Looking for a quick and flavorful dinner? This honey garlic salmon combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite. Made with a simple glaze of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and lemon juice, it turns basic salmon fillets into a tender, sticky, golden main dish. Whether pan-seared, baked, or cooked in an air fryer, this recipe takes less than 20 minutes and delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or easy entertaining, this is one of those salmon recipes you’ll keep coming back to. With just a few key ingredients, you can make a healthy, satisfying meal everyone will love.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
This honey garlic salmon recipe keeps things simple with a short list of everyday ingredients. Each item plays a role in building a sweet, savory glaze that complements the richness of the salmon.
For the Salmon:
• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each) – fresh or frozen, skin-on or skinless
• Salt and black pepper – to season before cooking
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – for searing in the skillet
For the Honey Garlic Glaze:
• 1/4 cup honey – the base for the sweet and sticky glaze
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce – adds salty umami depth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic gives the glaze bold flavor
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice – brightens the glaze and balances the sweetness
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – enhances the garlic flavor
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes – for a slight kick
Optional Garnishes:
• Lemon slices – for serving and extra flavor
• Fresh parsley or green onions – for color and a fresh finish
• Sesame seeds – adds a light crunch and a hint of nuttiness
Note: If using frozen salmon, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking. Removing excess moisture ensures even browning and helps the glaze stick.
These ingredients come together in minutes and create a dish that feels impressive without being complicated. Up next: let’s walk through the quick and easy cooking process.
Instructions
This honey garlic salmon comes together in one pan with minimal prep. You’ll sear the salmon to lock in moisture, then coat it with a sticky glaze that’s full of flavor. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen salmon, these steps ensure a perfectly cooked, tender fillet every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the glaze stick and gives the salmon a better sear.
Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together:
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Set aside. This is your honey garlic sauce.
Step 3: Sear the Salmon
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down if using skin-on.
Sear for 3 to 4 minutes without moving them, until the skin is crisp and the bottom is golden.
Step 4: Flip and Cook the Other Side
Flip the salmon carefully using a spatula.
Cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes until the salmon is nearly cooked through.
Step 5: Add the Glaze
Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared honey garlic glaze into the pan around the salmon.
Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, spooning the sauce over the fillets as it thickens.
Step 6: Finish Cooking
Continue to baste the salmon in the sauce until it becomes sticky and coats the fish well.
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Step 7: Serve
Remove from heat and serve immediately. Spoon any remaining glaze over the top of the salmon.
Garnish with lemon slices, fresh parsley, or sesame seeds, if desired.
Tip: If you prefer a slightly charred finish, broil the salmon for 1–2 minutes after adding the glaze—just keep a close eye on it.
Pro Tips and Variations
Honey garlic salmon is easy to master, but a few smart tips and ideas can make it even better. Whether you’re adjusting for dietary needs, changing up the flavors, or just looking to get it perfect every time, these tips and variations have you covered.
Pro Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Salmon
• Use fresh or fully thawed salmon: If you’re using frozen salmon, thaw it completely and pat it dry. Excess moisture prevents browning and dilutes the glaze.
• Don’t skip the sear: Searing locks in moisture and adds flavor. Use a hot skillet and leave the salmon undisturbed for a few minutes on each side for a golden crust.
• Don’t overcook the salmon: Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the center is just opaque. Overcooked salmon turns dry and loses its tenderness.
• Let the glaze simmer, not burn: Keep the heat at medium or medium-low after adding the glaze. It thickens quickly, so stir and spoon it over the salmon as it reduces.
• Taste the sauce before adding it: Adjust sweetness or saltiness by tweaking the honey, soy sauce, or lemon juice amounts.
Flavor Variations to Try
1. Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Air fry the seasoned salmon fillets for 7–9 minutes. While it cooks, simmer the honey garlic glaze on the stove. Brush the sauce over the salmon after cooking.
2. Baked Honey Garlic Salmon
Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish, pour the sauce over the top, and bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes. Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra caramelization.
3. Spicy Honey Garlic Glaze
Add 1 teaspoon of sriracha or hot honey to the glaze for a spicy kick.
