Name: Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 pieces salmon fillets (7 oz each); 2 teaspoon sea salt; 2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground); 2 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ cup salted butter (or olive oil); 5 cloves garlic (freshly minced); ½ cup honey (adjust for sweetness); ¼ cup soy sauce (or Tamari for gluten-free option)

▼ Jump to Recipe·🖷 Print

Share with your friend

Pinterest Facebook

If you’re looking to elevate your weeknight dinners with a restaurant-quality dish that’s both simple and packed with flavor, honey glazed salmon is the answer. This recipe is a foolproof way to achieve tender, flaky salmon coated in a sweet and savory glaze.

With just 20 minutes of your time, you can have a stunning meal that tastes like it came straight from a fine dining kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With only 5 minutes of prep and a 15-minute cook time, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings.
Minimal Ingredients: Using pantry staples like honey, soy sauce, garlic, and butter, you can whip up a glaze that’s bursting with flavor.
Customizable: Whether you prefer a sweeter glaze or need a gluten-free option, there’s room to make it your own.
Restaurant-Worthy Results: The caramelized honey glaze transforms simple salmon fillets into a gourmet dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe serves 4 and requires just a handful of ingredients:

For the Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (7 oz each)
2 tsp sea salt
2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp garlic powder

For the Honey Glaze:

½ cup salted butter (or olive oil for a lighter option)
5 cloves garlic, freshly minced
½ cup honey (adjust to taste for sweetness)
¼ cup soy sauce (or Tamari for a gluten-free option)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Get Prepped

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil—this makes cleanup a breeze.

2. Craft Your Glaze

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the butter, soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic. Whisk everything together until smooth and let it simmer for about 3 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks, creating the perfect consistency to coat your salmon.

3. Season and Glaze

Place the salmon fillets on your prepared baking sheet. Generously season them with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Pour the luscious honey glaze over the fillets, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. No need to marinate beforehand—the glaze will caramelize beautifully in the oven, providing all the flavor you need.

4. Bake the Salmon

Bake the salmon for approximately 12 minutes or until it’s cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. For an extra glossy finish, spoon some of the pan sauce over the fillets before serving.

5. Finish and Serve

Serve your honey glazed salmon immediately, drizzling any remaining glaze over the top for added flavor. Pair it with steamed vegetables, rice, or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.

Expert Tips for Perfect Honey Glazed Salmon

Choose Similar-Sized Fillets
To ensure even cooking, select salmon fillets that are roughly the same size and thickness.
Use Fresh Garlic
Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor. Avoid pre-minced or jarred garlic, which can taste muted in comparison.
Customize Your Cook Time
The recommended 12-minute cook time works well for 5-7 oz fillets. If your fillets are thicker or thinner, adjust the time as needed.
Check Doneness with a Thermometer
If you’re unsure whether your salmon is done, use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a simple recipe like this one, things can occasionally go awry. Here are solutions to some common problems:

1. Overcooked Salmon

Why It Happens: Salmon cooks quickly and can dry out if left in the oven too long.
Solutions: Use a thermometer to check for doneness or rely on visual cues like opaque flesh that flakes easily. Remove the salmon slightly before it’s fully cooked—it will continue cooking as it rests.

2. Undercooked Salmon

Why It Happens: Thick fillets may need additional cook time.
Solutions: Increase the baking time slightly or return undercooked portions to the oven briefly to finish cooking.

3. Glaze Too Thick

Why It Happens: Over-reducing the sauce can make it overly sticky or sweet.
Solutions: Whisk in a tablespoon or two of hot water to thin it out.

4. Glaze Too Thin

Why It Happens: Insufficient reduction leaves the sauce watery and less flavorful.
Solutions: Simmer the glaze longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) to thicken it.

5. Burnt Glaze

Why It Happens: The sugars in honey caramelize quickly and can burn if cooked at too high a temperature.
Solutions: Cook the glaze over medium-low heat and stir frequently. If it’s slightly burnt, strain out any burnt bits using a fine-mesh sieve.

How to Reheat Leftover Honey Glazed Salmon

If you have leftovers, reheating them properly ensures they remain moist and flavorful.

Best Reheating Methods:

Oven: Warm at 275°F (135°C) for about 10 minutes for even heating.
Stovetop: Heat gently in a pan over low heat for a quick warm-up.
Air Fryer: Use for a fast reheat with crispy edges.

For more detailed instructions, check out our guide on how to reheat salmon while avoiding common mistakes like drying it out.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 357 kcal
Carbohydrates: 39g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 23g (Saturated Fat: 15g)
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 2159mg

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands.

Final Thoughts

Honey glazed salmon is proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or fancy ingredients to create an unforgettable meal. With its sweet and savory glaze and perfectly cooked fish, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re hosting guests or simply treating yourself to something special, this recipe guarantees success every time.

So preheat that oven and get ready to enjoy restaurant-quality honey glazed salmon in the comfort of your own home!