This honey glazed salmon is a sweet and tasty dish that’s sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a beautiful meal in no time!
The glaze caramelizes perfectly, making the salmon juicy and full of flavor. I love serving it with rice and veggies for a colorful plate—easy and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon works best for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, consider using tilapia or trout. Just be aware that cooking times might vary.
Honey: This is the star of the dish! If you prefer a different sweetness, try maple syrup or agave nectar. These will still give a lovely glaze but with a unique taste.
Soy Sauce: For a soy sauce substitute, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option. Coconut aminos work well too and are a bit sweeter.
Fresh Ginger: If you don’t have fresh ginger on hand, ground ginger can work in a pinch. Use about half the amount, as it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Sear Salmon Perfectly?
Searing salmon gives it a stunning crispy texture that everyone loves. Here’s how to do it right:
- Ensure the salmon fillets are dry. This helps achieve a better sear.
- Heat the skillet until it’s hot, then add the olive oil and let it heat until shimmering.
- Carefully place the salmon in the pan skin side down. Don’t move it until it’s ready to flip—this keeps it from sticking.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes. Look for a golden crust before flipping.
Perfectly seared salmon locks in flavor, making each bite delicious!
Honey Glazed Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless as preferred
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- Fresh dill, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious honey glazed salmon recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 10-15 minutes to cook. In total, you can have a delightful meal ready in around 25-30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the salmon cooks evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy cleanup later.
2. Prepare the Salmon:
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps achieve a nice sear. Season each fillet generously with salt and black pepper on both sides for added flavor.
3. Make the Honey Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and grated ginger (if using) until everything is nicely combined. This glaze will add a sweet and savory flavor to your salmon!
4. Sear the Salmon:
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the salmon fillets skin-side down (or presentation side down if using skinless). Sear the salmon for about 3-4 minutes until it’s golden brown and crispy.
5. Add the Glaze:
Gently flip the salmon fillets over, and pour the honey glaze evenly over each piece, making sure they are well coated.
6. Bake the Salmon:
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the salmon for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. You’ll know it’s done when the glaze is bubbling and caramelized.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the skillet from the oven and spoon some of the delicious glaze from the pan over the salmon fillets. Garnish with fresh chopped dill and serve with lemon wedges and your favorite side dishes like rice or steamed veggies.
Enjoy your beautifully caramelized, juicy honey glazed salmon!
Can I Use a Different Type of Fish?
Absolutely! While salmon is perfect for this glaze, you can also use trout, tilapia, or even chicken breasts. Just be mindful of cooking times as they may vary slightly.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you prefer an alternative sweetener, maple syrup or agave nectar work well in this recipe. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but they’ll still create a delicious glaze!
How Do I Know When the Salmon Is Done?
The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque in the center. If you have a food thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
While the salmon is best fresh, you can marinate it in the glaze and store it in the fridge for up to 2 hours before cooking. Just allow it to come to room temperature before searing.