If you’re searching for a dish that brings together a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and delightfully crispy textures, look no further than this Easy Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe. This recipe is a total game-changer, delivering tender, flaky salmon with a mouthwatering honey garlic glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the skin. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish feels fancy yet comes together fast, making it an absolute favorite in my kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the glossy honey that creates the perfect glaze to the aromatic garlic that adds a punch of zest, these simple ingredients come together to make something truly special.
- Salmon fillets (skin-on): The skin crisps up beautifully, locking in moisture for a juicy bite every time.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps form that irresistible caramelized glaze on the salmon.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Brings in umami depth and balances the sweetness with a subtle saltiness.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the glaze with aromatic warmth that elevates the entire dish.
- Olive oil: Essential for achieving that golden, crispy skin without sticking.
- Chopped green onions: Fresh garnish that adds color contrast and a mild oniony crunch.
How to Make Easy Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Start by rinsing your salmon fillets under cold water to remove any surface residue. Then gently pat them dry with paper towels—this step is key for achieving that coveted crispy skin when cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, and minced garlic. This luscious glaze will coat the salmon and give it that signature sweet and savory finish.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering hot, it’s ready for the salmon, which will sizzle delightfully the moment it touches the pan.
Step 4: Cook the Salmon Skin-Side Down
Lay the salmon fillets carefully into the skillet, skin side down. Let them cook for about 4 minutes without moving them; this helps develop that golden, crispy skin everyone craves.
Step 5: Flip and Glaze the Salmon
Flip each fillet gently and brush half of your honey garlic glaze over the top. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the salmon’s internal temperature hits 145°F and the glaze caramelizes slightly.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once cooked through, drizzle any remaining glaze over the salmon and sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh burst of flavor and color. Your Easy Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe is ready to shine!
How to Serve Easy Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like chopped green onions is perfect, but you can also consider a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a wedge of fresh lemon. These simple touches brighten the dish while complementing the glaze’s rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, garlic roasted asparagus, or even a crisp mixed greens salad. The sides should ideally be light to balance out the bold, sticky glaze on the fish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salmon over a bed of sautéed spinach or quinoa, and drizzle extra glaze artistically around the plate. A few edible flowers or microgreens can add that extra wow factor when entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The glaze keeps the fish moist, but it’s best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked salmon wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the salmon gently in a low oven or a skillet over medium-low heat to help maintain its crisp skin and prevent it from drying out. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the fish rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, frozen salmon works perfectly. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat dry for the best crispy skin.
What if I don’t have soy sauce? Is there a substitute?
You can substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option, both of which maintain that savory umami flavor.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?
Look for an internal temperature of 145°F or when the flesh flakes easily with a fork yet remains moist and tender.
Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Absolutely! The glaze can be mixed a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
Is it necessary to cook the salmon skin-side down first?
Cooking skin-side down first helps to crisp it up and creates a natural barrier that keeps the fish juicy while cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe is everything you want in a homemade meal: straightforward, delicious, and impressive without the fuss. It’s our go-to when craving something special that doesn’t steal hours from the evening. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how effortless it is to create restaurant-worthy salmon right at home!
Print
Easy Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Easy Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a crispy skin. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delicious and healthy option for a quick weeknight dinner that impresses with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on)
Glaze
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon: Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin.
- Make the glaze: In a small mixing bowl, combine honey, low-sodium soy sauce, and minced garlic, mixing well to create a sweet and savory glaze.
- Heat the skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering.
- Cook skin-side down: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy.
- Flip and glaze: Carefully flip the salmon fillets over and brush half of the honey garlic glaze over each piece to infuse flavor.
- Finish cooking: Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Glaze and garnish: Drizzle any remaining glaze over the cooked salmon and garnish generously with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh salmon fillets with skin on to achieve crispiness.
- Be careful not to overcook the salmon; a food thermometer is helpful.
- You can substitute low-sodium soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
