Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Fillets

As seen in: Fresh Flavors from the Coastlines

Savor perfectly seared salmon fillets, finished in a glossy, sticky glaze made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and fresh lemon. This quick-cooking main dish is ideal for busy evenings, coming together in just 20 minutes with approachable pantry ingredients. Finished with a buttery sauce and optionally garnished with parsley, lemon wedges, and sesame seeds, the dish pairs well with anything from hot steamed rice to crisp sautéed vegetables. Enjoy vibrant flavors and tender texture in every bite—simple, nutritious, and bursting with sweet and savory appeal.

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Created By Mia
Last modified on Mon, 23 Jun 2025 09:03:20 GMT
A plate of fish with lemon and herbs. Save This
A plate of fish with lemon and herbs. | yummywithmia.com

This glazed salmon recipe shines on busy nights when you crave something special without fuss. Pan-seared salmon gets bathed in a bold honey garlic sauce that thickens to a glossy glaze. The whole dish is finished in 20 minutes but feels truly restaurant-worthy.

The first time I made this for friends they could not believe how easy it was. Now whenever I need a reliable crowd-pleaser this is my go-to.

Ingredients

  • Salmon fillets: fresh never frozen if possible yield the best results
  • Salt: enhances the salmon’s natural flavor be sure to use just enough
  • Black pepper: adds gentle heat freshly cracked tastes brightest
  • Honey: brings natural sweetness lighter varieties let the garlic shine
  • Low-sodium soy sauce: balances salt keeps the glaze from becoming too heavy
  • Fresh lemon juice: lifts the dish with acidity use a juicy ripe lemon
  • Garlic cloves: minced for bold flavor choose firm cloves with tight skins
  • Olive oil: makes for a golden sear extra-virgin has subtle richness
  • Unsalted butter: gives the glaze a silky gloss
  • Fresh parsley: chopped for a fresh green finish only use vibrant leaves
  • Lemon wedges: for splashing brightness select lemons with smooth peels
  • Sesame seeds: deliver crunch and extra flavor lightly toast for more depth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pat the Salmon Dry:
Use paper towels to carefully blot any excess moisture from each salmon fillet. This step helps create a golden sear and keeps the fish from sticking in the pan.
Season the Fillets:
Sprinkle both sides of the salmon fillets evenly with salt and black pepper. Use your hands to gently press the seasoning into the flesh.
Mix the Sauce:
In a small mixing bowl combine honey soy sauce fresh lemon juice and minced garlic. Whisk until the honey dissolves completely and set aside. The mixture should look silky and smell fragrant.
Sear the Salmon:
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the fillets in the skillet skin-side down if the fillets have skin. Let them cook untouched for four to five minutes until deeply golden and cooked almost halfway through.
Add the Glaze:
Carefully flip the salmon fillets. Add unsalted butter directly to the skillet and immediately pour the honey garlic sauce over the top. The sauce will begin to bubble and thicken almost instantly.
Finish Cooking:
Cook for another three to four minutes. As the glaze thickens use a spoon to baste the tops of the fillets with the bubbling sauce. The salmon should feel firm but still just a bit springy when pressed in the center.
Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the cooked fillets to serving plates and drizzle with any sauce left in the pan. Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley a few lemon wedges and a shake of sesame seeds if you like. The glaze will be shiny and sticky and the aroma will be irresistible.
A bowl of fish with a spoon in it. Save This
A bowl of fish with a spoon in it. | yummywithmia.com

I adore the honey in this recipe because it gives the glaze a caramel edge that reminds me of my grandmother’s baked chicken. Every time I brush the sauce over the sizzling salmon I think of her kitchen filled with the scent of honey and garlic blending together.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Leftover salmon keeps beautifully for up to two days covered in the fridge. For the best texture gently reheat fillets on low heat in a covered skillet with a splash of water to loosen the glaze.

Smart Ingredient Swaps

Not a fan of honey Try pure maple syrup for a deeper sweetness. Fresh lime juice works if you are out of lemons. For a nutty edge substitute a dash of toasted sesame oil for olive oil in the searing step.

How to Serve

Serve the salmon over fluffy white rice or quinoa to catch all the sticky-sweet sauce. Crisp-tender steamed broccoli or snap peas balance the flavors. This dish also pairs well with buttery mashed potatoes or even a leafy side salad for something lighter.

The Roots of This Recipe

Glazed fish is a staple in many cuisines but honey garlic versions shine in both Asian-inspired and Western kitchens. This version brings both traditions together using pantry staple ingredients. Soy sauce and honey have been mainstays in my kitchen because their versatility means endless possibilities beyond just salmon.

A plate of fish with lemon slices on top. Save This
A plate of fish with lemon slices on top. | yummywithmia.com

Common Questions

→ Can I use skinless salmon for this dish?

Yes, both skin-on and skinless salmon work. If using skinless fillets, handle them gently to avoid breaking during cooking.

→ Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Simply use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to ensure the dish remains gluten-free.

→ What sides go well with honey garlic glazed salmon?

Steamed rice, quinoa, sautéed vegetables, or a crisp green salad all pair nicely with the sweet-savory flavors.

→ Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the honey, soy sauce, lemon, and garlic in advance. Store the sauce covered in the fridge for up to 2 days.

→ How do I know when the salmon is done?

Salmon is cooked through when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F).

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Salmon fillets glazed in a sweet, savory honey-garlic sauce—ready in 20 minutes for a delicious main dish.

Preparation Time
5 Minutes Required
Cooking Time
15 Minutes Required
Overall Time
20 Minutes Required
Created By: Mia

Recipe Type: Coastal Seafood

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Recipe Origin: International

Output: 4 Portions

Diet Preferences: Without Gluten

What You Need

→ Fish

01 4 salmon fillets (about 170 g / 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
02 1/2 tsp salt
03 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Sauce

04 3 tbsp honey
05 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
06 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 a lemon)
07 4 garlic cloves, minced
08 1 tbsp olive oil
09 1 tbsp unsalted butter

→ Garnish (optional)

10 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
11 Lemon wedges
12 Sesame seeds

How to Make It

Step 01

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.

Step 02

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Set aside.

Step 03

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 04

Add salmon fillets, skin-side down (if skin-on). Cook for 4–5 minutes, until golden and mostly cooked through.

Step 05

Flip the salmon and add the butter to the skillet. Pour the honey-garlic sauce over the fillets. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, spooning sauce over the top, until salmon is cooked through and the glaze is thickened and sticky.

Step 06

Remove from heat. Transfer salmon to plates and drizzle with extra sauce from the pan. Garnish with chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

Helpful Tips

  1. For extra flavor, marinate salmon in half the sauce for 15 minutes before cooking (discard used marinade).
  2. Substitute maple syrup for honey if needed.
  3. Delicious served with steamed rice, quinoa, or sautéed vegetables.
  4. Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

What You'll Need

  • Large nonstick skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring spoons

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and reach out to a healthcare expert with concerns.
  • Contains fish (salmon), soy (soy sauce), dairy (butter).
  • For gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce.
  • Double-check all labels for allergens if unsure.

Per-Serving Nutrition Info

Please view this nutritional data as an estimate and not a replacement for professional guidance.
  • Calories: 325
  • Fat Content: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Protein Content: 32 g