Name: Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets — Choose wild-caught if possible; it tends to taste more complex and less “fishy.”; ¼ cup honey — This is your sweet base; pure honey caramelizes nicely.; 2 Tbsp soy sauce — Low-sodium soy sauce helps keep the salt under control.; 2 cloves garlic (minced — Fresh garlic adds depth. Pre-minced or garlic powder won’t give quite the same aroma.); 1 Tbsp lemon juice — Brightens the glaze and cuts through richness.; 1 Tbsp butter — Adds richness and helps the glaze get glossy.; 1 pinch black pepper — Just a little to balance sweetness.

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Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe | Sweet Savory Easy Dinner

I made this Honey Glazed Salmon recently, and wow—it was one of those dinners that feels fancy but doesn’t stress me out. The outside got a beautiful golden glaze, the inside stayed flaky and moist, and every bite hit with a sweet-savory punch.

I loved how few ingredients I needed. Cooking it under 30 minutes made it perfect for a weeknight when I want something impressive but easy.

If you’re a fan of other flavorful seafood ideas, you can also enjoy this Honey Lime Garlic Butter Baked Salmon recipe for another sweet-savory twist.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients I use, with measurements and what I’ve discovered along the way:

4 salmon fillets — Choose wild-caught if possible; it tends to taste more complex and less “fishy.”
¼ cup honey — This is your sweet base; pure honey caramelizes nicely.
2 Tbsp soy sauce — Low-sodium soy sauce helps keep the salt under control.
2 cloves garlic, minced — Fresh garlic adds depth. Pre-minced or garlic powder won’t give quite the same aroma.
1 Tbsp lemon juice — Brightens the glaze and cuts through richness.
1 Tbsp butter — Adds richness and helps the glaze get glossy.
1 pinch black pepper — Just a little to balance sweetness.

Note: serves 4 servings

Variations

Here are ways I’ve tweaked it (or seen others tweak it) to suit different tastes or dietary needs:

Dairy-free: omit butter or replace with a dairy-free buttery spread or extra olive oil.
Lower / sugar-reduced: use less honey, or blend in a bit of natural sweetener; citrus zest (like lemon or orange) can help boost flavor even with less sugar.
Gluten-free: use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce.
Spicy kick: add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce for heat.
Flavor add-ons: fresh ginger, sesame oil, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds make great twists.

Cooking Time

Here’s how this breaks down in time:

Prep Time: ~ 15 minutes
Cooking Time: ~ 15 minutes
Total Time: ~ 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

Here are the tools I find essential, and why:

Baking sheet lined with parchment paper — makes cleanup easier and helps prevent sticking.
Oven (preheated to 375°F / ~190°C) — for baking salmon evenly.
Tweezers or fish-bone pliers — to remove pin bones so you don’t end up biting on them.
Small bowl or mixing bowl — to mix the honey/soy/garlic/lemon glaze.

How to Make Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe?

Here’s how I make Honey Glazed Salmon, step by step:

Preparation & Prepping the Salmon

I begin by rinsing the salmon under cold water, patting it very dry with paper towels. I use tweezers to remove any pin bones, and if I’m keeping the skin on, I’ll lightly score it. Doing this helps the glaze adhere and the salmon cook more evenly without curling or steaming.

Marinating the Salmon

Next, I combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and lemon juice in a bowl to make a glaze. Then I coat the salmon fillets thoroughly and refrigerate them. I’ll marinate anywhere from 30 minutes up to 2 hours to let the flavors penetrate. Turning the fillets halfway through helps ensure both sides absorb flavor.

Baking & Broiling for Finish

I place the salmon fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with half of the glaze. Then I bake for about 12-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches ~145°F (63°C).

To get that caramelized topping, I finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. I keep a close eye so the sugars in the glaze don’t burn. Resting for 5 minutes off the heat lets the juices settle before serving.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my experience, these tricks help it turn out extra-delicious:

I always pat the salmon very dry before marinating. Moisture on the surface prevents good browning.
I adjust baking time by thickness; thick fillets might need a few extra minutes so they reach the correct internal temp.
I save some glaze to brush on near the end of baking and while broiling—this adds extra shine and layers of flavor.
I don’t skip resting—letting it sit for 5 minutes after cooking helps the flesh be juicy rather than dry.
I watch the broiler like a hawk; those last few minutes make the difference but honey burns easily.

How to Serve Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe?

Serve the salmon on a bed of steamed white rice or jasmine rice so it soaks up the extra glaze. On the side, roasted or steamed vegetables—like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans—add color and texture.

For more seafood dinner inspiration, you can also enjoy a luxurious crab stuffed salmon recipe that pairs beautifully with similar sides.

Nutritional Information

Here are estimated nutrition facts per serving (for four servings total):

Calories: ~ 300 kcal
Protein: about 25-30 g
Carbohydrates: ~ 15-20 g (mostly from the honey)
Fat: ~ 12-15 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Here’s how I handle leftovers or prep ahead:

Storage Guidelines

Once fully cooked, I let the salmon cool a little, then put it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays good for up to 3 days. Reheating gently helps preserve texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked glazed salmon: wrap it tightly or use freezer-friendly containers or bags. I’ve frozen pieces for 2 months, though the glaze sometimes loses a bit of its sheen after thawing. The texture softens a bit—but still good in a pinch.

Reheating

Thaw in the fridge first (if frozen). To reheat, I gently warm it in an oven (about 300-325°F / ~150-160°C) or in a skillet over low heat. I add a splash of water or extra glaze to avoid drying. Heating too quickly will dry out the salmon or burn glaze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are some reasons I think this one becomes a favorite in my kitchen (and might in yours too):

It’s fast: from start to table in about 30 minutes, which I love on busy nights.
Flavor-packed: sweet, tangy, and savory all at once—every bite has contrast and depth.
Adaptable: easy to tweak for dietary restrictions or flavor preferences (gluten-free, dairy-free, more spice, etc.).
Impressive look: the caramelized top, glossy glaze, and presentation make it feel special even though it’s simple.
Healthy and satisfying: salmon gives great protein and omega-3s, while the glaze adds flavor without needing heavy sauces or lots of oil.

For even more weeknight ideas that come together quickly, browse these delicious dinner recipes that complement the sweet-savory flavors of this honey glazed salmon.

Ash Tyrrell