Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe

This honey garlic glazed salmon recipe is fast, simple, and packed with flavor. You only need a few ingredients and less than 20 minutes to get tender salmon with a sticky sweet glaze. I’ll show you three easy cooking methods – pan seared, oven baked, and broiled – so you can choose the one that fits your night. Each method works with the same honey garlic sauce, which stays glossy instead of watery.

This dish works for weeknight fish recipes, easy meals with salmon, and fast salmon recipes. You’ll also find options for air fryer honey garlic salmon, honey glazed salmon bowl, and honey butter salmon bites later on.

Why This Salmon Works on Busy Weeknights

This recipe is built for weeknights when you want something quick but satisfying. Here’s why it stands out:

• Fast cooking: Salmon cooks in under 15 minutes, and the glaze takes just a few minutes more.
• Simple prep: No long marinating. Pat the fillets dry, season, and cook.
• Flexible methods: Choose pan-seared for crispy edges, oven-baked for hands-off ease, or broiled for caramelized glaze.
• Reliable glaze: Honey, garlic, soy, and lemon reduce into a glossy sauce that clings to the salmon instead of running off.
• Versatile flavors: Works as the best recipe for salmon, fits fast salmon recipes, and doubles as an easy meal with salmon.

Ingredients and What Each One Does

You don’t need many ingredients, but each one plays a role in flavor and texture.

• Salmon fillets – Skin-on fillets stay juicy and give you the option for crispy skin. You can also try salmon roe for a different take on seafood flavor, as in our salmon roe recipe
• Honey – The base for a sweet glaze for salmon. You can swap for maple syrup if needed.
• Garlic (minced) – Brings sharp, savory flavor that balances the sweetness.
• Soy sauce or tamari – Adds salty depth and color.
• Lemon or lime juice – A splash of acid brightens the glaze and keeps it balanced.
• Butter – Gives the sauce a smooth, rich finish.

Optional add-ins for variations:

• Brown sugar – Use for a brown sugar salmon recipe variation.
• Fresh ginger – Creates a honey ginger garlic glazed salmon profile.
• Lemon zest – Adds freshness for a honey lemon garlic glazed salmon.
• Chili flakes or sriracha – Turn up the heat if you like spice.
• Fig spread – Thickens the glaze and prevents it from going watery, a trick inspired by some top competitors.
• Sesame oil – For an Asian salmon recipe twist.

This ingredient list also supports other variations like honey garlic soy glazed salmon, honey butter garlic glazed salmon bites, and honey glazed salmon bowls.

Make the Honey Garlic Glaze

The glaze is the star of this recipe. It’s sticky, balanced, and coats the salmon without sliding off. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients for the glaze (covers 4 fillets):

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Steps:

1. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Keep the heat low so it doesn’t burn.
3. Add honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice.
4. Simmer 2–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
5. For a thicker glaze, simmer longer, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon water), or add a spoonful of fig spread.

This sauce works across all cooking methods: pan-seared, baked, broiled, or even in an air fryer. It’s also easy to adjust for variations like honey soy garlic glazed salmon, honey lemon garlic glazed salmon, or honey ginger garlic glazed salmon.

Choose Your Cooking Method

The beauty of this recipe is that you can cook it three ways. Each gives a slightly different result, so you can pick based on time, texture, or cleanup.

Pan-Seared Honey Garlic Salmon

1. Pat salmon dry. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high.
3. Place fillets skin-side down and cook without moving for 3–4 minutes.
4. Flip gently and cook another 2–3 minutes.
5. Lower heat, spoon in glaze, and baste the salmon for 30–60 seconds.
6. Let rest 2 minutes before serving.

Oven-Baked Honey Garlic Salmon

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with foil or parchment.
2. Season fillets, then brush with half of the glaze.
3. Bake 8–10 minutes depending on thickness.
4. Brush with remaining glaze and bake 1–2 minutes more.
5. For a caramelized top, switch to broil for the final minute and watch closely.

Broiled Honey Garlic Salmon

1. Place oven rack 6 inches from the broiler and line a pan with foil.
2. Season fillets and brush with glaze.
3. Broil for 4 minutes, then brush again.
4. Continue broiling 2–3 minutes until edges char lightly and glaze bubbles.
5. Rest 2 minutes before serving.

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon (fast and tidy)

The air fryer gives you a quick, tidy way to cook salmon. The glaze still comes out sticky, but the cleanup is even easier.

