Name: Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 (6 oz each) salmon filets; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp blackening seasoning (optional); 3 Tbsp butter; 2 tsp olive oil; 6 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 cup honey; 3 Tbsp water; 3 Tbsp soy sauce; 1 Tbsp sriracha sauce; 2 Tbsp lemon juice

There’s something magical about the way sweet honey and punchy garlic come together to transform a simple piece of fish into a flavor-packed meal. This Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe strikes that perfect balance of sticky, sweet, and savory, making it totally irresistible every time I make it.

The image shows three pieces of glazed salmon fillets in a pan filled with dark brown sauce. The salmon has a shiny, sticky glaze with a deep orange-brown color, speckled with black pepper and small green herb pieces. The salmon's texture looks moist and tender, with one piece being gently pulled apart by a fork, revealing soft, light pink flesh inside. The sauce around the salmon is thick and glossy, adding a rich appearance. The pan edges are visible with the salmon nestled closely together. The background is a white marbled texture. 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

This is one of those dishes I reach for when I want something that feels fancy but comes together in a flash. You don’t have to be a pro in the kitchen to get beautifully caramelized salmon with a sauce that tastes like it simmered all day.

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
Bold Flavors: Honey’s sweetness meets garlicky depth and a little sriracha kick for a well-rounded taste.
Great Texture: The broiler crisps the edges just right while keeping the salmon tender and juicy inside.
Customizable: Adjust the spice or swap out ingredients easily to fit what you have on hand or your mood.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role. The natural sweetness of honey balances the bold garlic and tangy lemon, while butter and olive oil keep the fish moist and add richness. Soy sauce deepens the umami flavor, and a touch of sriracha brings just enough heat without overpowering.

Flat lay of fresh whole uncut salmon filets with skin, a small pile of coarse kosher salt crystals, a small heap of whole black peppercorns, a small mound of bright red paprika powder, a small mound of dark smoked paprika powder, a few pale yellow butter pats, a small white bowl with golden olive oil, six peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with clear golden honey, a small white bowl with fresh water, a small white bowl with dark soy sauce, a small white bowl holding bright red sriracha sauce, a small white bowl containing fresh pale yellow lemon juice, placed 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: Fresh, skin-on filets hold up well under broiling and keep the flesh moist.
Kosher salt: Perfect for seasoning without getting too salty; enhances flavor naturally.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and balances the sweetness of the honey.
Smoked paprika: Brings a smoky depth and warmth that complements the garlic.
Blackening seasoning (optional): For a little extra spice and complexity if you like bold flavors.
Butter: Creates richness and helps meld the glaze ingredients into a luscious sauce.
Olive oil: Prevents sticking and adds a fruity note to the pan.
Garlic (minced): The star savory flavor—fresh garlic is a must for that punchy aroma.
Honey: Adds sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully under the broiler.
Water: Helps balance the sauce consistency and prevents burning.
Soy sauce: Boosts umami and saltiness to cut through the honey's sweetness.
Sriracha sauce: Just a little heat that wakes up the other flavors without being overpowering.
Lemon juice: Brightens the glaze with a fresh citrus zing that lifts the richness.

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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 tweaking this Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe to match the season or mood. Sometimes I add fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme, or swap sriracha for a spicy chili garlic sauce if I’m feeling adventurous. Don’t be afraid to experiment—this glaze is forgiving and pairs well with lots of flavor tweaks.

Variation: One time, I tried swapping the honey for maple syrup when I ran out, and it gave the salmon a subtle smoky sweetness that was just as wonderful.
Lower Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for a gentler salt level without losing umami.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha to make it milder or bolder according to your family’s taste buds.
Gluten-Free Swap: Tamari works perfectly if you need this recipe gluten-free.

