5-Ingredient Honey Garlic Salmon – Sweet, Savory & Easy!
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Honey Garlic Salmon
Looking for a restaurant-quality salmon dish that’s incredibly easy to make at home? This 5-Ingredient Honey Garlic Salmon is about to become your new favorite! With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a glossy, flavorful glaze that transforms ordinary salmon into a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressive enough for weekend entertaining, this DailyMeatRecipe sensation delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. The sweet and savory balance of honey and garlic creates an irresistible caramelized finish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients of Honey Garlic Salmon
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Salmon fillets | 4 (6 oz each) |
| Honey | 1/4 cup |
| Soy sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Garlic, minced | 4-5 cloves |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon (optional) |
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Protein | 34g |
| Carbs | 15g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 94mg |
| Sodium | 720mg |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 14g |
| Calcium | 2% DV |
| Iron | 8% DV |
| Potassium | 15% DV |
| Vitamin D | 90% DV |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 1.8g |
Nutrition values are approximate and based on one 6 oz salmon fillet with glaze.
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions for Honey Garlic Salmon
- Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them in a shallow dish. Season with a little black pepper if desired (this is optional and doesn’t count toward the 5 core ingredients).
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Marinate: Pour two-thirds of the honey garlic mixture over the salmon, reserving the remaining third for basting. Turn the fillets to coat evenly. Let marinate for 15-30 minutes (longer if you have time, but even 15 minutes makes a difference).
- Preheat: Set your oven to broil (high) and position the rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly oil or spray it.
- Cook: Transfer the salmon fillets to the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down. Broil for 6-8 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Baste and finish: Remove the salmon from the oven, brush with the reserved honey garlic mixture, and return to broil for an additional 1-2 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Rest and serve: Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over the salmon and serve immediately.
Helpful Tips for Honey Garlic Salmon
Cooking Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Marinating time: 15-30 minutes
- Cook time: 8-10 minutes
- Total time: 35-50 minutes
- Serves: 4
Temperature Notes
- For perfectly cooked salmon, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C)
- For those who prefer medium salmon, aim for 125-130°F (52-54°C)
- Watch carefully during the final broiling to prevent burning the glaze
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce
- Pair with simple steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or bok choy
- Add a side of avocado slices for a creamy contrast
- Garnish with thinly sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added visual appeal and flavor
- A simple cucumber salad makes a refreshing side dish
Ingredient Substitutions
- No fresh garlic? Use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder instead
- Coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for a gluten-free option
- Maple syrup or brown sugar can substitute for honey
- No lemon? Use lime juice or rice vinegar for acidity
- For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the glaze
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes! Thaw frozen salmon completely in the refrigerator overnight, then pat it dry thoroughly before marinating. Frozen salmon may release more moisture during cooking, so you might want to pat it extra dry and consider reducing the marinade time to 15 minutes.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
Perfectly cooked salmon should flake easily with a fork but still be slightly translucent in the center. It should feel firm but still yield slightly to gentle pressure. If you’re using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safety, but many chefs prefer 125-130°F (52-54°C) for a more tender result.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While salmon is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the honey garlic glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salmon can be marinated for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator, but avoid marinating longer as the acids in the lemon juice can begin to “cook” the fish.
Can I cook this salmon on the stovetop instead?
Absolutely! Heat a tablespoon of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon skin-side down first for about 4 minutes until crispy, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Add the reserved glaze to the pan for the last minute of cooking, spooning it over the salmon as it thickens.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat gently in a 275°F (135°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until just warmed through. Microwaving can make salmon dry and rubbery, so it’s best avoided if possible.
How to Make Honey Garlic Salmon Even Better
For an extra layer of flavor that elevates this simple dish to new heights, try adding a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger to the glaze! At DailyMeatRecipe, we’ve found this simple addition brings a wonderful aromatic quality that perfectly complements the honey and garlic.
Give this 5-Ingredient Honey Garlic Salmon a try tonight and let us know what you think in the comments section below! We’d love to hear how this easy recipe worked for you and any variations you created to make it your own.
