Honey Garlic Salmon

Honey garlic salmon is one of the most popular salmon dinners for a reason. Sticky, savory, a little sweet, and it works every single time. ♡

It’s the kind of recipe people make once, then keep on repeat because it tastes like takeout but it’s done in 20 minutes. The sauce is simple: garlic, soy, honey, a little lemon to brighten it up. And the salmon stays tender because we cook it gently and glaze at the end, not the whole time.

Let’s make it together.

Ingredients

Honey Garlic Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)

• fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, grated or minced

• 1/3 cup honey

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, helps the sauce)

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thicker glaze)

• chopped parsley or sliced green onion, for garnish (optional)

• lemon wedges, for serving

Tips

• Pat salmon dry. It helps it sear instead of steaming.

• Don’t overcook. Pull it when it flakes easily and still looks a little glossy in the center.

• Add garlic after the salmon sears. Garlic burns fast.

• If you like a thicker glaze, use the cornstarch slurry. Totally optional.

Variations

• Spicy: add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a spoon of chili crisp.

• Orange honey garlic: swap lemon juice for orange juice.

• Oven method: bake at 400F for 10 to 12 minutes, then broil 1 to 2 minutes with glaze.

• Air fryer: cook salmon at 390F for 8 to 10 minutes, then brush on glaze.

FAQ