If you are looking for a dish that delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory with a vibrant, fresh finish, this Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe is going to become your new go-to. It’s an irresistible blend of tender salmon, rich butter, and a luscious honey-soy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the pan, creating a mouthwatering caramelized crust that will have everyone asking for seconds. Best of all, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. These simple staples come together to create a dish that’s vibrant, rich, and comforting all at once.
- Fresh salmon (1 pound): The star of the show, providing a buttery texture and omega-rich goodness.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the salmon.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps achieve a beautifully crispy skin and prevents sticking.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, divided): Adds richness and helps in caramelizing the glaze to perfection.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brings acidity and brightness that cut through the richness.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): Lends a savory, umami depth to the glaze without overwhelming the fish.
- Honey (1/4 cup): The key sweet component that creates the gorgeous glaze and crunch.
- Cornstarch (1/2 tablespoon): Thickens the sauce so it clings beautifully to the salmon.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle aromatic warmth to the glaze.
How to Make Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
Start by taking your salmon out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before cooking—this helps it cook more evenly. Cut the fillet into 4 equal portions and pat each piece dry with a paper towel. Season them generously with salt and pepper to enhance the natural fish flavor.
Step 2: Heat the Pan and Start the Cook
Over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to a skillet. Let the butter melt and the pan heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking, which will help you get that perfectly crisp skin on the salmon.
Step 3: Mix the Glaze
While the pan is heating, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, cornstarch, and garlic powder in a bowl. This glaze is the magic that transforms simple salmon into a showstopper, with its perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Step 4: Cook the Salmon
Place the salmon pieces skin-side down in the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes without moving them—this allows the skin to crisp up wonderfully. Then, reduce the heat to medium and flip the salmon to cook the other side for 2 to 3 minutes until the fish is just about cooked through.
Step 5: Add Butter and Sauce
Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet and let it melt. Pour the prepared glaze between the salmon fillets and let it bubble for about 30 seconds, just until it thickens. Remove the pan from the heat to avoid burning the sauce. Flip each salmon piece over and spoon the thickened sauce on top, allowing every bite to be bursting with flavor.
Step 6: Finish with a Squeeze of Lemon
Right before serving, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon. The tangy lemon juice adds a bright, fresh layer that perfectly complements the sweet glaze and rich fish. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy salmon skin at its best, or peel it off if you prefer.
How to Serve Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe visually and with added texture. Try sprinkling chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Thinly sliced red chili or toasted sesame seeds also add a subtle heat and nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the glaze.
Side Dishes
Pairing your salmon with the right sides is key to a balanced meal. Steamed jasmine rice or buttery mashed potatoes soak up the sweet glaze wonderfully. Roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a crisp mixed salad provide refreshing contrast and keep the meal feeling light and nourishing.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the salmon over a bed of quinoa or wild rice pilaf dotted with dried cranberries and toasted almonds for extra texture and sweetness. Drizzle some additional honey glaze around the plate for a restaurant-style flourish that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe makes excellent leftovers. Store any remaining salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before refrigerating to preserve moisture and flavor.
Freezing
While the salmon is best fresh, you can freeze cooked pieces if necessary. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Consume within one month for the best texture and flavor upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm salmon in a low oven (around 275°F) or in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying it out. Add a small splash of water or extra glaze to maintain moisture. Make sure not to overheat, as the delicate salmon will dry out quickly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it fully and pat it dry before cooking. Drying the salmon well helps to achieve that crispy skin and prevents splattering in the pan.
What type of honey works best for glazing?
Any mild-flavored honey, like clover or wildflower, works wonderfully here so it doesn’t overpower the fish. If you prefer a more robust flavor, try a darker honey like buckwheat for depth.
Can I substitute the soy sauce?
You can swap low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. Each will bring a slightly different flavor, but all complement the honey glaze beautifully.
Is it necessary to use cornstarch?
The cornstarch helps the glaze thicken so it sticks well to the salmon, but if you prefer a thinner sauce, you can leave it out. Just let the glaze bubble a bit longer to reduce naturally.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
Look for firm flesh that flakes easily with a fork but still looks moist inside. Salmon continues to cook slightly after being removed from heat, so it’s best to stop cooking when it’s just shy of done.
Final Thoughts
I’m genuinely excited for you to try this Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together so effortlessly. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, the layers of sweetness, savory depth, and that crispy skin will make this a fast favorite on your dinner table. Happy cooking!
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Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Glazed Salmon recipe features perfectly cooked salmon fillets pan-seared to crispy skin perfection and glazed with a luscious honey-soy butter sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful and elegant meal that combines sweet, savory, and tangy notes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 pound fresh salmon, cut into 4 equal pieces
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- Fresh lemon juice, to taste (about 1 wedge)
Honey Glaze Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Remove the salmon from the fridge 15-20 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature. Pat dry the salmon pieces with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat the Pan: Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to a skillet and heat over medium-high heat until the butter melts and the pan is hot.
- Mix the Glaze Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and garlic powder until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the Salmon – Skin Side Down: Place salmon pieces skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook for 5 minutes without moving to get a crispy skin.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Reduce the heat to medium, flip the salmon over, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until almost cooked through.
- Glaze the Salmon: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the pan and let it melt. Pour the honey-soy sauce between the salmon pieces. Allow the sauce to bubble and thicken for about 30 seconds, then remove the skillet from heat to prevent burning. Flip the salmon again, spooning the glaze over the top to coat thoroughly.
- Add Lemon and Serve: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the glazed salmon pieces and serve immediately. The skin will be crispy and flavorful; however, feel free to remove it if preferred.
Notes
- Allowing the salmon to come to room temperature helps it cook evenly.
- Patting the salmon dry before seasoning ensures a better sear and crispier skin.
- Be careful not to burn the glaze sauce by removing the pan from heat once the sauce starts to thicken.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables or rice.
- To keep the salmon skin crispy, serve immediately after cooking.
