By There are times when we need to eat comforting, delicious food and it has to be quick and easy after a totally tiring day and especially when it is the time for restaurants, this honey garlic glazed salmon together with a sweet, sticky, savory glaze will definitely do the job. However, not every salmon recipe would yield a moist and tasty salmon especially if you are very new to seafood. Here we give you a beginner-friendly version which requires you only to use kitchen ingredients for a dish that includes a beautiful honey garlic sauce that works at every time. Based on the outline and SEO structure provided
If you really enjoy quick healthy dinners, why not bookmarking this one for your next weeknight meal at a time when other things are taking up your time.
What Is Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon?
Simply put, honey garlic glazed salmon is salmon smothered in a thick sauce made of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and fresh citrus. The glaze becomes shiny and delicious while cooking, salmon overall acquiring a pretty sweet and savory surface.
This recipe remains so popular as it looks upscale but is made with simple ingredients standard to most kitchens. Besides, it is great for quick dinners, meal preparations, and well balanced family meals.
Personally, I am dependant on this recipe whenever I feel like having a good meal with diet, comfort, and pleasantness in one go.
Featured Snippet Answer
Do you want a quick and healthy dinner? Here is a delicious salmon recipe that combines the gooeyly sweet, sticky, and savory garlic glaze covering the juicy fillets to make the best of the possible flavors. It only takes you around half an hour to prepare and it is perfect if you are thinking of starting with rice, veggies, or just simple meal preparations.
Here’s Why You’ll Be Making Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Again and Again
This is a salmon dish that can be whipped up in a flash, it is packed with flavors and is so simple that even a beginner can pull it off effortlessly. Plus, the luscious honey garlic coating makes it a restaurant-worthy dinner when you use just the basic ingredients from your pantry.
Cooking Time
This meal can be ready in no time, which is one of the reasons I recommend it for weeknight dinners.
Protein-Rich and Great for Families
Salmon serves as a rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Also, the sweetened garlic flavor is a great way to attract even the fussiest eaters.
Great for Meal Prep
Besides, the salmon holds up well after being reheated, especially when accompanied by rice bowls or vegetable roasting.
Spice Up Your Side Dish
Broccoli and salads, potatoes or rice bowl recipes of your choice can be served perfectly with this to round up your dinner.
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As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no extra cost to you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The essence of this recipe is to create an intense taste with minimum ingredients. Most of them would be typical pantry staples that you often use while preparing nutritious evening meals.
Salmon
- 4 pieces of salmon (around 6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Honey Garlic Glaze
- ⅓ cup honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional for thicker glaze)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Replace honey with maple syrup as it has a stronger taste
- Coconut aminos can be used instead of soy sauce
- Salmon is also great frozen, just ensure that it’s completely thawed before use
- Gluten-free cooking can be done with tamari
The garlic is what really elevates the flavor of this dish. While jarred garlic can be used in urgent cases, the glaze with fresh garlic tastes more like homemade.
How to Make Simple Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon
This dish can be done in a few simple steps. What matters is to cook the salmon slowly and gently while the glaze thickens on its own.
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
First, pat the salmon with paper towels. This way the salmon will roast well instead of steaming.
Drizzle a little olive oil over the salmon and then season with salt and pepper.
It is better to let the salmon stay at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking. That way it will cook more evenly.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
Whisk all together in a small bowl:
- honey
- minced garlic
- soy sauce
- lemon juice
- chili flakes
Meanwhile, if you want a sticky glaze that is thick, simply stir in the cornstarch slurry.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
Heating oven first to 400°F.
Put salmon pieces on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes depending on thickness.
For cooking time, salmon appearance is slightly flaky but still moist at center.
Step 4: Add the Sticky Glaze
Brush the honey garlic glaze well over the salmon during the last few minutes of cooking.
Put back in the oven briefly until glaze is shiny, thick, and sticking.
Also, before serving, spoon some more sauce on top of the salmon pieces.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Best served hot alongside:
- jasmine rice
- roasted broccoli
- cucumber salad
- quinoa bowls
- roasted sweet potatoes
In fact, this dish goes well with simple and quick oven-baked meals too. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Pro Tips for the Best Sticky Glazed Salmon
Just a few small cooking hacks can hugely change the taste and texture. Here are some tips for making the salmon stay juicy while you also achieve that glossy glaze that you see in the restaurant.
