This Pan-Seared Honey Garlic Salmon is a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious way to enjoy salmon! Tender, flaky salmon fillets are seared to perfection in a skillet and then coated in a sticky-sweet and savory honey garlic sauce with a bright hint of lemon. I love how this recipe comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. It’s a healthy, flavorful, and elegant meal that’s sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Salmon
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Honey Garlic Sauce: The combination of honey, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil creates a delicious sweet, savory, and slightly tangy glaze.
- Perfectly Cooked Salmon: Pan-searing ensures the salmon has a slightly crispy exterior while remaining moist and flaky inside.
- Healthy: Salmon is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses just a few pantry staples.
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Salmon
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious salmon. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Salmon and Seasoning
- Salmon fillet (Fish)
- Salt (Seasoning)
- Pepper (Spice)
- Cooking oil (Oil)
Honey Garlic Sauce
- Minced garlic cloves (Aromatic)
- Honey (Sweetener)
- Lemon juice (Acid)
- Olive oil (Oil)
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Variations
I love this Honey Garlic Salmon as is, but here are a few ideas for variations:
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Add Ginger: Add some grated fresh ginger to the sauce for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Different Citrus: Use orange juice instead of lemon juice.
- Add Soy Sauce: Add a tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari for an umami boost.
- Add Herbs: Garnish the finished dish with chopped fresh parsley, chives, or dill.
How to Make Honey Garlic Salmon
Let me show you how easy it is to make this Pan-Seared Honey Garlic Salmon:
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In a small bowl, I mix together the honey, lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic.
- I season with salt and pepper to taste, then set it aside.
Season and Sear Salmon
- I generously season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper on both sides.
- I heat a frying pan with a little cooking oil over high heat.
- Once the pan is hot, I add the salmon skin-side down and sear for 2-3 minutes.
Flip and Add Sauce
- I lower the heat to medium-low.
- I flip the salmon so it’s skin-side up.
- I pour the honey garlic sauce over the salmon.
Finish Cooking and Serve
- I cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and opaque.
- I remove it from the heat.
- I scoop the delicious sauce over the top of the salmon before serving.
Tips and Tricks for the BEST Salmon
Here are my secrets for making this salmon truly exceptional:
- Pat the Salmon Dry: Before seasoning, pat the salmon dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispier and the seasonings adhere better.
- Hot Pan: Make sure the pan is hot before adding the salmon to get a good sear.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked salmon is dry. Cook it until it’s just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Use Fresh Garlic and Lemon: Fresh ingredients provide the best flavor for the sauce.
- Spoon the Sauce: Spooning the sauce over the salmon as it finishes cooking helps to create a beautiful glaze.
How to Serve
This Honey Garlic Salmon is delicious served with:
- Rice: White rice, brown rice, or quinoa are all great options.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes.
- Salad: A simple green salad would complement the richness of the salmon.
- Noodles: Serve alongside or tossed with your favorite noodles.
Make Ahead and Storage
This dish is best served fresh. Leftover cooked salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet, microwave, or oven.
FAQs about Honey Garlic Salmon
- Can I use skinless salmon fillets?
- Yes, you can use skinless salmon fillets. The cooking time will be similar.
- Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-frying it?
- Yes, you can bake the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Pour the sauce over the salmon before baking.
- What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
- You can substitute with garlic powder (about ½ teaspoon), but fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
Enjoy this quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful Honey Garlic Salmon! It’s a perfect meal for any night of the week.
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Honey Garlic Salmon
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 1-2 1x
- Category: Main Course, Seafood
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Garlic Salmon is a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dish. Salmon fillet is pan-seared until crispy, then finished in a delicious sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal!
Ingredients
- 1 (10-ounce) salmon fillet (skin-on preferred)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for the pan
Instructions
- Make Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Prepare Salmon: Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat Pan: Heat a large skillet (cast iron or non-stick recommended) over high heat. Add a thin layer of cooking oil (about 1 teaspoon).
- Sear Salmon (Skin-Side Down): Once the pan is very hot, carefully place the salmon fillet in the skillet, skin-side down. Sear for 2-3 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and releases easily from the pan.
- Flip and Add Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Flip the salmon so it’s skin-side up. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the salmon fillet.
- Cook Through: Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through, flakes easily with a fork, and is opaque in the center. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Spoon some of the sauce over the salmon as it cooks.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Spoon the delicious sauce from the pan over the top of the salmon before serving. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Salmon: Using skin-on salmon helps keep the fish moist and provides a crispy texture. If you prefer skinless, adjust cooking time slightly.
- Pan Heat: Starting with high heat is crucial for a good sear on the skin. Reducing the heat when adding the sauce prevents the honey and garlic from burning.
- Doneness: Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your fillet. Use a fork or an instant-read thermometer (145°F/63°C) to check for doneness. Be careful not to overcook.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- Storage: Store leftover salmon and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.