Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe

I’ve always thought making salmon was kinda scary until I tried this honey garlic version because it’s super easy to whip up and fills your kitchen with awesome flavor even on the craziest weeknights.

i think my honey garlic salmon recipe is both healthy and tasty. i like using salmon fillets seared in olive oil with a glaze of honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and lemon juice.

its high protein and omega-3 content makes it a nutritious dish, and parsley adds a bright finish.

Ingredients

• Salmon: Rich in protein and omega fatty acids, it offers a hearty, healthy foundation for the dish.
• Honey: Gives a natural sweetness and smooth texture that balance out the sharper flavors.
• Garlic: Adds a bold, zesty punch and is really good for boostin the immune system.
• Soy sauce: Provides a salty, savory hit that deepens the overall flavor in a subtle way.
• Lemon juice: Brings a tangy brightness that cuts through the sweetness and enlivens the flavors.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Optional: pinch red chili flakes
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

2. In a small bowl, mix the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, and if you’re using it, a pinch of red chili flakes.

3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.

4. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

5. Once the oil is hot, place the salmon fillets in the skillet skin side down if they have skin, and let them sear for about 2 minutes.

6. Flip the fillets over and pour the honey garlic mixture evenly over each piece.

7. Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.

8. Bake the salmon for 8 to 10 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

9. Remove the skillet from the oven, and spoon some extra sauce over the salmon.

10. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 400°F)
2. Oven-safe skillet
3. Small mixing bowl
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Paper towels
6. Spatula or tongs
7. Fork (to check if the salmon flakes easily)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
  A: Yeah, you can use frozen salmon but make sure you defrost it completely and pat it dry with a paper towel before cooking so the marinade can really stick.
• Q: How do I know when my salmon is cooked enough?
  A: The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Be careful not to overcook it cause it might get dry.
• Q: Can I tweak the honey or garlic amounts if I like it sweeter or garlicky?
  A: For sure, feel free to adjust both the honey and garlic to your taste. Just keep in mind that more honey will make it sweeter and more garlic might be a little overpowering for some people.
• Q: Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
  A: Yes, you can mix up the marinade ahead and store in the fridge until the salmon is ready. Just do not marinate for too long cause the acid in the lemon juice can start to “cook” the fish.
• Q: Is it good to serve this with any side dish?
  A: Absolutely, this salmon goes great with rice, steamed veggies or even a light salad. It really depends on what youre in the mood for.

Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Olive oil: Use avocado oil or melted butter for a richer flavor
• Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar works pretty well as a substitute
• Soy sauce: Try tamari or coconut aminos if you want a gluten free alternative
• Lemon juice: Lime juice can give you a similar tangy kick
• Garlic: If you dont have fresh garlic, a small pinch of garlic powder might do the trick

Pro Tips

Here’s some pro tips to help you nail this salmon dish:

1. Make sure your pan is HOT – like really hot before you drop in the salmon. If it doesn’t sizzle right away, its gonna stick, and ain’t nobody got time for that. Let the oil heat up well so the salmon gets that nice sear and locks in flavor.

2. Don’t overcook! I know it sounds obvious, but checking the salmon around 8 minutes in the oven is key. If you poke it with a fork and it flakes easily, you’re golden. Overcooked salmon gets all tough and dry which totally ruins the meal.

3. Try adding a tiny pinch of red chili flakes when you mix the honey garlic sauce if you like a bit of heat. It won’t overpower the taste, just gives a little kick that makes the dish stand out.

4. Once it’s out of the oven, let it sit in the pan for like a minute or two before serving. It helps the juices settle in, so each bite is super moist and flavorful.

Enjoy your meal, and remember – practice makes perfect even when things don’t go exactly as planned!