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This Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon recipe delivers tender, flaky salmon fillets coated in a glossy honey garlic glaze that balances sweetness and savoriness perfectly. It brings a touch of elegance to your table with minimal effort and ingredients, making it an ideal go to for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.
I first made this dish when I wanted something special but easy. It quickly became a favorite in my household, with everyone asking for seconds and the glaze recipe memorized by heart.
Ingredients
- Four salmon fillets: around six ounces each to ensure even cooking and portion size
- Soy sauce: adds salty depth and umami making the glaze savory and rich
- Olive oil: brings moisture and helps caramelize the glaze nicely when baked
- Brown sugar: contributes a gentle caramel note and balances the garlic’s sharpness
- Honey: for sweetness choose a runny, mild flavored honey for best glaze consistency
- Two cloves minced garlic: provide an aromatic warmth that infuses the salmon
- Ginger powder: offers subtle heat and a fragrant undertone fresh ginger can substitute for more punch
- Quarter teaspoon black pepper: for gentle spice and to lift other flavors
- Fresh parsley: optional for a bright, fresh garnish adding color and herbaceous notes
Instructions
- Searing the Flavor:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit which ensures hot even heat for cooking salmon quickly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mixing the Glaze:
- In a shallow dish thoroughly whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, ginger powder, and black pepper. This mixture will both marinate and glaze the salmon.
- Marinate the Salmon:
- Place your salmon fillets into the marinade ensuring every surface is coated well. Marinate for 10 to 15 minutes allowing the flavors to penetrate without making the fish too soft.
- Baking to Perfection:
- Arrange the marinated salmon on the prepared baking sheet keeping some space between each fillet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Check that the salmon flakes easily with a fork signaling it’s cooked through.
- Prepare the Glaze Sauce:
- While the salmon bakes, pour the remaining marinade along with an added tablespoon of honey into a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly to a syrup like consistency.
- Glazing and Caramelizing:
- Once the salmon is out of the oven, brush it generously with the prepared glaze. Place the salmon under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes watching carefully until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes without burning.
- Final Touch:
- Garnish the finished salmon with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately to enjoy its full flavor and appeal.
My favorite part about this recipe is the glaze. The harmony of honey and garlic elevates the salmon beyond simple baked fish. I remember serving it for a family dinner when my inlaws raved about how they’d never had salmon taste so balanced and gourmet yet so homey. That moment made this recipe a keeper.
Storage Tips
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It remains fresh for up to three days. To reheat gently cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes. This method prevents drying out.
Ingredient Substitutions
Maple syrup is a great alternative to brown sugar adding a deeper sweetness and unique flavor. Fresh minced ginger can replace ginger powder if you prefer a brighter, more pungent taste. Tamari can substitute soy sauce if gluten free options are needed without compromising flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts to complement the glaze’s sweetness. Creamy mashed potatoes pair beautifully offering a contrast to the sticky salmon. A crisp green salad works well to lighten the plate and provide freshness.
Taking the time to create this glaze and perfectly cook the salmon is well worth the impressive result. Enjoy the comforting sweetness combined with savory garlic notes every time you make it.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of salmon is best for this dish?
Use fresh, skin-on salmon fillets around 6 oz each for even cooking and optimal flavor.
- → Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Yes, the glaze can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to one day before use.
- → How do I avoid overcooking the salmon?
Bake until just cooked through and flaking easily, then broil briefly to caramelize the glaze without drying out the fish.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad complement the flavors perfectly.
- → Is it possible to add spice to the glaze?
Yes, adding red pepper flakes to the glaze provides a subtle and pleasant heat.