Name: Honey Garlic Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin-on or skinless; 3 tablespoons honey; 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Kosher salt, to taste; Sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Get ready for the most irresistible salmon you'll ever taste-sticky, buttery, and bursting with flavor! This Honey Garlic Salmon is perfectly seared and coated in a lusciously sweet and salty glaze that's pure magic on the taste buds. The combination of tender salmon, golden honey, and aromatic garlic makes every bite unforgettable.

The best part? This dish comes together fast with just one skillet and simple pantry staples. Whether you're racing to get dinner on the table or want to impress guests, this recipe guarantees a showstopping meal with minimal effort.

It's a weeknight wonder, a family favorite, and my personal go-to when I want a restaurant-worthy dinner in under 30 minutes. Trust me, once you try it, you'll want to put this delicious salmon on repeat!

Honey Garlic Salmon plated on white dish, garnished with sesame seeds and scallions

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Big flavor, minimal effort: The glaze packs a punch using just a handful of pantry staples.
Fast and fuss-free: Have a crowd-pleasing, restaurant-quality meal on your table in under 30 minutes.
Perfectly juicy salmon: Searing locks in moisture for tender, flaky fish every time.
Versatile and family-friendly: Works with different cuts and pairs beautifully with your favorite sides.

Key Ingredients for Honey Garlic Salmon

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Salmon Fillets

Salmon is the star here, offering rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Seek out fresh, center-cut fillets that are similar in thickness for even cooking. Skin-on fillets help keep the fish moist and make flipping easier, but skinless can also work nicely. You can use Atlantic, sockeye, or king salmon-just adjust cooking time as needed.

Honey

Sweet, floral honey balances the savory elements of the sauce. Use a good-quality, runny honey for best results so it mixes easily into the glaze. If you're out of honey, you could try pure maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness, but honey is classic!

Garlic

Lots of fresh garlic brings intense aroma and deep savory notes to the dish. Mince it finely for the glaze, or even use a microplane. If you're in a pinch, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can substitute, but fresh is best for maximum flavor.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce provides umami depth and essential saltiness. I recommend low-sodium soy sauce to keep the sauce from running too salty. If you're gluten-free, tamari is a perfect alternative that gives the same robust flavor.

Lemon Juice

A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the sweetness. Fresh is ideal, but bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch. For a subtle twist, try lime juice or even a dash of rice vinegar for a bit of tang.

Instructions for Honey Garlic Salmon

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Salmon

Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season them lightly with salt and pepper on both sides. This step helps build a crisp, flavorful crust as they sear.

Whisk the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Whisk well to blend everything into a smooth glaze. Set aside-you'll need this sauce ready to go when the salmon hits the skillet!

Sear the Salmon

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add salmon fillets skin-side down (or presentation side down if skinless). Sear for about 4-5 minutes, until the salmon is golden and releases easily from the pan. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes on the other side.

Add the Honey Garlic Sauce

Reduce heat to medium-low and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, pour in your prepared honey garlic sauce. Spoon the sauce over the salmon repeatedly as it cooks for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken and the fish to become beautifully lacquered.

Finish and Serve

Remove salmon from the pan and drizzle with extra sauce. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if using. Serve hot and enjoy every sticky, sweet-savory bite!

Recipe Variations

Spice It Up

Love a little heat? Stir in ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the honey garlic sauce for a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.

Make It Gluten-Free

Swap out soy sauce for your favorite gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check your other ingredients for hidden gluten to make this a safe, delicious GF option.

Baked Honey Garlic Salmon

Prefer baking? Arrange salmon in a baking dish, pour the sauce over, and bake uncovered at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes. Spoon sauce from the baking dish over fish before serving for maximum flavor.

Try Another Fish

This glaze is fantastic on other mild, flaky fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia. Adjust the cooking time for thinner fillets to avoid overcooking.

Add Veggies

Boost nutrition and color by tossing broccoli florets or snap peas into the skillet once you add the sauce, letting them cook in the flavorful glaze alongside the salmon.

Serving Suggestions

Honey Garlic Salmon is a knockout served over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa. For extra crunch and color, add a side of stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or a refreshing cucumber salad. Finish with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds for restaurant-style flair!

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts until hot. The salmon also tastes great cold, flaked over salads! Freezing is possible, though the texture may be a bit softer after thawing-freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Garlic Salmon (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Thaw the salmon in the fridge overnight or under cool running water, then pat very dry before cooking to get the perfect sear.

Q: How do I know when salmon is done?

A: Cooked salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. An instant-read thermometer should read 125-130°F (52-54°C) in the thickest part for moist, medium fish.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

A: Yes! Mix the honey garlic sauce and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Whisk before using to recombine any separated ingredients.

Craving something sweet, savory, and truly unforgettable? This Honey Garlic Salmon is a weeknight game changer that never disappoints. Try it tonight, then let me know what you think in the comments or by leaving your rating below-your feedback makes my day!