If you are searching for a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and crispy textures, look no further than this Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon. This recipe delivers tender, flaky salmon with a beautifully crisped skin, all coated in a luscious honey garlic glaze that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this dish offers a deliciously simple yet elegant way to elevate your salmon game. Get ready to fall in love with this irresistible combination that’s as stunning on the plate as it is delightful on the palate.

Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon recipe plays an essential role, coming together in a harmony of flavors and textures. From the golden honey that lends natural sweetness, to the punchy garlic and salty soy sauce, every component contributes to the perfect glaze. The olive oil helps achieve that coveted crispy skin, while fresh green onions add a pop of color and brightness at the end.

4 salmon fillets (skin-on): The skin-on fillets are key for creating that irresistibly crispy base while keeping the fish moist inside.
¼ cup honey: Provides a natural sweetness that balances the savory garlic and soy flavors.
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami depth and a hint of saltiness without overpowering the glaze.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Brings bold, aromatic flavor and a subtle kick to the glaze.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for searing the salmon to achieve that crispy skin and golden exterior.
Chopped green onions (for garnish): Adds freshness and a vibrant, eye-catching finish to the dish.

How to Make Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by rinsing your salmon fillets under cold water and then pat them completely dry with paper towels. This small but crucial step ensures that the skin crisps up beautifully when it hits the hot pan. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so taking the time to dry the fillets thoroughly is worth it for that satisfying snap.

Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, and minced garlic until fully combined. This glaze will coat the salmon, infusing each bite with sweet and savory layers of flavor. The honey’s natural stickiness helps the glaze adhere perfectly while caramelizing slightly during cooking.

Step 3: Sear the Salmon

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down into the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes, allowing the skin to turn a gorgeous golden brown and develop that all-important crispiness. Resist the urge to move them around to get the best sear.

Step 4: Glaze and Finish Cooking

Flip the salmon fillets gently to avoid breaking them. Brush half of your honey garlic glaze generously over the now-exposed flesh side, allowing the sauce to start caramelizing. Continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and is cooked to tender perfection.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once cooked, remove the salmon from the skillet and drizzle the remaining glaze over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions to add freshness and a burst of color that makes this dish truly pop on the plate.

How to Serve Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Garnishes

Chopped green onions are a delightful and simple garnish that brings a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant green color to the finished dish. For an extra touch, feel free to add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced red chili if you enjoy a bit of heat alongside the sweet glaze.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon pairs exceptionally well with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa, which soak up the flavorful glaze beautifully. For veggies, try roasted asparagus, garlic sautéed spinach, or tender green beans tossed with a little lemon zest for brightness and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to wow at your next dinner? Serve the salmon fillets over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or coconut rice for a luxurious twist. You can also turn this into a salmon bowl by adding pickled vegetables and avocado slices, creating a fresh and colorful meal that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, place the salmon in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the glaze separate if possible and add it fresh when reheating to maintain that lovely sticky texture.

Freezing

While salmon is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month to preserve flavor and texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat without drying out the salmon, use a low heat setting in a skillet with a small splash of water, covering lightly to steam it warm. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the skin soggy and the fish rubbery. Once reheated, brush on a little extra glaze to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before cooking to achieve the best crispy skin. Thawing overnight in the fridge is ideal.

Is it necessary to use skin-on salmon?

While the skin adds incredible texture and keeps the salmon moist, you can still make this recipe with skinless fillets. Just be careful when searing as skinless salmon can be more delicate.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the glaze?

If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the honey by a tablespoon or add a splash of lemon juice for extra tang to balance the flavors.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, the honey garlic glaze can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature before using for easier brushing.

What temperature should I cook the salmon to ensure it’s done?

The USDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F for safety and optimal texture. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the fillet.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon recipe is one of those dishes that feels special but is surprisingly easy to prepare. Its vibrant flavors and textures have made it a personal favorite that I love sharing with friends and family. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find that you’ve discovered a new weeknight go-to or an impressive dish to serve at your next gathering. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 5 reviews

Author: Isabella
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

This Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon recipe features perfectly seared salmon fillets topped with a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. The salmon skin crisps up beautifully in a hot skillet, providing a satisfying texture that complements the luscious glaze. Garnished with fresh green onions, this dish is a quick and delicious option for a healthy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

4 salmon fillets (skin-on)

Honey Garlic Glaze

¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking

2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish

Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients: Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving extra crispiness on the skin when cooked.
Make the Honey Garlic Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, and minced garlic until well combined. This glaze will add a balanced sweet and savory flavor to the salmon.
Sear the Salmon: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down carefully in the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Glaze and Finish Cooking: Flip the salmon fillets carefully to avoid breaking them. Brush half of the honey garlic glaze generously over the tops of the salmon. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Serve and Garnish: Drizzle the remaining glaze over the cooked salmon fillets. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish and serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure the salmon is thoroughly patted dry before cooking to achieve maximum skin crispiness.
Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels in the glaze.
You can adjust the amount of honey based on your preferred sweetness.
If you don’t have green onions, fresh chives or parsley can be used as garnish.
Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking the salmon.
Serve with steamed rice or a light salad to complement the rich flavors.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-searing
Cuisine: American