Garlic Honey Glazed Salmon a sweet and savory pan-seared salmon coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze is one of my favorite quick dinners to make. I love how the glaze caramelizes beautifully in the skillet, creating a glossy, flavorful coating that feels elegant yet takes only minutes to prepare. When I want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen, this is the recipe I turn to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The combination of honey and garlic creates the perfect balance of sweetness and savory depth. I get a crispy, golden sear on the outside while the inside stays tender and flaky.
I also appreciate how fast it cooks. In just over 10 minutes, I can have a nutritious, high-protein meal ready to serve. The ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly, which makes this dish perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute dinner idea.
When I want something naturally low in carbs, satisfying, and packed with flavor, this salmon never disappoints.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 salmon fillets
1½ teaspoons all-purpose seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce or garlic butter
1 teaspoon minced garlic
Optional: chopped chives or parsley for garnish
Directions
I start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels so I can get a perfect sear. Then I season both sides evenly with the all-purpose seasoning.
I heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil or butter. Once it starts shimmering, I place the salmon skin-side down in the skillet. I let it sear for about 4 to 5 minutes without moving it so the skin becomes crispy and golden brown.
Next, I carefully flip the salmon. I add the honey, soy sauce (or garlic butter), and minced garlic directly into the pan. As it cooks for another 2 to 3 minutes, I continuously spoon the sauce over the salmon. I watch as the glaze thickens, turns glossy, and beautifully coats the fish.
Once the salmon is cooked through, I remove it from the heat and garnish with chopped chives or parsley if I want a fresh finish. I like serving it immediately while it’s warm and sticky.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2 servings.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Calories: Approximately 390 kcal per serving
Variations
When I want to change things up, I sometimes add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for brightness. If I prefer a little heat, I mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the glaze.
For a deeper flavor, I swap the soy sauce for a splash of coconut aminos. I also enjoy adding a small knob of butter at the end to make the sauce even richer and silkier.
When I am serving guests, I occasionally pair the salmon with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes to turn it into a complete, satisfying meal.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers, I store the salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I prefer warming it gently in a skillet over low heat so the glaze does not burn. I sometimes add a small splash of water to loosen the sauce. I can also microwave it in short intervals, but I make sure not to overheat it to keep the salmon tender.
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FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
I can use frozen salmon, but I always thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to ensure a good sear.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
I check that the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The center should look opaque and moist.
Can I bake this instead of pan-searing?
Yes, I can bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes, adding the glaze during the last few minutes so it caramelizes nicely.
What can I serve with honey glazed salmon?
I like serving it with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. It also pairs well with steamed broccoli or asparagus.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, I simply use olive oil instead of butter and double-check that my soy sauce or seasoning blend is dairy-free.
Conclusion
Garlic honey glazed salmon is one of those recipes I keep in regular rotation because it is quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. I love how the sticky honey garlic glaze transforms simple salmon fillets into a dish that feels special yet effortless. Whenever I want a dependable, healthy dinner that tastes amazing, this is the recipe I confidently make again and again.
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Garlic Honey Glazed Salmon
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- Author: Isabella
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Sweet and savory pan-seared salmon coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze that caramelizes beautifully for a quick, elegant, and flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
1½ teaspoons all-purpose seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce or garlic butter
1 teaspoon minced garlic
Optional: chopped chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with all-purpose seasoning.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil or butter.
- Place the salmon skin-side down and sear for 4 to 5 minutes without moving until the skin is crispy and golden.
- Flip the salmon carefully and add honey, soy sauce (or garlic butter), and minced garlic to the pan.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, continuously spooning the glaze over the salmon as it thickens and becomes glossy.
- Remove from heat once the salmon flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Mix in red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos for deeper flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals to avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg








