Honey Glazed Salmon

Featured in: Fresh and Flavorful Seafood Recipes

Sweet and buttery seared salmon finished with a honey-soy glaze. Foolproof and fast—20 minutes is all you need.

A woman in a kitchen with a stove and oven.
Updated on Wed, 30 Apr 2025 15:57:23 GMT
Golden salmon fillets smothered in a glossy glaze, sprinkled with sesame seeds. Pin it
Golden salmon fillets smothered in a glossy glaze, sprinkled with sesame seeds. | cookingkitchn.com

I've nailed down this foolproof salmon technique that always impresses! After years of serving lackluster fish, I stumbled upon this amazing honey mixture that transforms everything. In just 20 minutes, you'll end up with incredibly moist, flaky salmon topped with a sweet garlicky layer that makes guests think you're a kitchen wizard.

Ingredients List

  • Skin-On Salmon: The skin helps lock in moisture during cooking.
  • Honey: Standard supermarket honey does the trick perfectly.
  • Soy Sauce: Brings that essential savory element.
  • Minced Garlic: Fresh-cut tastes so much better than pre-packaged options.
  • Butter: Unsalted works wonders for richness!
  • Salt & Pepper: Just a touch to enhance natural flavors.

Cooking Steps

Preparation
Heat your oven to 425 degrees. Cover your baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup afterward!
Create Your Sauce
Mix butter, honey, soy sauce and garlic in a small saucepan. Let it simmer until slightly thickened and fragrant!
Set Up Salmon
Arrange salmon pieces skin-side down on your tray, add a bit of salt and pepper, then drizzle that wonderful glaze over everything.
Baking Time
About 12 minutes usually does the trick. Test with your fork - it should break apart easily but stay juicy inside.

Tips For Success

Always leave that skin attached as it works as a natural moisture barrier! Don't get distracted during the final cooking minutes as they're super important. Before serving, don't forget to spoon that amazing pan sauce all over your fish - it's absolute magic!

Alternative Cooking Methods

Your oven's acting up? Don't worry! This works great in a skillet too - start with skin side down for about 4 minutes, then flip, add your glaze and cook another 3. Grilling fans can also use this recipe, just watch that sweet coating as it might get a bit sticky!

A zoomed-in shot of salmon fillets fresh from the grill with glossy glaze and bits of chopped garlic on top. Pin it
A zoomed-in shot of salmon fillets fresh from the grill with glossy glaze and bits of chopped garlic on top. | cookingkitchn.com

Storing Extras

Extra portions? You're in for treats later! They'll stay good in your fridge about 3 days. When it's time to eat again, warm it slowly in your oven or use the microwave at 50% power. Nobody wants to eat tough, overcooked leftovers!

Troubleshooting Tips

Is your glaze turning too dark? Just lower your oven rack a bit. Finding it too salty? Grab low-sodium soy sauce next time. Salmon coming out overcooked? Take it out a minute earlier. The honey mixture is pretty adaptable - just make extra to serve on the side!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I tell if my salmon's cooked?

Hit 145°F inside, flesh turns opaque, flakes apart easily.

→ What if my glaze won't thicken?

Cook it longer or mix a little cornstarch with water and stir in.

→ Can I swap the salmon for another fish?

Sure! Go for similar options like Arctic char or trout.

→ What's the best way to reheat it?

Use the oven, half-power in the air fryer, or warm gently on the stove so it stays juicy.

→ Can I make the glaze ahead?

Yeah, keep it chilled for up to 3 days, then reheat gently when needed.

Honey Glazed Salmon

Soft salmon coated in a buttery, garlicky honey-soy sauce. A super quick, classy meal anyone can nail.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Seafood Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 Four salmon fillets, each weighing 7 ounces.
02 A couple of teaspoons of sea salt.
03 Two teaspoons of ground black pepper.
04 About 2 teaspoons of garlic powder.
05 Half a cup of salted butter.
06 Five cloves of garlic, finely chopped.
07 Half a cup of honey.
08 Quarter cup of soy sauce.

Instructions

Step 01

Set the oven to 425°F and get a baking tray ready with parchment.

Step 02

Combine soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, and butter in a small pot.

Step 03

Let the glaze bubble gently for about three minutes, thickening slightly.

Step 04

Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the salmon.

Step 05

Drizzle the prepared sauce over the salmon pieces.

Step 06

Cook for around 12 minutes or until it flakes apart with ease.

Step 07

Before serving, spoon the glaze left in the pan over the salmon.

Notes

  1. Make sure the salmon's inside temp hits 145°F.
  2. Go for fillets that are the same size to cook evenly.
  3. Fresh garlic gives better flavor than pre-chopped.
  4. Swap out soy sauce for tamari if gluten-free.

Tools You'll Need

  • Tray for baking.
  • Parchment for lining the tray.
  • A small pot.
  • Use a whisk for mixing.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains fish (salmon).
  • Soy is in the sauce.
  • Butter has dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 357
  • Total Fat: 23 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 39 g
  • Protein: 3 g