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.
I always serve this meal with a side of 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!
Why Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe Works
- The taste of sweet honey mixed with savory garlic and soy sauce is pure perfection. This recipe always gets rave reviews.
- You only need 4 ingredients to make the honey garlic sauce and you probably already have them on hand.
- Honey garlic salmon is quick enough for weeknight dinners (just 15 minutes) and nice enough for special occasions.
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.
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.
Time-Saving Tip!
You can mix the honey garlic sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day. That takes this 15-minute recipe down to just 10 minutes – yes please!
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.
Tips For Perfectly Cooked Salmon
Let your skillet get nice and hot before placing the salmon down. This is how to achieve that crispy texture without overcooking the fish.
Then, let the fillets cook undisturbed until they naturally release from the pan. If the salmon feels stuck to the pan, let it cook a bit longer.
You’ll know the fillets are done when they reach the internal temperature of 145°F in the middle and they flake easily with a fork. You can check out my tried and true pan seared salmon recipe for even more tips!
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.
Can I Make This Recipe With Frozen Salmon?
Yes, you certainly can! Honey garlic salmon (along with my oven-baked salmon in foil) are fool-proof recipes that work great with frozen salmon. Just be sure to completely thaw the salmon in the fridge first. Then, follow the recipe as it’s written and enjoy!
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.
If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a star rating and leave a comment to let me know how you like it. And be sure to check out all of the quick, easy and delicious salmon recipes here at Primavera Kitchen!
Let’s Have Salmon For Dinner
Honey Garlic Salmon
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Ingredients
Salmon
- 2 salmon or trout fillets skinless (6oz / 200g each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Finely sliced green onions
- Lemon wedges
Equipment
- 1 Cast iron skillet
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 and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil 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).
- Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet or the salmon will steam instead of sear.
- Choose salmon fillets that are the same size so they cook evenly.
- Salmon is fully cooked when it reaches 145°F at the thickest part of the fillet.
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 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 says
Awesome! So happy you liked it 😉