Looking for an easy, delicious dinner recipe that’s packed with flavor? This Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy, making it an irresistible dish for any night of the week. Best of all, it comes together in just 20 minutes using one pan—no flipping required!
If you’re not a big fan of salmon, this recipe might just change your mind. The rich, buttery texture of the fish combined with a sticky, garlicky glaze makes every bite absolutely mouthwatering. Plus, salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins, making it as healthy as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep.
- One-Pan Recipe – No flipping or complicated steps required.
- Packed with Flavor – A delicious balance of sweet honey, bold garlic, and tangy lemon.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Full of omega-3s, protein, and vitamins for a well-balanced meal.
- Versatile – Perfect with rice, veggies, or even on a salad the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon filets (fresh or thawed, about 6 oz each)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
the Honey Garlic Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Garnish (Optional):
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Lemon wedges
How to Make Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon
1: Season the Salmon
- Pat the salmon filets dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides with salt and black pepper for enhanced flavor.
2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In a large oven-safe skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, water, sriracha, and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
3: Cook the Salmon
- Place the salmon filets skin-side down (if they have skin) in the skillet.
- Let them cook for 3 minutes, occasionally spooning the glaze over the top.
4: Broil for the Perfect Glaze
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil on high for 5-6 minutes, until the salmon is sticky, caramelized, and slightly charred on top.
- If you don’t have a broiler, continue cooking in the pan for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon reaches 145°F (63°C) internally.
5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for a minute or two.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or lemon wedges for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Cooking the Best Salmon
- Choose Fresh Salmon – Fresh, high-quality salmon has the best flavor and texture. If using frozen salmon, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
- Don’t Overcook – Salmon should be moist and flaky, not dry. It’s done when it reaches 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.
- Skin or No Skin? – If pan-searing, keep the skin on to protect the flesh and get a crispy texture. For this recipe, skin is optional.
- Use a Hot Pan – A hot skillet helps create that perfect glaze while locking in moisture.
Recipe Variations & Customizations
🌿 Lemon-Lover’s Version: Add lemon zest to the sauce for extra citrusy brightness.
🔥 Spicy Twist: Increase the sriracha or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for more heat.
🥒 Asian-Inspired: Drizzle with a little sesame oil and serve with a side of stir-fried veggies.
🥑 Salad Version: Serve the salmon cold over a fresh salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
🍚 Bowl Meal: Serve over quinoa, jasmine rice, or cauliflower rice for a wholesome, balanced meal.
How to Make Honey Garlic Salmon Ahead of Time
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare parts of it ahead of time:
- Pre-make the sauce – Mix all the glaze ingredients and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Marinate the salmon – Let the salmon sit in half the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Reheating Tip – Gently reheat salmon in a pan over low heat with a splash of water to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving to prevent dryness.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap cooked salmon tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat Gently: Warm in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or eat cold over a salad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use Frozen Salmon?
Yes! Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and pat it dry before cooking.
2. Can I Pan-Sear Instead of Broil?
Absolutely! Sear the salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, then remove it and simmer the sauce until thickened. Pour the sauce over the salmon before serving.
3. What Can I Serve with Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon?
- Steamed rice or quinoa
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- Garlic butter mashed potatoes
- A simple green salad
4. Can I Make This Recipe Without Honey?
Yes! Swap honey for maple syrup or a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener.
5. How Do I Know When Salmon is Cooked?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
More Easy and Delicious Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
- Steak Bites and Potatoes – A Flavor-Packed Dinner Recipe
- Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach Recipe
- Country Ranch Green Beans Potatoes
- Mediterranean Steak Bowls – A Flavor-Packed Dinner Recipe
- 30-Minute Mongolian Beef Recipe
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness—all in one quick and easy meal. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Happy cooking! 🍽️🐟✨

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon – A Quick & Flavorful Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
SALMON
- ▢4 6 oz each salmon filets
- ▢1/2 tsp kosher salt
- ▢1/2 tsp black pepper
- ▢1/2 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
- ▢1/4 tsp blackening seasoning optional
SAUCE
- ▢3 Tbsp butter
- ▢2 tsp olive oil
- ▢6 cloves garlic minced
- ▢1/2 cup honey
- ▢3 Tbsp water
- ▢3 Tbsp soy sauce
- ▢1 Tbsp sriracha sauce
- ▢2 Tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Pat salmon dry, then season with salt, pepper, paprika and blackening seasoning (if using). Set aside.
- IMPORTANT: Adjust oven rack to middle position, then preheat broiler. If you broil this with the rack up high the sauce will burn.
- Add butter and oil to a large, oven-safe skillet over MED-HIGH heat. Once butter is melted, add garlic, water, soy sauce, sriracha, honey and lemon juice and cook 30 seconds or so, until sauce is heated through.
- Add salmon, skin side down (if using salmon with skin), and cook 3 minutes. While salmon cooks, baste frequently with sauce from the pan by spooning it over the top of the salmon.
- Broil salmon for 5-6 minutes, basting with sauce once during the broil, until salmon is caramelized and cooked to desired doneness.
- Garnish with minced parsley if desired.
Notes
- If you'd prefer, season salmon as directed, then pan sear in the pan. Flip over and sear on the other side, then remove to a plate. Add sauce ingredients to pan and cook until warmed through. Add salmon back to pan and spoon sauce over the salmon.
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