There’s something wonderfully comforting about the sweet and savory combo in this Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe. It hits that perfect balance of sticky honey, punchy garlic, and a subtle kick that turns plain salmon into a dinner you actually look forward to making.

The image shows three thick pieces of cooked salmon with a shiny, dark orange-brown glaze on top, sprinkled with black pepper and small green herbs. The glaze looks sticky and slightly thick, covering the whole top surface of each salmon piece. The top layer is the dark orange-brown sauce with herbs, the middle layer is the salmon’s moist, flaky pink flesh, and the bottom is a small amount of the dark sauce pooling underneath. A silver fork is pulling a small piece from the middle salmon near the front. The salmon is in a pan with a dark edge, and the background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this honey garlic glazed salmon is one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it feels fancy but requires zero fancy skills or ingredients. Every time I make it, the kitchen fills with the most inviting aroma that’s both sweet and garlicky – it’s like love in a pan!

Simplicity that Impresses: You only need a handful of pantry staples, and it comes together in under 20 minutes.
Sweet & Savory Harmony: The honey and garlic glaze creates a sticky, flavorful coating that locks in moisture while boosting flavor.
Flexible & Customizable: You can tweak the spice level or swap ingredients easily, making it great for various tastes.
Perfect Texture: Broiling finishes the salmon with a delicious caramelized glaze that’s just irresistible.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe plays a part in creating a depth of flavor that feels both balanced and exciting. Plus, it’s easy to shop for, and chances are you have most of these staples on hand.

Flat lay of four fresh salmon filets with smooth pink flesh, a small mound of coarse kosher salt crystals, a small pile of ground black pepper, a tiny heap of vibrant red smoked paprika powder, an uncracked whole brown egg representing the blackening seasoning option, a few pats of creamy butter, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, six peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with amber honey, a small white bowl of clear water, a small white bowl containing dark soy sauce, a small white bowl with bright red sriracha sauce, and a small white bowl of freshly squeezed lemon juice placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salmon filets: Fresh, thick cuts work best for a juicy interior and crispy exterior after broiling.
Kosher salt: Enhances natural flavors without overpowering.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and complexity.
Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth that deepens every bite.
Blackening seasoning (optional): Adds a little extra spice for those who want a kick.
Butter: Creates a rich, silky base for the sauce while helping the garlic mellow out.
Olive oil: Boosts browning without burning the butter.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must for that unmistakable punch.
Honey: The star sweetener that gives this glaze its sticky, caramelized magic.
Water: Helps balance the sauce and keeps it from getting too thick right away.
Soy sauce: Adds umami depth and a salty balance to the sweetness.
Sriracha sauce: Just a bit for a subtle tangy heat that wakes up the glaze.
Lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with fresh acidity to contrast the honey’s sweetness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love to throw a little extra flavor into my glaze or adjust the heat level based on my mood. This recipe is super forgiving, so feel free to tweak it — it’s all about making it yours!

Variation: One time, I swapped out the sriracha for a dash of smoked chipotle powder for a deeper smoky heat, and it was a game-changer.
Less Heat: If you’re not into spice, simply omit the sriracha, and the glaze remains beautifully flavorful.
Extra Citrus: In summer, I sometimes add a bit of orange zest to the glaze for a bright twist.
Gluten-Free: Just use tamari instead of soy sauce, and you’re good to go.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe

The image shows two thick pieces of cooked salmon with a shiny, dark reddish-brown glaze layered on top and around them in the pan. The glaze looks sticky and smooth, with small green herb bits sprinkled on the salmon pieces, adding a fresh touch. A woman's hand holds a silver spoon above the closest salmon piece, dripping the same rich sauce gently onto it. The pan is metallic with a slightly blurred background, and the whole scene rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season and Prep the Salmon

The first thing I do is pat the salmon filets dry — this step is crucial because dry skin crisps up way better under the broiler. Then, I sprinkle on kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and if I’m feeling adventurous, a little blackening seasoning. Setting them aside while I prep the sauce lets the flavors start to meld.

Step 2: Whip Up That Honey Garlic Sauce

Next, I heat butter and olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter’s melted, I toss in minced garlic, water, soy sauce, sriracha, honey, and fresh lemon juice. Just about 30 seconds of cooking is perfect to warm through the sauce and wake up all the flavors — make sure not to overcook it here, or the garlic might get bitter.

Step 3: Sear the Salmon and Baste Away

Then, I lay the salmon skin side down in the pan — if your filets have skin — and let them cook for about 3 minutes. While it’s cooking, I constantly spoon the sauce over the tops to create that irresistible glaze. It’s like giving your salmon a flavor bath that locks in juiciness.

Step 4: Broil to Caramelized Perfection

Here's a trick: Before you broil, move the oven rack to the middle position. Broiling too close to the top can burn the honey. Pop the skillet into the broiler for 5 to 6 minutes, basting once more during the broil. When the salmon is glistening with a deeply caramelized coating and flaky but not dry, you know it's done.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

I like to sprinkle some fresh minced parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. It’s an easy step but one that makes the final plating feel special and bright.

Top Tip

Through making this Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe over and over, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make a big difference. These tips will help ensure your salmon comes out juicy, flavorful, and glazed to perfection every single time.

Dry the Salmon Thoroughly: Patting the salmon dry before seasoning prevents a soggy texture and helps create that crisp exterior.
Mid-Rack Broiling: Always set your oven rack in the middle to avoid the honey glaze from burning under intense heat.
Frequent Basting: Spoon the sauce over the salmon while cooking and broiling to build layers of sticky, rich flavor.
Don’t Overcook: Watch the salmon close towards the end; it should flake easily but still be moist, not dry.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe

honey garlic salmon - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually go simple with garnishes: a sprinkle of fresh minced parsley or chopped green onions adds a fresh, herbal note that brightens the rich glaze. Sometimes, a few lemon wedges on the side help if you want an extra citrus kick on the plate.

Side Dishes

This glazed salmon pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up every drop of that honey garlic sauce. I also love a crisp side of sautéed green beans or roasted asparagus — the slight bitterness contrasts the sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like plating this salmon over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes, drizzling a bit more glaze on top, and finishing with microgreens. It instantly makes the dish feel elevated and impressive with minimal fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover glazed salmon keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the salmon and any extra sauce separately if you want to reheat without losing that fresh glaze texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked glazed salmon wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil before, and it freezes okay for up to 2 months. Just be aware the texture might soften slightly upon thawing, but the flavors hold up nicely.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the salmon in a low oven (about 275°F/135°C) for 10-15 minutes, loosely covered with foil. This helps maintain moisture and prevents drying out. I reheat any extra sauce on the stovetop and spoon it over the warmed salmon for that fresh glaze pop.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen salmon for this Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon fully and pat it dry before seasoning to achieve the best texture and glaze.

What if I don’t have a broiler?

You can finish the salmon in a hot oven (around 450°F/230°C) for a few minutes to caramelize the glaze, but watch carefully to prevent burning. Alternatively, a hot skillet sear after cooking can add a nice finish.

How spicy is the sriracha in this recipe?

The sriracha adds a mild kick, but it’s subtle enough that you can adjust it to your liking or remove it entirely if you prefer no heat.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine; the sauce still tastes amazing.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen for quick weeknight dinners and relaxed weekend meals alike. It’s got that perfect interplay of sweet, savory, and spice that’s just so comforting but still feels special. I truly hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — and that it becomes a favorite in your recipe rotation, too.