Name: Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 (6 oz each) salmon filets; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika; 1/4 tsp blackening seasoning (optional); 3 Tbsp butter; 2 tsp olive oil; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup honey; 3 Tbsp water; 3 Tbsp soy sauce; 1 Tbsp sriracha sauce; 2 Tbsp lemon juice

There’s something truly irresistible about the combination of sweet honey and punchy garlic on perfectly cooked salmon. This Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe hits all the right notes with a sticky, savory glaze that’ll have you coming back for seconds—and maybe thirds too!

The image shows three pieces of cooked salmon with a shiny, dark amber glaze coating each piece evenly. The salmon has a rich orange-brown color with some black pepper and herbs sprinkled on top. One piece is being cut by a fork, revealing the soft, light pink inside of the fish. The salmon sits in a black pan filled with sauce, and the pan is placed on a white marbled surface. Small bits of green herbs are scattered on the salmon and sauce, adding a touch of color 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

This honey garlic glazed salmon recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites when I want a meal that's impressive but still super easy to pull off. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or even when you want to impress guests with something homemade and restaurant-quality without the hassle.

Crazy quick to make: You can have dinner on the table in under 20 minutes, making it fantastic for squeezed-for-time evenings.
Flavor explosion: The sweet honey paired with garlicky richness and a touch of heat makes every bite a delightful punch of taste.
Simple ingredients: No need to hunt down fancy stuff; all you need is probably sitting right in your pantry.
Versatile and customizable: Easily adapt the glaze to be spicier, tangier, or milder depending on your mood or what you have on hand.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe lies in balancing sweet, savory, sour, and spicy. Each ingredient plays a key role to create that beautiful glaze that gets caramelized just right under the broiler. Knowing why each is important helps you tweak the flavors confidently.

Flat lay of fresh raw salmon filets with smooth pink flesh and silver skin, a small mound of coarse kosher salt, a small pile of ground black pepper, a tiny heap of bright red smoked paprika powder, a small pat of creamy butter, a few glossy cloves of garlic, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl with clear water, a small white ceramic bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant red sriracha sauce, a small white ceramic bowl containing fresh pale yellow 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: Choose fresh, skin-on salmon if possible for crispier texture and to help keep the fish moist.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor without overpowering it.
Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that pairs beautifully with honey’s sweetness.
Blackening seasoning (optional): A dash brings extra depth and a hint of bold spice if you want to punch it up.
Butter & olive oil: Butter adds richness while olive oil helps keep the pan from sticking and balances flavors.
Garlic: Freshly minced for a pungent, fragrant hit that’s the backbone of the glaze.
Honey: Provides sticky sweetness and helps caramelize the salmon as it broils.
Water: Thins the sauce slightly to prevent it from burning too quickly.
Soy sauce: Adds salty umami depth that balances honey’s sweetness perfectly.
Sriracha sauce: Gives a gentle spicy kick, adjustable to your heat preference.
Lemon juice: Brightens and cuts through the richness with a fresh citrus tang.

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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 tweak this recipe depending on my mood or what I’ve got around. Whether I’m craving something a bit smoky or prefer it more fiery, this honey garlic glazed salmon recipe is forgiving and easy to personalize.

Variation: Sometimes I swap sriracha for a smoky chipotle hot sauce for an earthy, smoky heat—I highly recommend trying this if you love smoky flavors.
Lower sugar: If you watch your sugar intake, reduce honey by half and add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy counterbalance.
Herb twist: Toss chopped fresh basil or cilantro on at the end for an herbaceous pop that refreshes the dish.
Cooking method: While broiling is my go-to for crisp, caramelized edges, you can also bake or pan-sear if that’s easier.

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

Two pieces of cooked fish with a shiny reddish-brown sauce sit in a silver pan. The fish is sprinkled with small green herbs. A woman's hand holds a silver spoon, pouring more sauce on the piece of fish closest to the front. The sauce looks thick and glossy, with visible spices. The pan has some brown cooked bits on its sides and bottom. The background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season & Prepare Your Salmon

First things first, pat your salmon dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick and the skin crisp up. I season all sides with kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of blackening seasoning if I’m feeling adventurous. Set the seasoned fish aside so the flavors can mingle while you prep the glaze.

Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce on the Stove

Grab a large, oven-safe skillet and heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and the kitchen smells heavenly, toss in minced garlic, water, soy sauce, sriracha, honey, and lemon juice. Give it a good stir and cook for about 30 seconds until it’s warm and fragrant—just warming it up concentrates the flavors without burning.

Step 3: Cook Salmon & Baste

Place the salmon in the skillet skin-side down if it has skin, and cook for 3 minutes. This helps get that crisp texture on the skin and starts locking in moisture. During those 3 minutes, I like to spoon the sauce continuously over the tops of the filets—basting like this keeps the salmon juicy and builds up layers of flavorful glaze.

Step 4: Broil Salmon to Perfection

Transfer the skillet to the oven rack set in the middle position under the broiler (very important to avoid burning the sauce). Broil for about 5–6 minutes, depending on thickness, and baste once mid-way through. You’re looking for a caramelized, sticky glaze with a tender, perfectly cooked center—the salmon will flake easily but still look moist.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle minced fresh parsley or herbs of choice on top for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Then dive in while it’s warm and enjoy every luscious bite!

Top Tip

I’ve made this honey garlic glazed salmon more times than I can count, and I’ve learned that small details make a huge difference. Here are a few tips that’ll help get you that perfect glaze texture and flavor every time.

Rack Position Matters: Always place the oven rack in the middle—not too close to the broiler—so the glaze caramelizes without burning. I’ve scorched batches by putting the rack too high before!
Baste Frequently: Don’t just cook the salmon—basting with the sauce while it cooks locks in moisture and builds that beautifully sticky glaze.
Don’t Skip Drying: Patting the salmon dry before seasoning helps the skin crisp up and lets the seasoning stick properly.
Adjust Heat Carefully: Medium-high on the stove and careful broiling prevents the sugars in honey from burning while still caramelizing perfectly.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe

honey garlic salmon - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love keeping it simple here—just a sprinkle of minced fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of green and a mild herbaceous note that brightens this rich dish. Sometimes I add a few thin lemon slices or a dash of toasted sesame seeds for a bit of texture and extra visual appeal.

Side Dishes

One of my favorite pairings is steamed jasmine rice or garlic butter mashed potatoes—both soak up that luscious honey garlic sauce perfectly. Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or even a crisp simple salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness and adds freshness to each bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I love serving the glazed salmon over a bed of fluffy quinoa mixed with chopped herbs and toasted almonds for crunch. Drizzle extra glaze over the top and garnish with microgreens. It makes the plate look elegant yet approachable, perfect for guests or date night.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover glazed salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It reheats nicely without drying out if you’re careful. Just be sure to spoon some extra glaze or a little olive oil on top before warming.

Freezing

While fresh is always best, this salmon freezes okay if tightly wrapped in plastic and foil or vacuum sealed. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to preserve flavor and texture. I don’t recommend freezing the glaze sauce separately as it can separate when thawed.

Reheating

To keep the salmon moist when reheating, I pop it in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes with a little extra sauce drizzled on top. Using a lower heat helps prevent the glaze from burning or drying out. Microwave can work in a pinch, but watch carefully to avoid overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes! Just thaw the salmon fully in the refrigerator overnight and pat dry before seasoning and cooking. Frozen salmon works well, but make sure it’s well-drained so the glaze sticks properly.

What can I substitute for sriracha if I don’t like spicy food?

If you prefer milder flavors, you can omit the sriracha completely or substitute it with a small amount of smoked paprika or even a touch of honey to maintain balance without heat. The glaze will still be delicious and sweet.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but is still moist and tender inside. For this recipe, broil for 5-6 minutes, depending on thickness. The outside should be caramelized and slightly sticky, but avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.

Can I make the honey garlic glaze ahead of time?

You can prepare the glaze a few hours ahead and keep it covered at room temperature. Just gently rewarm before adding it to the skillet. However, I don’t recommend making it too far in advance because the fresh garlic flavor is at its best when freshly cooked.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe is one of those gems that I find myself turning to again and again when I want something quick, satisfying, and just a little bit elevated. It’s simple enough for a weekday but impressive enough for company. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a staple in my kitchen—I know you’ll enjoy it just as much as I do!