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

A close-up view of two thick salmon fillets cooking in a metal pan, covered with a shiny, dark reddish-brown glaze that looks sticky and rich. The top layer of sauce is being drizzled from a silver spoon held by a woman's hand, adding extra shine and moisture to the fish. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled over the salmon, giving a fresh contrast to the deep colors of the sauce. The background is a smooth, white marbled texture that highlights the pan and the salmon inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season the Salmon

Pat your salmon dry with paper towels to get that nice caramelization later. Then sprinkle with kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and if you love a little extra kick, toss on some blackening seasoning. Setting this aside for a few minutes helps the flavors soak in.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Move your oven rack to the middle position and preheat the broiler. This is key—if you put the rack too high, the honey in the glaze can burn before the salmon cooks through. Get your oven-safe skillet ready on medium-high heat with butter and olive oil melting together to create the perfect base for the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

Add your minced garlic, water, soy sauce, sriracha, honey, and lemon juice to the melted butter and oil. Stir it around and let it heat just 30 seconds or so until fragrant and well combined. This quick step unlocks the flavors without burning the garlic.

Step 4: Sear the Salmon

Place your salmon fillets skin-side down if they have skin. Cook for about 3 minutes, and here’s my secret: keep basting the salmon with the sauce using a spoon. This keeps the fish moist and keeps building that irresistible glaze layer.

Step 5: Broil to Perfection

Pop the skillet under the broiler for 5 to 6 minutes. Remember to baste once more during that time to layer on the sticky glaze. When the salmon is beautifully caramelized and flakes easily with a fork, you’re done!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

For a fresh finish, sprinkle with some minced parsley or green onion. It brightens up the rich glaze and makes for a pretty plate.

Top Tip

This Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe shines brightest when you master broiling and basting. I learned that heat management and attention during cooking make all the difference between burnt sauce and that perfectly sticky, caramelized finish we all love.

Rack Position Matters: Always place your oven rack in the middle — too close to the broiler, the honey burns fast.
Frequent Basting: Don’t just set and forget; spoon that sauce over the salmon several times to build layers of flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each filet a little breathing room so the heat circulates evenly for consistent cooking.
Use Fresh Garlic: It really amps up the flavor—skip the pre-minced for this dish if you can.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe

Honey Garlic Salmon - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top this salmon with finely chopped parsley—it adds a fresh, herbal pop that cuts through the richness. Thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds also give a nice crunch and a little extra flavor dimension.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides include garlic mashed potatoes or a fluffy quinoa salad paired with steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts. The silky salmon sauce pairs beautifully with grains and green veggies for a balanced meal without extra fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like plating the salmon on a bed of fragrant jasmine rice or tossed arugula, drizzling extra glaze around the plate like restaurant-style. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens always elevates the look for guests — who will definitely ask for the recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop leftover salmon into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. The glaze stays sticky and flavorful, though the texture softens a little. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this glazed salmon a few times wrapped tightly in foil and then in a freezer bag. While the texture shifts slightly after thawing, it reheats nicely in a skillet or oven and still tastes delicious — great for meal prep!

Reheating

To keep the salmon juicy, I reheat gently in a non-stick skillet over low heat, spooning any leftover glaze back over the top. You can also cover it loosely with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen salmon for this Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to prevent sogginess and help the glaze adhere better. Fresh salmon generally yields a better texture but frozen works well in a pinch.

How do I prevent the honey from burning under the broiler?

Place your oven rack in the middle position, not too close to the broiler, and keep a close eye while cooking. Basting the salmon with the sauce frequently also helps protect it from direct heat and keeps the glaze luscious.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with more olive oil or a dairy-free margarine. The flavor might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious and keep the glaze nice and glossy.

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

Look for the salmon to flake easily with a fork and appear opaque all the way through. The broiling time is a great guide, but check it a little early if your fillets are thinner or thicker than average to avoid overcooking.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t get enough of this Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe. It’s become my go-to when I want something that feels super-satisfying but isn’t a hassle. I love how the glaze creates that glossy, sticky finish—it’s like a little gourmet moment at home. Try it, and I bet it becomes one of your kitchen favorites too!