Dry Salmon First by Patting It with a Paper Towel
Salmon that is dry on the surface will have a better texture when cooked.
Salmon is Continuing to Cook even Outside of the Oven
Take it off when it is easy to flake but still looks slightly shiny and moist.
For the Glaze, go with Medium Heat
On a high flame, honey can burn pretty fast. Using a moderate flame will help you keep the glaze sticky rather than bitter.
It is Better to Use Fresh Garlic
Fresh garlic has a much stronger flavor than the garlic that is stored in jars.
Moreover, the glaze seems to have a smoother and richer flavor when the garlic is freshly minced just prior to cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Simple timing issues cause a lot of salmon recipes to go wrong. Staying clear of these usual errors is what helps the fish keep its tenderness and flavor.
Cooking Salmon Straight from the Fridge
Give the salmon a short break at room temperature before baking.
Burning the Sauce Made with Honey
Honey commits to the black side really fast if it is overheated. So, apply the glaze close to finishing the cooking.
Using Too Much Soy Sauce
Excess soy sauce may be stronger than sweetness hence making the glaze too salty.
Overbaking the Salmon
Often times, dry salmon is a sign of it being left in the oven for too long.
Best Side Dishes for Honey Garlic Salmon
You can serve this glazed salmon with some very simple healthy side dishes that will complement the sweet and savory taste of the fish. Here are a few easy favorites you might want to consider:
- garlic roasted broccoli
- jasmine rice bowls
- quinoa salad
- roasted asparagus
- cucumber salad
- sweet potatoes
Consider this recipe if you are looking for balanced family meals since you can use the idea of pairing this one with other high protein dinner ideas throughout the week.
Can You Meal Prep Honey Garlic Salmon?
Indeed, this dish is excellent for meal prepping as salmon can be reheated without losing all of its taste.
Storage Tips
Wrap leftover food in airtight containers and keep them at most for 3-4 days.
Reheating Tips
Microwave or warm up in the oven at a low temperature so the salmon does not dry up.
Freezing
Salmon that has been already cooked is good in the freezer for a couple of months.
This recipe is also a perfect addition to your list of easy meal prep dinners for busy weeks.
Variations to Try
You can easily change and adapt this honey garlic salmon recipe according to the taste you like.
Hot Honey Salmon
Put more chili flakes or use hot honey if you want it hotter.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon
This can be done by cooking at 400°F for about 8–10 minutes.
Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon
Use some brown sugar instead of honey to get a richer caramelized flavor.
Low-Carb Salmon Bowls
Cauliflower rice and roasted vegetables are great together when serving.
Besides seafood recipes like this one, you might also find these quick and simple healthy seafood recipes very interesting.
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Ultra-Short Voice Search Answers
How long does glazed salmon take to cook?
Home cooks can expect 15–20 minutes for a salmon fillet on average.
Is honey garlic salmon healthy?
It totally is. Along with protein, it also has the good type of fat.
Can you meal prep salmon?
One can do meal prep with salmon because it lasts a few days in a refrigerator without losing quality.
Disclaimer:
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no extra cost to you.
FAQ
How do you make salmon glaze sticky?
If you allow the sauce to simmer at a low temperature for a few minutes it will become thicker on its own.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, if you thaw the salmon completely and wipe it dry before you cook it.
What goes well with honey garlic salmon?
Among other things, your salmon will pair nicely with rice bowls, roasted vegetables, salads, and quinoa.
Is glazed salmon healthy?
It definitely is. On one hand, salmon is a source of protein and contains heart-healthy omega-3 fats, on the other hand, this glaze is made of simple ingredients.
Can I make this recipe in the air fryer?
Yes. The salmon in an air fryer should be cooked at 400°F until it flakes properly and is completely cooked through.
Before You Go…
What is your go-to side dish with salmon? Are you a fan of rice bowls or roasted veggies or completely different? Please tell me in the comments.
Final Thoughts
This honey garlic glazed salmon dish is a perfect example of a meal that seems fancy but is actually quite easy to prepare.
The combination of the sticky glaze, the succulent salmon, and the short cooking time makes it an excellent choice for a fast dinner, making a meal ready in advance, or a family meal.
In case you use this recipe, please leave a comment and tell me your serving ideas. It’s always fun for me to see how various readers modify the recipe and what sides they pair with it.