Steps:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
2. Pat salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.
3. Lightly oil the basket so the skin doesn’t stick.
4. Air fry for 5 minutes.
5. Open, brush the fillets with glaze, and air fry another 2–4 minutes until the glaze sets and the fish flakes easily.
6. Let rest for 1–2 minutes before serving.

Tip: For extra flavor, brush with glaze both before and after air frying.

Honey Butter Salmon Bites

Targets: honey butter garlic glazed salmon bites recipe, honey garlic glazed salmon bites, honey butter garlic glazed salmon

These bite-sized pieces are perfect for appetizers, bowls, or quick meals. The butter in the glaze makes them extra glossy and rich.

Steps:

1. Cut salmon into 1-inch cubes.
2. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear salmon cubes 1–2 minutes per side until golden.
5. Add the honey garlic glaze along with 1 extra tablespoon butter.
6. Toss gently for 30–60 seconds until the glaze coats every piece.

Serve these bites over rice for a honey glazed salmon bowl, or skewer them for finger food.

Honey Glazed Salmon Bowl and Quick Sides

This recipe is well in a rice or grain bowl. Pairing it with fresh vegetables and a few toppings balances the rich glaze.

Bowl build:

• Base: steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
• Vegetables: roasted broccoli, snap peas, green beans, or cucumber salad.
• Toppings: sesame seeds, sliced green onions, fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
• Extra sauce: drizzle leftover glaze or a mix of soy sauce and lemon juice.

This setup also answers what to serve with honey garlic glazed salmon: stick with simple sides that complement the sweet and savory glaze. And for sushi lovers, this bowl pairs perfectly with salmon roe sushi for a mix of textures.

Whole or Grilled Salmon Option

If you’re cooking for a crowd, a whole side of salmon works beautifully with this glaze. Grilling gives it light smoke and char while keeping the flesh tender.

Steps:

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 375°F). Oil the grates well.
2. Place a whole salmon side skin-side down directly on the grill.
3. Cover and cook for 10–14 minutes, depending on thickness.
4. Brush the top with honey garlic glaze during the last 2–3 minutes.
5. Remove carefully using two spatulas and rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Tip: If you prefer oven roasting, follow the same timing at 375°F and glaze toward the end.

Storage, Reheating, and Meal Prep

One of the best parts of this honey garlic glazed salmon recipe is that it keeps well for later meals. Here’s how to store and reheat it without losing flavor or glaze.

Storage:

• Fridge: Place cooked salmon in an airtight container. It will last up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap fillets tightly in foil or freezer paper, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Store up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Skillet: Warm gently over medium-low heat with a splash of water. Add extra glaze at the end to refresh the shine.
• Oven: Heat at 300°F for 10 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out.
• Microwave: Use only for quick reheats. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts.

Meal prep tip:

• Cook a double batch of salmon bites or fillets, store them, and use them for honey glazed salmon bowls during the week.

Nutrition and Swaps

This honey garlic glazed salmon recipe is rich in protein and healthy fats while keeping the ingredient list simple. Here’s a general breakdown for one 6-ounce fillet with glaze (values may vary):

Nutrition

• Calories: about 320
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbs: 15g

Swaps and variations:

• Soy-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Glaze variation: Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness.
• Citrus options: Lemon and lime both work well. Add zest for stronger flavor.
• Spice it up: Add chili flakes, ginger, or sriracha for a kick.
• Asian-inspired: A drizzle of sesame oil makes it closer to an Asian salmon recipe.
• Thicker glaze: Stir in a spoonful of fig spread or reduce longer for a sticky coating.

FAQs and Quick Fixes about Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe – 3 Easy Ways (Pan, Oven, Broil)

Ziko Wilson

This honey garlic glazed salmon recipe is ready in just 20 minutes and works three ways: pan-seared, oven-baked, or broiled. It delivers tender salmon coated in a sticky-sweet garlic glaze that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine International (with Asian-inspired flavors)

Servings 4 serves

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet (nonstick or cast iron)
• Oven or broiler pan (lined with foil/parchment)
• Air fryer (optional)
• Mixing bowl
• Basting brush (for glaze application)
• Meat thermometer (for perfect doneness)

Ingredients

  

For the Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless
• 1 tbsp olive oil for pan-searing, optional for oven/broil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Honey Garlic Glaze

• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup for substitution
• 2 tbsp soy sauce tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free
• 1 tbsp lemon juice lime juice as alternative

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 tbsp brown sugar for a richer caramel note
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger for honey ginger garlic salmon
• 1 tsp sriracha or chili flakes for heat
• 1 tbsp fig spread to thicken the glaze
• 1 tsp sesame oil for an Asian salmon recipe flavor

Instructions

 

• Prepare the glaze: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown). Stir in honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Simmer 2–4 minutes until glossy.
• Pro tip: If the glaze is watery, reduce longer or add 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp water.

