There's something incredibly comforting about the sweet and savory combo in this Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe. The sticky glaze and tender salmon create a mouthwatering experience that's truly worth your time in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, this will be a weeknight staple.

A close-up of three salmon fillets in a pan covered with a shiny, dark orange-brown glaze that looks sticky and spicy, sprinkled with small green herbs and black pepper bits. The fillets have a bright orange color with white lines running through them. In the front, a woman's hand holds a silver fork that pulls off a small piece of the fish, showing the tender, light pink inside of the salmon. The background is a white marbled texture. 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

I've made this Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe countless times and it always impresses. The balance of flavors is just right—sweet honey, tangy lemon, a hint of spice, and that rich garlic punch. It’s quick, elegant, and ridiculously tasty.

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Bold Flavor: The honey garlic glaze adds a perfect sweet-savory combo that elevates simple salmon.
Versatile: Whether serving family dinners or impressing guests, it fits every occasion.
Healthy & Delicious: Packed with protein and omega-3s while still being incredibly flavorful.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe works so well because each ingredient complements the others perfectly. The honey balances the tang of lemon juice and the punch of soy sauce, while garlic and smoked paprika bring wonderful aroma and depth.

Flat lay of fresh salmon filets with vibrant pink flesh, whole uncracked brown eggs, a small mound of coarse kosher salt crystals, a scattering of black peppercorns, a small pile of bright red smoked paprika powder, fresh golden butter slab, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear olive oil, several whole garlic cloves with papery skins intact, a small white ceramic bowl holding golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl of clear water, a small white ceramic bowl with dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red sriracha sauce, a small white ceramic bowl containing fresh yellow lemon juice, fresh green parsley sprigs arranged nearby, all arranged symmetrically 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, firm fillets with skin on if you like that crispy texture.
Kosher salt: It seasons the fish well and helps bring out natural flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle bite without overwhelming the sweet glaze.
Smoked paprika: Gives a warm, smoky undertone enhancing the glaze’s complexity.
Blackening seasoning: Optional, but it adds a nice kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create that irresistible glossy sauce.
Olive oil: Keeps the fish from sticking and balances the butter’s heaviness.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with bright, punchy flavor.
Honey: The star of the glaze — provides natural sweetness and sticky texture.
Water: Helps loosen the glaze just enough to coat the salmon nicely.
Soy sauce: Adds umami and depth to balance the sweetness.
Sriracha sauce: Brings a mild heat that jazzes up the glaze.
Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens and lifts all the other flavors.

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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 how forgiving this Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe is for tweaks. Whether you prefer your salmon a bit spicier, or want to swap out the sriracha for something milder, it’s easy to tailor it to your taste.

Variation: Sometimes I swap sriracha for chili flakes to control the heat more precisely — a small change that makes a big difference for my spice-loving friends.
Dietary Modification: For a gluten-free version, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce. It works perfectly without altering flavor balance.
Seasonal Flair: Adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary into the glaze gives this dish a lovely herbaceous twist during cooler months.

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

The image shows two thick, golden-brown salmon pieces in a wide white pan filled with a dark shiny sauce. The salmon pieces have a slightly crispy texture on top and are sprinkled with small green herb bits. A woman's hand holds a silver spoon dripping the glossy sauce onto the salmon piece in the front, making the sauce look sticky and rich. The background is blurred but also shows the sides of the white pan with a smooth texture. The overall scene looks warm and appetizing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season the Salmon with Love

Start by patting your salmon filets dry — this little step helps the seasoning stick and keeps the skin crispier. Sprinkle kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and if you like, a pinch of blackening seasoning evenly on both sides. Let the salmon rest while you prep the sauce. This simple seasoning combo really amps up the natural flavor without overpowering it.

Step 2: Whip Up the Glaze

In a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Once melted, add minced garlic, honey, water, soy sauce, sriracha, and lemon juice. Stir it gently and cook for about 30 seconds until everything’s warmed and the aroma fills your kitchen. The key here is to not cook the sauce too long so it doesn’t burn or become bitter.

Step 3: Sear and Baste the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet (if they have skin). Let them cook for 3 minutes uninterrupted, then start basting the salmon with the sauce from the pan every 30 seconds or so. This builds that gorgeous sticky glaze and keeps the fish moist. It’s one of those steps that really makes a difference — I promise it’s worth the little extra attention.

Step 4: Broil for Perfect Finish

Transfer your skillet to the oven with the rack in the middle position and broil the salmon for 5 to 6 minutes. Be sure to baste once during broiling for an extra glossy finish. Keep a close eye so the glaze caramelizes beautifully without burning. When done, the salmon should flake easily and be irresistibly lacquered in that sticky honey garlic goodness.

Top Tip

From my many tries in the kitchen, a few tips can truly make your Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe shine. These little tricks helped me take it from great to unforgettable, and I want you to have the same confidence when you make it!

Adjust Rack Position Carefully: Make sure the oven rack is centered — too high and the glaze burns easily, too low and you miss that perfect caramelization.
Pat Salmon Dry Thoroughly: Moisture on the fish prevents proper searing and glaze adhesion, so don’t skip this step.
Baste Frequently: Spoon the sauce over the salmon as it cooks to build layers of flavor and keep it moist.
Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: I prefer cast iron for even heat and easy transition from stovetop to broiler without transferring fish.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe

honey garlic salmon - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little fresh minced parsley on top right before serving — it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note that brightens up the glazed salmon beautifully. Sometimes a few lemon wedges on the side are perfect too, letting everyone squeeze a little extra tang.

Side Dishes

This salmon pairs wonderfully with simple sides like garlic roasted green beans, fluffy jasmine rice, or a crisp garden salad. If I’m feeling indulgent, mashed potatoes make a luxurious pairing that soaks up every drop of the glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinner parties, I like to serve the salmon over a bed of wilted spinach or quinoa, drizzling extra glaze artistically on the plate. Adding edible flowers or microgreens lifts the presentation and always impresses guests without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place leftover glazed salmon in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. I’ve found it best eaten within 2 days to ensure it stays tender and the glaze doesn’t become overly sticky or thickened.

Freezing

While I prefer fresh, you can freeze cooked salmon wrapped tightly in foil and stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture retention.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a skillet over low heat, spooning a bit of extra honey garlic sauce over the top. This keeps it moist and restores some of that fresh-from-the-pan magic better than the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents excess moisture that can dilute the glaze.

How spicy is the honey garlic glaze with sriracha?

The sriracha adds a mild to moderate heat that balances the sweetness of the honey. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference or swap it for chili flakes for more control.

Can I bake the salmon instead of broiling it?

You can bake the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, but broiling gives you that beautiful caramelized glaze I love. If baking, keep an eye to avoid drying out the fish.

What can I serve with this salmon for a dinner party?

This salmon shines alongside sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a fresh spring mix salad. For an elegant touch, try serving on a bed of quinoa with a lemon vinaigrette.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe is one of those gems I love sharing with friends because it feels so much like a treat without demanding tons of time or effort. The sticky glaze, garlicky punch, and tender fish make a combo that’s easy to fall in love with. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite salmon recipe.