Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe

Sweet & Smoky Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe for Weeknight Magic

Crafting a mouthwatering honey glazed salmon creates an instant culinary adventure that sparks joy in every kitchen.

Glazes blend sweet and savory notes with remarkable elegance.

Salmon transforms into a luxurious centerpiece when brushed with golden, caramelized honey.

Rich omega-3 nutrients combine perfectly with delicate sweetness in this simple yet impressive dish.

Marinades work magic by infusing deep flavors into tender fish fillets.

Quick preparation means you can serve a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.

Let this recipe inspire your next delicious dinner experience.

Why Honey Glazed Salmon Is A Sweet And Savory Win

  • Master a Gourmet Dish: Elevate your home cooking skills with this restaurant-quality salmon recipe that looks impressive but requires minimal culinary expertise.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a nutritious, delicious meal in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy families seeking a healthy protein option with maximum flavor.
  • Customize Your Flavor: Adapt the honey glaze by adjusting ingredients like adding chili flakes for heat or swapping honey with maple syrup for a different sweet profile.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Protein: Create a versatile dish suitable for casual family dinners, date nights, or elegant dinner parties with its sophisticated yet approachable taste.

Ingredients For Honey Glazed Salmon

Main Protein:
  • Salmon Fillets: Fresh, high-quality fish with rich, buttery texture that serves as the centerpiece of this delicious recipe.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Honey, Soy Sauce, Dijon Mustard, Garlic: A harmonious blend that creates a sweet, tangy, and savory coating for the salmon.
Seasoning and Preparation Components:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the salmon.
  • Olive Oil: Helps create a crisp exterior and promotes even browning of the fish.
  • Parsley, Lemon: Fresh herbs and citrus that add brightness and a zesty finish to the dish.

How To Make Honey Glazed Salmon With Ease

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Crank up the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for hassle-free cleanup and easy salmon removal.

Step 2: Dry Salmon Perfectly

Use paper towels to thoroughly pat salmon fillets, removing excess moisture to help achieve a crispy exterior and allow better glaze absorption.

Step 3: Season Salmon

Sprinkle salt and black pepper generously over both sides of the salmon to build a delicious flavor foundation.

Step 4: Create Magical Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together:
  • Honey
  • Soy sauce
  • Dijon mustard
  • Minced garlic

Blend until you have a glossy, fragrant mixture that will make your salmon irresistible.

Step 5: Oil the Salmon

Brush olive oil over each salmon fillet, ensuring an even coating that promotes beautiful browning.

Step 6: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to guarantee uniform cooking.

Step 7: First Glaze Application

Pour half of the honey glaze over the salmon, completely coating each fillet with the aromatic mixture.

Step 8: Roast to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 10-12 minutes, until salmon turns opaque and easily flakes with a fork.

Step 9: Final Glaze Touch

Remove salmon from oven and brush with remaining glaze, adding an extra layer of flavor and gorgeous shine.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the salmon and serve immediately with lemon wedges for a bright, citrusy kick.

Step 11: Zesty Finishing Touch

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon right before serving to elevate the dish’s vibrant flavor profile.

Best Tips For Juicy Honey Glazed Salmon

  • Dry Salmon Perfectly: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy exterior and better glaze absorption.
  • Glaze Like a Pro: Brush salmon generously with olive oil before applying honey glaze to promote even browning and rich flavor.
  • Prevent Overcooking: Watch salmon closely and remove from oven when it becomes opaque and flakes easily, typically 10-12 minutes at 400°F.
  • Boost Flavor Intensity: Apply glaze in two stages – half before roasting and half after cooking to create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
  • Elevate Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges to add visual appeal and bright, citrusy notes to the dish.

Simple Twists For Honey Glazed Salmon Flavor

  • Asian Sesame Salmon: Replace honey with maple syrup, add sesame oil and sesame seeds to the glaze for a nutty, rich flavor profile that complements the fish's natural taste.
  • Spicy Sriracha Salmon: Mix sriracha sauce into the honey glaze, creating a sweet-hot combination that gives the salmon a bold, fiery kick and exciting depth of flavor.
  • Mediterranean Herb Salmon: Incorporate dried oregano, thyme, and a splash of lemon zest into the glaze, transforming the dish with bright, aromatic Mediterranean-inspired notes.
  • Smoky Paprika Salmon: Blend smoked paprika and a touch of brown sugar into the glaze, developing a deep, smoky-sweet coating that caramelizes beautifully during roasting.

Perfect Pairings For Honey Glazed Salmon

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity to complement the salmon's rich, sweet glaze and cut through its fatty texture.
  • Create Herbal Rice Side: Prepare cilantro-lime rice or parsley-infused quinoa to echo the recipe's fresh herb garnish and provide a light, complementary base for the glazed salmon.
  • Match with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare asparagus or Brussels sprouts with a light olive oil and sea salt seasoning, which will enhance the salmon's caramelized honey notes and provide a balanced vegetable accompaniment.
  • Serve with Citrus Salad: Craft a light mixed green salad with orange segments and a lemon vinaigrette to mirror the recipe's bright, zesty lemon element and add refreshing contrast to the sweet, glazed salmon.

How To Keep Honey Glazed Salmon Fresh And Tasty

  • Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the fish flat to maintain its texture and prevent moisture buildup.
  • Wrap individual salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months to preserve flavor and quality.
  • Warm gently in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make salmon tough and rubbery.
  • Store remaining honey glaze in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Use as a quick marinade or sauce for future meals.

Honey Glazed Salmon FAQ Quick Answers

  • Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, thaw salmon completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat dry thoroughly before seasoning to ensure proper glaze absorption and even cooking.

  • What if I don't have dijon mustard?

You can substitute with whole grain mustard or yellow mustard, which will slightly alter the flavor but still provide a tangy element to the glaze.

  • How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The salmon is done when it turns opaque and easily flakes with a fork, typically after 10-12 minutes of roasting. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for food safety.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the salmon ahead of time and reheat gently in the oven or microwave, though it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

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Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe

Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe


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4.7 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent honey glazed salmon emerges as a culinary masterpiece, blending sweet and savory flavors with elegant simplicity. Rich marine protein meets golden glaze, creating a Mediterranean-inspired dish that promises delightful dining for seafood enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Fish Ingredients:

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 150 g/5.3 oz each)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Glaze Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Garnish and Seasoning:

  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp exterior and better glaze absorption.
  3. Season salmon thoroughly with salt and black pepper on both sides, creating a flavor foundation.
  4. Whisk together honey, soy sauce, dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a small bowl to create a vibrant, glossy glaze.
  5. Brush salmon fillets generously with olive oil, ensuring even coating for optimal browning.
  6. Transfer salmon to prepared baking sheet, arranging fillets with space between them for even cooking.
  7. Pour half of the honey glaze over the salmon, coating each fillet completely with the aromatic mixture.
  8. Roast in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  9. Remove from oven and brush with remaining glaze for an extra layer of flavor and shine.
  10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges for a bright, citrusy accent.
  11. Optional: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over salmon just before serving to enhance the dish’s zesty profile.

Notes

  • Ensure salmon is patted completely dry to achieve a gorgeous golden-brown crust and help the glaze stick perfectly.
  • Use high-quality honey for a richer, more complex flavor that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.
  • Avoid overcooking by checking salmon’s doneness early; it should be just opaque and slightly translucent in the center for maximum tenderness.
  • Swap honey with maple syrup for a delightful alternative that works wonderfully for those avoiding refined sugars or seeking a different sweetness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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