Name: Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 (6 oz each) salmon fillets; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika); 1/4 tsp blackening seasoning (optional); 3 Tbsp butter; 2 tsp olive oil; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup honey; 3 Tbsp water; 3 Tbsp soy sauce; 1 Tbsp sriracha sauce; 2 Tbsp lemon juice

If you’re looking for a meal that strikes the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and just the right hint of heat, Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon is about to become your weeknight hero. Succulent salmon fillets are enveloped in a glossy, sticky glaze made from honey, garlic, and a dash of sriracha, delivering a harmony of flavors that feel both fresh and totally comforting. With a quick prep and fast cooking time, you’ll be savoring restaurant-worthy salmon in under twenty minutes—no special skills required! Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon is irresistibly satisfying, every single time.

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon keeps things incredibly approachable, yet each element has a starring role in flavor, color, or texture. It’s proof that spectacular dinners can come from just a handful of everyday staples, especially when you use them with purpose.

Salmon filets (4, 6 oz each): Choose vibrant, fresh salmon filets for moist, flaky texture and beautiful color on your plate.
Kosher salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances the natural flavor of the salmon, making every bite more savory and balanced.
Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds gentle heat and savory depth with every sprinkle.
Smoked paprika or regular paprika (1/2 tsp): Lends a smoky, subtly sweet note and a lovely crimson glow.
Blackening seasoning (1/4 tsp, optional): For a deeper, spicier flavor profile—use if you want an extra kick.
Butter (3 Tbsp): Rich and creamy, it forms the base of that luscious sauce and brings silkiness to every bite.
Olive oil (2 tsp): Helps prevent sticking and amps up savory flavor while cooking.
Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Six whole cloves! The foundation of that irresistible garlicky aroma and taste.
Honey (1/2 cup): The star of the glaze—naturally sweet, sticky, and caramelizes beautifully under the broiler.
Water (3 Tbsp): Loosens the sauce just enough to make basting super easy.
Soy sauce (3 Tbsp): Introduces umami, saltiness, and depth so the glaze never veers too sweet.
Sriracha sauce (1 Tbsp): Adds just the right amount of heat to cut the richness.
Lemon juice (2 Tbsp): A pop of citrus that brightens the whole dish and balances the honey.

How to Make Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Step 1: Prep and Season the Salmon

Start by patting each salmon filet dry with paper towels—this extra step helps the seasonings adhere and allows the fish to sear instead of steaming. Sprinkle both sides generously with kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and, if you’re feeling bold, a dash of blackening seasoning. Once seasoned, let them sit on the counter as you prepare the sauce; this helps take the chill off for more even cooking.

Step 2: Position the Oven Rack and Preheat the Broiler

Position your oven rack to the middle—this is key! Too close to the broiler and that beautiful honey glaze could char instead of caramelizing. Go ahead and preheat your broiler so it’s ready when you are.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze

Grab a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is your friend here) and set it over medium-high heat. Melt the butter with the olive oil until it starts to sizzle, filling your kitchen with anticipation. Add the minced garlic and enjoy that sizzle for about 30 seconds, stirring so it doesn’t brown. Immediately pour in the honey, water, soy sauce, sriracha, and lemon juice. Let the mixture bubble briefly—just enough to meld together and thicken ever so slightly.

Step 4: Sear the Salmon in the Sauce

Carefully nestle the seasoned salmon filets into the bubbling glaze, skin side down if yours have skin. Cook for about three minutes, spooning that dreamy sauce over the tops of the fish every minute or so. This not only infuses flavor but also begins building up that signature honey garlic crust.

Step 5: Broil and Baste for Caramelization

Once the salmon has a golden hue and the glaze is glossy, transfer your whole skillet to the oven. Broil for five to six minutes, pausing halfway through to baste the salmon generously with more glaze. The end result: a caramelized, beautifully glazed surface that’s impossibly inviting. Remove from the oven (careful, that handle is piping hot!) and get ready to serve.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Garnishes

Finish your Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon with a burst of fresh color from chopped parsley or cilantro. For a bit more crunch and a subtle onion note, a scattering of thinly sliced green onions is fantastic. If you want to get extra fancy, add a few lemon wedges to the plate so everyone can add a last-second zippy squeeze.

Side Dishes

This salmon is incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside steaming jasmine or basmati rice to capture every drop of the sticky sauce. For veggies, think quick-roasted broccoli, crisp snap peas, or garlicky sautéed spinach. Craving comfort food? Creamy mashed potatoes or a simple buttery pasta pair just as well, letting the flavors of your Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be shy about making your Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon dinner extra special! Plate it over a vibrant bed of baby greens and drizzle leftover glaze as a warm dressing. For a twist, flake the salmon and use it in rice bowls with crisp vegetables and sesame seeds, or tuck it into lettuce wraps for an interactive, hands-on meal that will wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to two days without losing its fabulous flavor or moisture. Just a note: it’s best to store any leftover sauce separately so the glaze doesn’t seep too much into the salmon, preserving that caramelized top.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze leftovers if needed! Let the salmon cool, then wrap each filet tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results, keeping in mind that the glaze may become a bit thinner after freezing—still delicious, just a little less glossy.

Reheating

To bring leftover Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon back to life, place covered in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes or until just warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving works too—cover the salmon loosely and heat in 30-second bursts. Splash a spoonful of leftover glaze or water over the filet before reheating for maximum tenderness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon filets for Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon?

Definitely! Just make sure to thaw the filets thoroughly in the refrigerator, then pat dry before seasoning and cooking. This helps prevent excess moisture from watering down the glaze.

Is there a substitute for sriracha in the glaze?

If you don’t have sriracha or prefer a milder version, try using another hot sauce or even a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also omit the heat component entirely for a sweeter finish.

What’s the best way to tell if the salmon is cooked through?

Check for opaque, flaky flesh that separates easily with a fork, and watch for that gorgeous caramelized crust. If you use an instant-read thermometer, aim for 125 to 130°F at the thickest part for a moist, slightly pink center.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the entire honey garlic sauce ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Warm it gently before pouring over the salmon—this trick makes dinner prep even faster on a busy night.

Does this recipe work with other types of fish?

It absolutely does! Swap in trout, steelhead, or even thick white fish like cod. Just adjust the cook time based on the thickness of your fillets—delicate fish will still soak up all the great Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon flavors.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about gathering around the table to share a meal as dazzling as Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon. This recipe has a way of turning ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary, crowd-pleasing main course you’ll crave again and again. Give it a try—you’ll be surprised how easy it is to create such restaurant-level flavor at home!