There’s something truly irresistible about that perfect balance of sweet and savory in this Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe. Glazed with a sticky honey-garlic sauce that caramelizes beautifully under the broiler, this salmon turns into a home-cooked dinner favorite that’s quick, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.

The image shows several pieces of cooked salmon in a pan, each piece layered with a shiny, caramelized sauce that is deep reddish-brown with small black pepper bits and green herb specks scattered on top. The salmon flesh is tender and light pink inside, visible in one piece where a fork is pulling off a small chunk. The surface of the salmon skin is slightly charred, adding a darker texture along the edges. The pan holding the salmon is black, sitting on a white marbled surface. The photo has close-up detail highlighting the juiciness and glaze of the salmon. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe countless times, and honestly, it never disappoints. It’s fuss-free enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve when you have friends over. The glaze is luscious and rich without being heavy, plus the salmon stays tender and juicy.

Quick to Prepare: You’ll have dinner on the table in under 20 minutes which is perfect for busy nights.
Flavor Explosion: The mix of honey, garlic, soy, and a hint of sriracha adds a delicious kick and depth of flavor.
Healthy and Filling: Salmon is a powerhouse of omega-3s and protein, making this both nutritious and satisfying.
Versatile and Customizable: You can tailor the glaze to your taste and switch up sides for different mealtime moods.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients that blend beautifully. Each one plays a role in creating that perfect sticky, savory glaze that clings to the salmon without overpowering it.

Flat lay of fresh raw salmon filets with vibrant pink flesh and silver skin, a few sprigs of fresh green parsley, six whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl holding clear water, a small white ceramic bowl with dark brown soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl containing deep red sriracha sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with bright yellow lemon juice, a small white ceramic bowl with rich golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy pale yellow butter, arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salmon filets: Pick thick, fresh filets with the skin on if you like—it adds crispiness when pan-seared before broiling.
Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavor and helps balance the sweetness of the honey.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
Smoked paprika: Brings a smoky warmth, but regular paprika works fine too.
Blackening seasoning (optional): Adds an extra dimension if you want a bit more spice and earthiness.
Butter & olive oil: Butter lends richness while olive oil prevents burning and adds a fruity note.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic infuses the sauce with that classic pungent bite.
Honey: The star ingredient for sweetness and caramelization.
Water: Helps loosen the sauce for even coating.
Soy sauce: Provides saltiness and umami depth.
Sriracha sauce: Just enough heat to contrast the sweetness.
Lemon juice: Brightens and balances flavors with a touch of acidity.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with this glaze depending on the season and my mood. Sometimes, I dial up the heat with extra sriracha or swap out honey for maple syrup to switch things up. Feel free to make this recipe your own—you can’t really go wrong.

Variation: Adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds right before serving adds a delightful crunch and a lovely nuttiness that pairs perfectly with the glaze.
Dietary swap: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free cooking without losing that savory punch.
Seasonal twist: In the summer, a handful of fresh chopped herbs like basil or cilantro brightens the dish beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe

The image shows two pieces of cooked salmon with a rich, shiny brown sauce coating them in a white deep pan. The salmon has a crispy, slightly textured surface with specks of green herbs sprinkled on top. A woman's hand holds a spoon above the salmon, dripping the thick sauce over the front piece, adding more shine and moisture. The background is softly out of focus, highlighting the glistening salmon and the sauce pooling around it. The pan has a smooth, light and slightly worn interior surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Season with Care

The first thing I do is pat the salmon filets dry with paper towels—that’s key for getting a nice sear. Then I season each piece evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and if I’m in the mood, a bit of blackening seasoning. This simple rub sets the stage for amazing flavor, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Make the Glaze

Next, I melt butter and warm olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. As soon as the butter melts, I add minced garlic, water, soy sauce, honey, sriracha, and lemon juice. Stir it all together and cook just about 30 seconds until everything’s warmed through and fragrant—the kitchen smells incredible at this point.

Step 3: Sear the Salmon

Now, place your salmon in the skillet skin side down (if it has skin). Let it cook for about 3 minutes, and here’s a little trick: keep basting the salmon with that luscious sauce by spooning it over the top. This locks in moisture and builds flavor in layers.

Step 4: Broil to Perfection

Adjust your oven rack to the middle position—this is super important to prevent the sauce from burning—and preheat the broiler. Then slide the skillet in and broil for 5 to 6 minutes. Don’t forget to baste the salmon one more time during broiling. You’ll know it’s done when the glaze is caramelized and the salmon flakes easily but still feels moist inside.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

I like to sprinkle a bit of freshly minced parsley on top just before plating—it adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness to contrast the sweet glaze. But this is completely optional if you're short on time.

Top Tip

This is one of those recipes that’s forgiving but becomes amazing when you follow a few simple tricks I’ve learned over time. From drying the salmon properly to adjusting your broiler rack, here are my go-to tips to get perfect results every time.

Pat Salmon Dry: Excess moisture on salmon means it steams instead of sears—patting it dry helps the glaze stick and develop a beautiful crust.
Position Your Oven Rack Midway: The broiler is intense; placing the skillet too high will burn the glaze quickly, so set it in the middle for a perfect caramelization.
Baste Often: Spoon that glaze back onto the salmon during cooking to keep it moist and flavor-packed.
Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: I always go for cast iron or heavy stainless steel so I can start on the stove and finish under the broiler without transferring pans.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe

Honey Garlic Salmon - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I tend to keep it simple with fresh minced parsley or sometimes thin lemon slices on top. If I’m feeling fancy, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped scallions adds a nice visual and flavor boost without overpowering the glaze.

Side Dishes

This salmon pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up that delicious sauce. Roasted asparagus or garlicky sautéed green beans are my go-to veggies. For a refreshing contrast, a crisp cucumber salad or an Asian-inspired slaw works wonders.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I love plating the salmon over a bed of coconut rice with a drizzle of extra glaze around the plate. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens makes it look like a restaurant dish but takes almost no extra effort—trust me, your guests will be impressed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge, separated from any extra glaze. This keeps the salmon moist but prevents it from getting soggy or overly sweet overnight. It’s best eaten within 2 days.

Freezing

While fresh is always best with salmon, you can freeze cooked leftovers tightly wrapped in foil and then in a freezer-safe bag. It works fine for up to 1 month, but the texture may be a bit softer after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or leftover sauce to avoid drying out. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to toughen the fish. A quick sear on the skin side can revive some crispiness too!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use salmon fillets without skin for the Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use skinless salmon fillets. Just be a little more gentle when handling them during cooking to avoid breaking apart, and the glaze will still taste amazing. The skin mainly helps with texture and crispiness but isn’t required.

How spicy is the sriracha in this recipe?

The sriracha adds a mild to moderate heat that balances the sweetness of the honey. If you prefer less heat, feel free to reduce the amount or omit it entirely—the glaze will still be deliciously flavorful.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

You can mix the glaze ingredients ahead and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, warm them gently in the skillet before adding the salmon to get the best flavor and texture.

What’s the best way to tell when the salmon is cooked perfectly?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the flesh looks opaque but still moist. Using a food thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of about 125-130°F for tender, slightly pink salmon. Overcooking will dry it out, so keep a close eye during broiling.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want dinner that feels special but doesn’t require a ton of effort. I love how the sweet-savory glaze brings the salmon to life, and I think you’ll enjoy playing around with it just like I do. Give it a try—you might find your new favorite salmon recipe!