Say goodbye to bland salmon with this mouthwatering honey glazed salmon recipe. The sweet and garlicky glaze caramelizes beautifully on the salmon, creating an irresistible flavor explosion in every bite. Juicy, tender salmon topped with a golden-brown glaze, all ready in just 20 minutes—this dish feels gourmet without the fuss!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Glaze:
- ½ cup salted butter (or olive oil for a healthier version)
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup honey (adjust sweetness as desired)
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or Tamari for gluten-free)
- For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (5-7 oz each)
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine butter, soy sauce, honey, and garlic over medium-high heat. Whisk until smooth, and let it simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Prepare the Salmon: Place salmon fillets on your prepared baking sheet. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Generously coat the fillets with the honey glaze.
- Bake the Salmon: Bake for 12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Spoon any remaining pan sauce over the fillets for extra flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Drizzle the remaining glaze over the salmon and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Honey Glazed Salmon:
- Consistent Cooking: For even cooking, choose fillets of similar size. This helps prevent some pieces from being overcooked while others remain undercooked.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor. Avoid pre-minced garlic, which can lack vibrancy.
- Adjust Cooking Time: The 12-minute cook time is perfect for 5-7 ounce fillets. Adjust slightly depending on the size of the salmon fillets or your desired doneness.
- Temperature Check: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure your salmon is perfectly cooked. The ideal internal temperature is 145°F (63°C).
Troubleshooting Honey Glazed Salmon:
- Overcooked Salmon:
Why It Happens: Salmon cooks quickly and can dry out if overcooked.
Fix: Use a thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If overcooked, remove the salmon slightly before it seems fully done, and let it rest—carryover cooking will finish the job. - Undercooked Salmon:
Why It Happens: Your salmon may need more time if it’s thick or not baked long enough.
Fix: Return undercooked salmon to the oven for an additional few minutes or use a thermometer to check the temperature. - Glaze Too Thick:
Why It Happens: Over-reducing the glaze can make it too thick to spread.
Fix: Thin the glaze with a tablespoon of hot water, or reduce it more slowly to achieve the right consistency. - Glaze Too Thin:
Why It Happens: If the glaze hasn’t reduced enough, it may not stick to the salmon.
Fix: Let the glaze simmer longer, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) to thicken. - Burnt Glaze:
Why It Happens: The sugars in the glaze caramelize quickly and may burn if the heat is too high.
Fix: Cook the glaze over medium-low heat and stir frequently. If slightly burnt, strain the glaze through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any burnt bits.
How to Reheat Salmon:
Leftover honey glazed salmon? Here’s how to reheat it without sacrificing flavor or texture:
- Oven: Best for gentle, even reheating.
- Stovetop: A quick method to warm and crisp up the skin.
- Air Fryer: The fastest way to heat and achieve a crispy finish.
For more details, check out our full guide on how to reheat salmon and avoid common mistakes!
Nutrition Information:
- Calories: 357 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 62mg
- Sodium: 2159mg
- Potassium: 114mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 35g
- Vitamin A: 715 IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 27mg
- Iron: 1mg
This Honey Glazed Salmon is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors, delivering restaurant-quality results at home. Whether you’re baking, pan-searing, or grilling, this recipe will become your go-to for a quick and flavorful meal!