There’s something truly magical about a perfectly cooked piece of salmon—crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, and infused with rich, bold flavors. This Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly sticky, making it an irresistible dish that feels restaurant-quality but is incredibly easy to make at home.
This dish brings together the natural richness of salmon with a caramelized honey garlic glaze that adds the perfect amount of sweetness and depth. It’s a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve guests for a special occasion.
Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a healthy, protein-packed meal, this salmon recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, so you can enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crispy & Flavorful – The salmon gets a perfect crispy crust while staying moist and flaky inside.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins.
- Minimal Ingredients – Uses pantry-friendly ingredients that you probably already have.
- Versatile – Pairs well with rice, veggies, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Honey Garlic Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Garnishes (Optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Lemon wedges
How to Make Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps remove excess moisture, allowing them to sear beautifully and get that crispy exterior.
Season the fillets evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika. For an extra crispy texture, lightly dust each piece with cornstarch, which helps create a golden, crispy crust when pan-fried.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). This glaze is the perfect balance of sweet and savory and will coat the salmon in a sticky, flavorful sauce. Set it aside while you cook the salmon.
Step 3: Sear the Salmon
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on salmon). Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, allowing the skin to crisp up.
Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust and the inside is nearly cooked through.
Step 4: Add the Glaze
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the prepared honey garlic glaze over the salmon. Let it simmer and thicken for about 1-2 minutes, spooning the sauce over the fillets as they finish cooking. The salmon should be glossy and coated in a rich, sticky glaze.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Carefully transfer the salmon to a serving plate and drizzle any remaining sauce from the pan over the top. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve immediately with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Helpful Tips
- Pat the salmon dry – Removing excess moisture ensures a crispy sear.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch – It helps create a beautiful golden crust.
- Use a hot pan – A properly heated pan is key to achieving a crispy exterior without overcooking the inside.
- Adjust sweetness & saltiness – If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the honey slightly or add an extra splash of lemon juice.
- Don’t overcook the salmon – Salmon continues to cook even after you remove it from heat. Aim for an internal temperature of 125-130°F for perfectly moist and flaky fish.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-seared
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Notes
- Choosing the Right Salmon: Fresh, wild-caught salmon tends to have better flavor and texture than farm-raised. However, if using frozen salmon, ensure it is fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Skin-On vs. Skinless: If using skin-on fillets, cook them skin-side down first for extra crispiness. The skin also helps lock in moisture. If using skinless salmon, be extra careful not to overcook it.
- Adjust the Glaze: If you like a more tangy flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon juice. For more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
- Cornstarch for Crispiness: Lightly coating the salmon with cornstarch is optional but highly recommended—it creates a golden, crispy crust that helps the glaze cling to the fillets.
- Pan Choice Matters: A non-stick or cast-iron skillet works best for achieving a golden, seared crust without sticking. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow even cooking.
- Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce for drizzling over rice or veggies, double the glaze ingredients and simmer until slightly thickened.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Cooked salmon can be stored and reheated for quick meals throughout the week. It’s perfect for meal-prep bowls with rice and steamed veggies!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Pat it dry well to remove excess moisture so it crisps up nicely.
How do I know when my salmon is done?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 125-130°F (medium-rare) or 140°F (fully cooked).
Can I bake this instead of pan-searing?
Absolutely! Place the seasoned salmon on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes. Then, broil for 1-2 minutes after adding the glaze for a caramelized finish.
What can I serve with this salmon?
This salmon pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, sautéed greens, roasted sweet potatoes, or a crisp side salad.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Freeze: You can freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon, you might also enjoy:
- Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
- Crispy Salmon Rice Bowl
- Honey Butter Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites
- Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Conclusion
This Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon is the perfect balance of crispy, juicy, sweet, and savory, making it an absolute must-try! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or an elegant dish to impress guests, this salmon recipe checks all the boxes.
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Easy Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon
Description
There’s something truly magical about a perfectly cooked piece of salmon—crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, and infused with rich, bold flavors. This Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly sticky, making it an irresistible dish that feels restaurant-quality but is incredibly easy to make at home.
This dish brings together the natural richness of salmon with a caramelized honey garlic glaze that adds the perfect amount of sweetness and depth. It’s a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve guests for a special occasion.
Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a healthy, protein-packed meal, this salmon recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, so you can enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Honey Garlic Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Garnishes (Optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps remove excess moisture, allowing them to sear beautifully and get that crispy exterior.
Season the fillets evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika. For an extra crispy texture, lightly dust each piece with cornstarch, which helps create a golden, crispy crust when pan-fried.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). This glaze is the perfect balance of sweet and savory and will coat the salmon in a sticky, flavorful sauce. Set it aside while you cook the salmon.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on salmon). Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, allowing the skin to crisp up.
Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust and the inside is nearly cooked through.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the prepared honey garlic glaze over the salmon. Let it simmer and thicken for about 1-2 minutes, spooning the sauce over the fillets as they finish cooking. The salmon should be glossy and coated in a rich, sticky glaze.
Carefully transfer the salmon to a serving plate and drizzle any remaining sauce from the pan over the top. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve immediately with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Choosing the Right Salmon: Fresh, wild-caught salmon tends to have better flavor and texture than farm-raised. However, if using frozen salmon, ensure it is fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Skin-On vs. Skinless: If using skin-on fillets, cook them skin-side down first for extra crispiness. The skin also helps lock in moisture. If using skinless salmon, be extra careful not to overcook it.
- Adjust the Glaze: If you like a more tangy flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon juice. For more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
- Cornstarch for Crispiness: Lightly coating the salmon with cornstarch is optional but highly recommended—it creates a golden, crispy crust that helps the glaze cling to the fillets.
- Pan Choice Matters: A non-stick or cast-iron skillet works best for achieving a golden, seared crust without sticking. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow even cooking.
- Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce for drizzling over rice or veggies, double the glaze ingredients and simmer until slightly thickened.
- rep Friendly: Cooked salmon can be stored and reheated for quick meals throughout the week. It’s perfect for meal-prep bowls with rice and steamed veggies!
