This Honey Garlic Salmon recipe is pan-seared to perfection and then glazed with the most delicious sweet and garlicky sauce. Make it in just 15 minutes and fall in love after the first bite!
This salmon recipe is hands down the most requested salmon meal in my house (and we eat a LOT of salmon). But the rich flavor and sticky texture of the sauce are really what makes this dish such a hit. You only need 4 ingredients to make the honey garlic sauce and you probably already have them on hand.
I love this sauce because it pairs well with just about any kind of meat. Try it with my Honey Garlic Chicken Breast or Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin, and you’ll see just how versatile and delicious it is with everything!
I always serve this meal with a side of fluffy rice specifically to soak up the sauce. Whip up some quick air fryer broccoli and crispy green beans while the salmon cooks and dinner is all set!
Key Ingredients
I’m using 6-oz salmon fillets without the skin. Getting pre-cut fillets is easiest, but you can cut them yourself if you prefer. Just be sure that the fillets are even in size and thickness so they cook at the same rate.
You also can make this recipe with frozen salmon, just be sure to completely thaw the salmon in the fridge first. Then, follow the recipe as it’s written!
As for the honey garlic sauce, you’ll need just 4 ingredients from your pantry – honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic. You can sub the vinegar for fresh lemon juice to add a little more brightness to the dish.
How to Make Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the honey garlic sauce together in a small bowl and set it aside for now.
Step 2: Pat your salmon filets dry before seasoning both sides with kosher salt and pepper.
Step 3: Preheat your skillet and oil, then cook the salmon over medium heat until it’s golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
Step 4: Drizzle the honey garlic sauce over the salmon fillets. Then, cook them for another couple of minutes while you spoon the sauce over the salmon.
Add The Finishing Touches
The sauce will thicken and caramelize as it cooks creating the most delicious sticky glaze. Once you finish cooking the salmon, transfer it to a plate and drizzle any extra honey garlic sauce on top.
For even more depth of flavor, I top the salmon with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
The fresh and nutty notes are the perfect contrast to the sweet sauce. Plus, the garnish makes this dish look so nice on a serving platter.
Storage & Reheating
This recipe stays fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop to keep the salmon nice and moist.
Let’s Have Salmon For Dinner
Honey Garlic Salmon
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Ingredients
Salmon
- 2 salmon or trout fillets skinless (6oz / 200g each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Finely sliced green onions
- Lemon wedges
Equipment
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, white vinegar (or lemon juice), and minced garlic. Set aside.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel
- Heat the olive oilm (or butter) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, spooning the sauce over the salmon as it thickens and caramelizes.
- Remove the salmon from the skillet and transfer it to a plate. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the fillets. Garnish with sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides, like steamed rice or veggies!
Tips
- Nutrition per serving, assuming all the sauce is used (though some may remain in the pan).
- Let your skillet get nice and hot before placing the salmon down.
- Then, let the fillets cook undisturbed until they naturally release from the pan.
- The fillets are done when they reach the internal temperature of 145°F and they flake easily with a fork. Check out my tried and true pan seared salmon recipe for even more tips!
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.
Jan says
Question: Do you have to use a cast iron skillet?
Olivia Ribas says
No worries, you can use any skillet you have at home! I love using cast iron for this, but it’s totally optional—just go with what you’ve got!
Richard says
Very tasty and so easy.
Olivia Ribas says
Awesome! So happy you liked it 😉