sauce instead of regular.
Instructions
- Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. This helps create that beautiful golden crust we’re looking for.
- Mix honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce in a small bowl. I like to microwave this mixture for 15 seconds to help it combine better.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot (but not smoking), place salmon skin-side up.
- Cook for 4 minutes until golden brown, then flip. This is where patience pays off – don’t move the salmon around while it’s cooking!
- Pour the honey garlic mixture over the salmon and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes, basting occasionally with the sauce.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and add red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Time and Servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this honey garlic salmon lies in its simplicity. The honey caramelizes slightly while cooking, creating a sticky glaze that locks in the salmon’s moisture. I’ve found that the combination of butter and olive oil gives you the best of both worlds – great flavor and a higher smoke point. Also, keeping the skin on helps the salmon stay tender and juicy.
One last tip: try to get your salmon fillets similar in size so they cook evenly. And don’t worry if you’re new to cooking fish – this recipe is actually perfect for beginners. The sauce is so flavorful that it makes up for any small mistakes in cooking time. Serve it with some steamed rice and vegetables, and you’ve got a meal that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant!
Honey Garlic Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets 6 oz each, skin on
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes and chopped parsley
Instructions
- Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Mix honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce in a small bowl. Microwave for 15 seconds to help combine.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side up.
- Cook for 4 minutes until golden brown, then flip.
- Pour the honey garlic mixture over the salmon and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes, basting occasionally.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and add red pepper flakes if desired.
