Honey Garlic Salmon (Printable)

Pan-seared salmon with glossy honey garlic glaze, ready in 25 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 4 salmon fillets (approximately 5 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
02 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Sauce

03 - 3 tablespoons honey
04 - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
05 - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
07 - 1 tablespoon water

→ For Cooking

08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter

→ For Serving (optional)

09 - Steamed rice
10 - Steamed or sautéed seasonal vegetables
11 - Sliced green onions
12 - Sesame seeds

# How to Make It:

01 - Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce (or tamari), minced garlic, lemon juice, and water until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil or butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
04 - Place salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down if applicable. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
05 - Carefully flip the fillets using a spatula and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes on the second side.
06 - Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the honey garlic sauce around and over the salmon fillets.
07 - Spoon the simmering sauce over the fillets continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the fish in a glossy glaze.
08 - Remove from heat once the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Serve immediately with steamed rice and vegetables, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The sticky glaze creates that restaurant quality finish in under 30 minutes
  • Even people who swear they dislike salmon request this version again
02 -
  • Patting the salmon dry is not optional, moisture prevents that gorgeous sear
  • The sauce continues thickening off heat, so remove when it still looks slightly loose
03 -
  • Start checking for doneness a minute early, overcooked salmon dries out quickly
  • Room temperature salmon cooks more evenly than cold from the fridge
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