This honey glazed salmon is sweet, tender, and so easy to make! The sticky glaze adds a yummy shine and flavor that makes this dish stand out. Dinner just got a bit fancy!
Simply cook the salmon, brush on the honey glaze, and watch it caramelize beautifully. I love serving it with rice or veggies, and who can resist that gorgeous shine? 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Choose fresh or frozen salmon fillets. I love the flavor of wild-caught salmon, but farmed salmon works great too. If you’re short on salmon, trout is a nice substitute!
Honey: For sweetness, pure honey is best, but maple syrup or agave syrup can also work if you’re vegan or don’t have honey on hand.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a great choice to control saltiness. If needed, tamari is gluten-free, and coconut aminos are a great soy-free option.
Dijon Mustard: For a slight zing, Dijon is the way to go, but yellow mustard can suffice in a pinch. If you want less tang, opt for honey mustard.
Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme offers a wonderful aroma. If you’re out, you can use dried thyme, but use about 1/3 of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do You Get That Perfect Sticky Glaze?
The glaze is what makes this salmon special! Start by making sure your heat is medium-low when adding it. This helps the glaze thicken nicely without burning. Here’s how:
- After cooking the salmon, pour the glaze over it in the pan.
- Spoon the glaze over the salmon consistently for 2-3 minutes until it becomes thick and sticky.
- Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking; you want the salmon tender and juicy.
By following these steps, you’ll coat your salmon perfectly and achieve a beautiful caramelized finish. Enjoy your meal! 🌟
How to Make Honey Glazed Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on or off as preferred
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
For the Honey Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Optional Sides:
- Cooked rice
- Steamed green vegetables (like broccoli or kale)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious honey glazed salmon takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a delightful meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Salmon:
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry using paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and gives you a nice sear when cooking! Next, season both sides generously with salt and fresh ground black pepper. Ready and seasoned!
2. Making the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, and lemon juice (if you’re using it). This will create a lovely, sticky glaze that will enhance the salmon’s flavor. Set this bowl aside; we’ll use it shortly!
3. Cooking the Salmon:
Now, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), carefully lay the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down (if skin is on). Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until you see the edges turn golden and crispy. It should smell amazing!
4. Flipping the Salmon:
Gently flip the salmon fillets using a spatula; they should lift easily. Cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and flaky. Always keep an eye on how well they’re cooking; you want them tender and juicy.
5. Adding the Glaze:
Once the salmon is done cooking, reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour that delicious honey glaze over the salmon in the skillet. Using a spoon, keep swirling the glaze over the salmon as it cooks for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will create that sticky, shiny finish we love!
6. Finishing Up:
Continue cooking until the salmon feels firm to the touch but still moist inside. You can check with a fork to see if it flakes easily.
7. Serving the Dish:
Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the salmon to plates. Serve it over a bed of cooked rice or your choice of sides. Don’t forget to spoon some extra honey glaze from the pan over the top for added flavor. Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh thyme for a nice touch.
8. Enjoy!
It’s time to dig in! This honey glazed salmon is not only beautiful on the plate but packed with flavor. Enjoy every delicious bite!
This recipe will yield a stunning, sticky-sweet salmon that looks as appetizing as the one in the picture. Happy cooking! 🍽️
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the salmon first. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat it dry before seasoning and cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Honey if Needed?
If you’re out of honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave syrup for a similar sweetness. Just keep in mind that it may change the flavor slightly, but will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat to avoid drying it out.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Dish?
Yes, you can definitely add vegetables! Broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers work great when steamed and served alongside the salmon. Just cook them while your salmon is cooking to make it a complete meal!