Choose your cooking method:

Pan-Seared Method

• Pat salmon fillets dry. Season with salt and pepper.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Place salmon skin-side down and cook 3–4 minutes.
• Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes. Lower heat, spoon glaze over salmon, and baste 1 minute.

Oven-Baked Method

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Place salmon on a foil-lined sheet pan. Brush with half of the glaze.
• Bake 8–10 minutes. Brush with remaining glaze and bake 1–2 minutes more.

Broiled Method

• Place rack 6 inches from broiler. Line a pan with foil.
• Brush salmon with glaze and broil 4 minutes.
• Brush again and broil 2–3 minutes more until edges caramelize.
• Rest and serve: Remove from heat. Let salmon rest 2 minutes. Serve with rice, veggies, or in bowls.

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving, approx.)

SERVING: 170 g | CALORIES: 320 kcal | CARBOHYDRATES: 15 g | PROTEIN: 30 g | FAT: 14 g | SATURATED FAT: 6 g | CHOLESTEROL: 85 mg | SODIUM: 450 mg | POTASSIUM: 720 mg | FIBER: 0 g | SUGAR: 13 g | VITAMIN A: 280 IU | VITAMIN C: 3 mg | CALCIUM: 28 mg | IRON: 1 mg

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Price of Recipe (Estimated)

Total cost: $14 for 4 servings (≈$3.50 per serving)

• Salmon fillets: $11
• Honey, garlic, lemon, soy sauce, butter: $3

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Recipe Notes

• Substitutions: Maple syrup for honey, tamari or coconut aminos for soy, lime instead of lemon.
• Variations: Add ginger or chili for spice, use fig spread for thicker glaze, try honey butter salmon bites for appetizers.
• Storage: Keep in fridge up to 3 days or freezer up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a skillet with extra glaze.
• Serving ideas: Pair with rice, roasted broccoli, quinoa, or serve as a honey glazed salmon bowl.
• Diet: Low Carb, Gluten-Free (if using tamari or coconut aminos)

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Did you try this honey garlic glazed salmon recipe? Leave a rating, share your results in the comments, and tag us if you made a twist like honey butter salmon bites or a honey glazed salmon bowl!

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More Salmon Ideas You Will Like

If you enjoy this honey garlic glazed salmon recipe, try these other salmon recipes for variety during the week. They cover different flavors and cooking methods while staying quick and easy.

• Pan-Seared Teriyaki Salmon – Similar sear method but finished with a teriyaki glaze. Targets salmon recipes pan and Salmon Recipes Seared.
• Oven Lemon Garlic Salmon – A baked salmon recipe with bright citrus and herbs. Targets salmon recipe oven.
• Sesame Ginger Salmon Bowls – Asian-inspired salmon bowls with rice, greens, and sesame dressing. Targets asian salmon recipe and salmon recipe ideas.
• Salmon Roe Sushi – Delicate, briny sushi topped with salmon roe.
• Salmon Roe Recipe – A simple guide to enjoying salmon roe at home.

Each of these recipes fits the same fast and simple approach, making them ideal for weeknight fish recipes.

Final Thoughts

This honey garlic glazed salmon recipe is quick, flexible, and foolproof. With just a handful of ingredients and three easy cooking methods – pan, oven, or broil – you can have a glossy, flavorful salmon dinner ready in 20 minutes. It works for busy weeknights, but it’s just as good for guests when you want something simple yet impressive.

Whether you make honey butter salmon bites for appetizers, an air fryer salmon for speed, or a honey glazed salmon bowl for a balanced meal, this recipe adapts to your kitchen and your taste.

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Leave a rating and share your results in the comments below – whether you made it pan-seared, oven-baked, broiled, or in the air fryer. Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest so you can come back to it anytime.

If you loved this dish, explore more Asian-inspired flavors in our Panda Express copycat recipes collection – perfect for recreating takeout favorites at home.

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