Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon

This crispy honey garlic glazed salmon transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into restaurant-worthy meals in just 25 minutes. The perfect balance of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a caramelized exterior while keeping the salmon moist and flaky inside.

This recipe became my family's favorite after a failed dinner party where I burned an elaborate roast. I quickly made this salmon as a backup, and my guests raved about it more than any complicated dish I'd ever served them.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets with skin on: provides natural fat that crisps beautifully and prevents sticking to the pan
• Honey: creates the perfect sticky sweet glaze and helps achieve caramelization
• Low sodium soy sauce: adds umami depth without making the dish too salty
• Fresh minced garlic: infuses the glaze with aromatic flavor that balances the sweetness
• Olive oil: helps achieve that golden crust and prevents sticking
• Green onions: add a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor to finish the dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the salmon:

Rinse salmon fillets under cold water and thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures you get a crispy exterior. Look for moisture droplets and dab them all away to prevent steaming instead of searing.

Create the glaze:

In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic until completely combined. The mixture should look uniform and slightly thickened. This balanced combination creates the perfect sweet and savory coating that will caramelize beautifully on the fish.

Sear the salmon:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully place salmon fillets skin side down in the hot pan. Press gently with a spatula to ensure full contact with the pan. Cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until the skin becomes golden brown and crispy.

Glaze and finish cooking:

Using a fish spatula, gently flip each fillet. Immediately brush half of your prepared glaze over the tops of the salmon. Allow to cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. The glaze will bubble and thicken as it cooks, creating a beautiful shiny coating.

Serve and garnish:

Transfer the glazed salmon to serving plates. Drizzle the remaining glaze evenly over each fillet, allowing it to cascade over the sides. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the top for color contrast and a fresh flavor element.

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The honey in this recipe is truly the star ingredient. I once substituted regular clover honey with local wildflower honey from our farmers market, and the floral notes added an incredible dimension to the dish. My daughter now requests this salmon every year for her birthday dinner, calling it her "special fancy fish."

Perfect Pairings

This honey garlic salmon pairs beautifully with simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. The crisp texture of barely cooked greens provides a wonderful contrast to the tender fish, while allowing the flavors of the glaze to shine. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa which will absorb any extra glaze that drips from the salmon.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover salmon will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat without drying out the fish, place it in a 275°F oven for about 15 minutes until just warmed through. Alternatively, enjoy it cold flaked over a salad for a delicious lunch option. The glaze maintains its flavor even when chilled, making this an excellent meal prep choice.

Ingredient Substitutions

No honey available? Pure maple syrup works wonderfully as a substitute and adds a slightly different flavor profile. For a lower carb option, use a brown sugar substitute with a splash of water. Coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for those avoiding soy, while lemon juice can be added to brighten the flavor if you prefer less sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of salmon works best for this dish?

Fresh, skin-on salmon fillets work best. The skin helps retain moisture and gives a crispy texture when cooked.

→ Can I substitute honey with another ingredient?

Yes, you can use maple syrup as a substitute for honey. It provides a slightly different sweetness while still complementing the garlic glaze.

→ How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork.

→ Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the honey garlic glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ What can I serve alongside this salmon?

This salmon pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, fluffy rice, or a light salad to complete the meal.