This Easy Honey Glazed Salmon is a sweet and tasty dish that’s perfect for dinner! With just a few ingredients like honey, soy sauce, and garlic, it comes together quickly and tastes amazing.
I love how the honey caramelizes on the salmon, giving it a beautiful shine. Pair it with rice or veggies for a complete meal. You’ll feel like a chef in no time! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the star of the dish. If salmon isn’t available, you can use trout or even chicken breast, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Honey: Honey gives the glaze its sweetness. If you’re short on honey, maple syrup or agave nectar make great substitutes, imparting a different but delightful flavor.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce provides a nice umami kick. You can use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option, or try tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh really brings out the flavor.
Asparagus: This veggie complements the salmon nicely. If asparagus isn’t in season, green beans or broccoli can be used instead. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How Do I Get the Salmon Skin Crispy?
The key to crispy salmon skin is cooking it skin-side down initially. Here’s how:
- Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the salmon.
- Use a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and avoid moving the salmon around for the first few minutes.
- Cook the skin side for about 4-5 minutes until it’s golden and crispy. Only then should you flip it!
These tips will help give the salmon a delicious texture that’s hard to resist! Happy cooking!
Easy Honey Glazed Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for asparagus)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for added tang)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon wedge (for garnish and serving)
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil), chopped for garnish
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 cup cooked white rice (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at about 25 minutes from start to finish. A quick and tasty dish for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Honey Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard (if using). This will be your flavorful glaze. Set it aside for now.
2. Prepare the Skillet:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, adding a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Let the pan get nice and hot!
3. Season the Salmon:
While the skillet heats up, lightly season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. This adds a great flavor to the fish.
4. Cook the Salmon:
Add the salmon fillets to the skillet skin-side down (the presentation side down) and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and slightly crisp.
5. Add the Glaze:
Gently flip the salmon over and pour the honey-soy mixture over the fillets. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, spooning the glaze over the top. This will help caramelize the salmon and add delicious flavor!
6. Cook the Asparagus:
While the salmon is cooking, you can add the asparagus to the same skillet (or a separate pan) with a little olive oil. Sauté until tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes. They should be bright green and a bit crunchy, which is perfect!
7. Finish the Dish:
Once cooked, remove the salmon and asparagus from the heat. Garnish the salmon with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon for that extra zing!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate the honey glazed salmon alongside the sautéed asparagus and add a side of cooked white rice if you like. Dig in and enjoy this sweet and savory dish!
Enjoy your delicious, easy honey glazed salmon with bright notes of garlic and herbs!
FAQ About Easy Honey Glazed Salmon
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely before cooking. You can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option. Once thawed, pat it dry before season and cooking!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness in the Glaze?
If you prefer a less sweet glaze, simply reduce the amount of honey to 1 tablespoon, or substitute with a splash of lemon juice for added zing without the sweetness. Taste the glaze before pouring it over the salmon to ensure it suits your palate!
Can I Make This Recipe with Other Types of Fish?
Yes, you can! This glaze works great with other firm fish like trout, mahi-mahi, or chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillet to avoid overcooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salmon and asparagus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gentle warm in the microwave or skillet over low heat to keep the salmon from drying out. Enjoy your leftovers in a salad or on a sandwich!