4. Citrus Twist
Use orange juice instead of lemon for a slightly sweeter, milder citrus note.
5. Add Ginger for Depth
Grate in 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger with the garlic for extra warmth and complexity.
6. Garlic Butter Upgrade
Replace olive oil with garlic butter while searing for extra richness. Pair with mashed potatoes or sautéed greens for a comfort-food-style dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Honey garlic salmon is incredibly versatile, making it easy to build a balanced, satisfying meal around it. Whether you’re going for something light or hearty, here are some delicious ways to serve this sweet and savory salmon dish.
1. Serve Over Rice or Quinoa
Spoon the sticky glaze over steamed white rice, brown rice, or quinoa to soak up every bit of flavor. Add a side of sautéed veggies or steamed broccoli for a simple, nourishing plate.
2. Pair with Roasted Vegetables
Try roasted asparagus, brussels sprouts, or baby carrots with a little olive oil and salt. The sweetness of the salmon balances beautifully with crisp, roasted veggies.
3. Add to a Salad
Flake the salmon and serve it over a green salad with spinach, arugula, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with a lemon vinaigrette or use extra honey garlic glaze as a dressing.
4. Make Salmon Bowls
Build a salmon bowl with a base of rice or farro, then layer in avocado slices, pickled onions, shredded cabbage, and edamame. Top with sesame seeds and a lime wedge for freshness.
5. Wrap It Up
Use leftovers to make salmon lettuce wraps or fill a whole grain tortilla with flaked salmon, coleslaw mix, and a drizzle of glaze for a quick, flavor-packed wrap.
6. Serve with Noodles
Pair honey garlic salmon with soba noodles or rice noodles tossed in a little sesame oil. Add scallions, shredded carrots, and a sprinkle of chili flakes for an Asian-inspired twist.
7. Keep It Classic
Stick with a classic plate of mashed potatoes, green beans, and glazed salmon for a cozy and satisfying dinner.
Conclusion
Honey garlic salmon is the kind of recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. With just a few simple ingredients and less than 20 minutes, you get tender, flaky salmon coated in a sticky, sweet-and-savory glaze that tastes like it came from a restaurant kitchen.
Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or prepping meals ahead of time, this recipe is a reliable go-to. It’s easy to customize, quick to prepare, and guaranteed to satisfy. From skillet to air fryer to oven, there’s a method for every preference—and every time, it turns out delicious.
With the right balance of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and citrus, this glazed salmon brings out the natural richness of the fish without overpowering it. Serve it with rice, veggies, or in a wrap—the possibilities are endless.
Honey Garlic Salmon
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 fillets salmon fillets skin-on or skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and black pepper to season
For the Honey Garlic Glaze
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for heat
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 3–4 minutes without moving.
- Flip the salmon and cook for another 2–3 minutes until nearly cooked through.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour the glaze into the skillet. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, spooning sauce over the salmon until the glaze thickens and coats the fillets.
- Remove from heat and serve with extra glaze spooned over the top. Garnish with lemon slices, parsley, or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Calories: 330
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 460mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Vitamin A: 50 IU
- Vitamin C: 2 mg
- Calcium: 20 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
FAQs
Does honey go well with salmon?
Yes, honey pairs beautifully with salmon. It adds natural sweetness that balances the rich, savory flavor of the fish. When combined with garlic, soy sauce, and lemon juice, honey creates a sticky glaze that caramelizes perfectly as the salmon cooks.
How to make homemade honey garlic sauce?
Homemade honey garlic sauce is simple to make. Just combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of garlic powder in a small bowl. Whisk it well and simmer it briefly in a skillet to thicken into a glossy, flavorful glaze.
What enhances the flavor of salmon?
Fresh garlic, citrus juice, soy sauce, herbs, and a touch of sweetness like honey or maple syrup all enhance salmon’s flavor. Cooking methods like pan-searing or broiling also help build flavor by creating a golden crust.
What doesn’t go well with honey?
Honey doesn’t pair well with overly bitter or extremely acidic ingredients like grapefruit or raw radishes. In savory dishes, avoid combining it with too many salty or pungent elements that can overpower its mild sweetness.
