Why You’ll Love Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe
This salmon recipe is quick, flavorful, and healthy, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The crispy sear locks in moisture, while the honey garlic glaze adds a bold balance of sweetness and tang. It pairs beautifully with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad, and it’s a recipe the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
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Olive oil or butter
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Garlic, minced
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Honey
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Soy sauce
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Lemon juice
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Optional garnish: green onions or sesame seeds
Directions
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Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
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Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Place salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) and cook for 4–5 minutes until the skin is crispy and the bottom is golden. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Stir in honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Return salmon to the skillet, spooning glaze over the fillets until coated and caramelized.
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Serve immediately with extra glaze drizzled on top and garnish if desired.
Servings and timing
Serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the glaze.
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Asian-Inspired: Add a splash of rice vinegar and garnish with sesame seeds.
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Citrus Twist: Replace lemon juice with orange juice for a sweeter glaze.
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Herb Infused: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the glaze.
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Maple Glaze: Swap honey for maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm salmon in a skillet over medium heat or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the fish.
FAQs
Do I need to use skin-on salmon?
No, you can use skinless fillets, but skin-on helps keep the salmon moist.
Can I bake the salmon instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, then brush with the glaze.
What type of salmon works best?
Atlantic, sockeye, or coho salmon fillets all work well.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it in advance and reheat gently before adding to the salmon.
Can I grill the salmon?
Yes, grill fillets and brush with glaze during the last few minutes of cooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.
How do I keep the salmon from sticking to the pan?
Use a hot, well-oiled skillet and avoid moving the salmon until it’s ready to flip.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
What sides pair best with this dish?
Steamed rice, roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad are great options.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The flesh should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Conclusion
Crispy honey garlic glazed salmon is a flavorful, quick, and satisfying dish that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal. With its sweet-savory glaze and golden sear, it’s a recipe that’s sure to impress at the dinner table while staying simple enough for any weeknight.
Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe
Pan-seared salmon with a perfectly crispy crust, coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze — a quick weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-worthy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down (if skin-on) and sear 4–5 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until salmon is nearly cooked through. Remove salmon to a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add honey, soy sauce, garlic, and lemon juice. Stir and let simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. (Add cornstarch slurry if you want a thicker glaze.)
- Return salmon to the skillet, spooning glaze over the top. Cook 1–2 minutes until salmon is fully cooked and coated in the sauce.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the glaze.
- Works well with chicken breasts or shrimp too.
