Easy Honey Garlic Salmon

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Honey Garlic Salmon is a quick, one-pan recipe that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. You’ll be surprised to know that the secret is all in the sauce. This perfect sweet and savory, five-ingredient garlicky sauce with a hint of lemon can be whipped up in only 15 minutes, and it’s guaranteed to become your family’s new salmon obsession.

It’s no secret you all are loving our Browned Butter Honey Garlic Salmon six years after posting it, back when Cafe Delites was still a baby and I had just started my food blogging journey. The creation of this recipe answers your requests for a way to avoid browning butter when cooking salmon. Happy cooking!

Close-up image of salmon fillets accompanied by lemon in a skillet coated with honey garlic sauce.

Table of Contents

What Sets This Honey Garlic Salmon Apart?

If you’ve tried some of our other honey garlic recipes like our Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp, Easy Honey Garlic Chicken, or our Easy Honey Garlic Pork Chops, you are absolutely going to love this super easy recipe!

To be honest, the browned butter mixed with that sweet honey garlic sauce is what made our popular browned butter salmon recipe stand out from the rest. But due to popular demand, we have simplified this salmon recipe and made simplicity, together with its delightful blend of sweet and savory notes, its strength. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal on the table fast, without sacrificing flavor.

The combination of honey and garlic creates a beautifully balanced sauce that coats the salmon perfectly, giving it a caramelized glaze that is simply irresistible. The hint of lemon adds a fresh burst of flavor that takes this dish to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this Honey Garlic Salmon is sure to impress and become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

Honey Garlic Salmon: Key Ingredients

Image of the ingredients needed for the preparation of this recipe, specifically: salmon, soy sauce, honey, paprika, water, pepper, garlic, salt, lemon, butter, and parsely.

The secret to this Caramelized Garlic Salmon is in its key ingredients. Each one brings something special to create a mouthwatering, flavorful sauce and perfectly cooked salmon. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe truly exceptional:

Salmon: The star of the dish! This rich, fatty fish provides a perfect canvas for the sweet and savory sauce. Look for fresh, firm salmon fillets with vibrant color. Its natural oils help create a luscious texture, while its mild flavor allows the honey garlic sauce to shine.
Honey: This adds a natural sweetness that balances the savory and tangy elements of the dish. Choose high-quality honey for the best flavor. When caramelized, it creates a beautiful glaze that coats the salmon, enhancing both its appearance and taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with a robust, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey. Use fresh cloves for the best flavor; minced or pre-packaged garlic can’t compare. It adds depth and complexity, making the sauce more savory and delicious.
Soy Sauce: This ingredient introduces a salty, umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish. Opt for a good-quality soy sauce without added preservatives. It provides a perfect balance to the sweetness of the honey and the tanginess of the lemon, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. For an extra boost of umami flavor, why not pair this salmon with Roasted Mushrooms in Balsamic Soy?
Lemon: A hint of lemon juice adds a fresh burst of acidity that brightens the dish. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best results, and don’t forget to zest the lemon for an extra pop of citrus flavor. It cuts through the richness of the salmon and honey, adding a refreshing contrast that elevates the overall flavor profile.

*Note: Please see Recipe Card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Additions And Substitutions

When it comes to Honey Glazed Garlic Salmon, simplicity is key. Even if you don’t have every ingredient on hand, don’t worry—there are plenty of delicious alternatives that will still give you that perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe truly exceptional and how you can make it work with what you have!

Experiment with Spices: If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce. For a smokier flavor, a touch of smoked paprika can elevate the dish without overpowering the core flavors.
Citrus Swap: If you’re out of lemons, don’t worry! You can use lime or even a splash of orange juice for a slightly different but equally refreshing burst of acidity.
Sweetness Options: While honey is the star, you can experiment with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different kind of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the garlic and soy sauce.

The Ultimate Honey Garlic Salmon: Step-By-Step

Ready to create a delicious Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon? Follow these simple steps with images to guide you through the process. You’ll achieve a perfectly cooked salmon with a caramelized glaze, bursting with sweet and savory flavors that’s sure to impress and delight.

An image depicts four salmon fillets being seasoned in a white bowl while the oven is preheating.

Prepare Oven and Season Salmon: Arrange oven shelf to the middle of your oven. Preheat oven to broil/grill settings on medium heat. Season salmon with salt, pepper, and paprika; set aside.

Lemon juice is being added to the skillet where the ingredients are being mixed to create the sauce.

Make the Sauce: Heat butter in a skillet or pan over medium-high heat until melted. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in honey, water, and soy sauce; stir in lemon juice to combine flavors.

An image of salmon being cooked in a skillet with sauce. A spoonful of soy sauce is being added to the fillets as they cook.

Cook Salmon: Add salmon steaks to the sauce in the pan, cooking each fillet (skin-side down if there’s any skin) for 3-4 minutes or until golden. Baste tops with pan juices and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Optionally, add lemon wedges around the salmon for a stronger lemon taste.

Close-up image of the salmon, ready to be served, with fresh parsley sprinkled on top and drizzled with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Broil and Serve: Baste salmon one more time then transfer the pan to your oven to broil/grill for 5-6 minutes, or until the tops are nicely charred and salmon is cooked to your liking. To serve, drizzle with sauce and a squeeze of lemon juice.

The dish is ready—surprised by how good and easy it is? If you’re looking for more salmon ideas, we have plenty for you to try, and they’re all delicious. Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy like our Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Salmon, a zesty option like Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce, a crispy delight like Crispy Garlic Parmesan Salmon, or a wholesome meal like One Pan Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon and Asparagus or Honey Soy Baked Chicken Thighs—we’ve got you covered!

We also have so many delicious sides that would pair perfectly with your salmon. Try our Crispy Garlic Roasted Potatoes, Buttery Sautéed Green Beans, or Grilled Asparagus. Enjoy your meal and happy cooking!

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I Use Frozen Salmon Instead Of Fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it properly in the refrigerator overnight before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

How Can I Prevent The Salmon From Falling Apart While Cooking?

To prevent the salmon from falling apart, cook it skin-side down first if there’s any skin, and avoid flipping it too much. Also, broiling the salmon at the end helps to achieve a crispy texture without excessive handling.

How Do I Store Leftover Salmon?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid drying out the salmon.