Want a quick and tasty salmon dish? This honey garlic salmon is a must-try. Try these pan-seared salmon fillets with a sticky honey garlic sauce. They’re ready in under 30 minutes and taste better than any restaurant dish.
Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a special event, this dish is tasty, healthy, and easy to whip up. Serve it with rice, veggies, or salad for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes.
Healthy: Packed with omega-3s and protein.
Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The honey garlic glaze is sweet, savory, and rich.
Perfect for Any Meal: Serve it with rice, veggies, or salad.
Best Type of Salmon to Use
For the best results, choose fresh, high-quality salmon.
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Wild-Caught Salmon: More flavorful and leaner.
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Farm-Raised Salmon: Milder in taste, with a higher fat content.
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Skin-On vs. Skinless: Skin-on salmon stays moist and is easier to cook.
Ingredients List
For the Salmon:
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4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
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1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter)
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Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
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¼ cup honey
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3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
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4 cloves garlic (minced)
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1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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1 teaspoon ginger (grated, optional for extra flavor)
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
For Garnish:
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds
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2 tablespoons green onions (chopped)
Timing
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Make Honey Garlic Salmon
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
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Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
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Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
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In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, lemon juice, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
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Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
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Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
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Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes, until the skin is crispy.
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Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
Step 4: Add the Honey Garlic Sauce
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Reduce heat to medium-low and pour the sauce over the salmon.
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Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, basting the salmon with the sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
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Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
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Serve hot with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
Best Side Dishes for Honey Garlic Salmon
Pair your salmon with these delicious sides:
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Steamed Rice – Absorbs the sweet and savory sauce.
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Garlic Butter Asparagus – Light and flavorful.
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Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and comforting.
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Quinoa Salad – A nutritious option.
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Roasted Broccoli – Adds a crunchy contrast.
Baking vs. Pan-Searing Honey Garlic Salmon
Pan-Searing (Crispy & Quick)
Faster cooking time – Done in 10-15 minutes.
Crispy edges with a caramelized glaze.
Baking (Soft & Juicy)
More hands-off, perfect for meal prep.
Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes.
Both methods work great—choose based on your preference!
Can You Use Frozen Salmon?
Yes! Just follow these steps:
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Thaw salmon overnight in the fridge.
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Pat dry before seasoning.
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Cook as directed, adding 1-2 extra minutes.
Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Salmon
Use Fresh Garlic: Adds bold, natural flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Salmon: It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Let the Sauce Thicken: Simmer for a rich, caramelized texture.
Add a Kick: Red pepper flakes or sriracha give it some spice!
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerating
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Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing
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Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
Reheating
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Reheat in a pan over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 380
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Protein: 35g
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Carbohydrates: 20g
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Fat: 15g
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Sodium: 500mg
FAQs
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
What If I Don’t Have Honey?
Swap it with maple syrup or brown sugar.
Can I Use a Different Fish?
Absolutely! Try this recipe with trout, cod, or halibut.
Conclusion
This honey garlic salmon is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. It’s quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor—a great meal for any occasion. Try it tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home.