If you’re craving a fast, flavor-packed dinner that feels gourmet without the fuss, this 5-Ingredient Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon is about to become your new go-to.
This salmon checks every box. It’s sweet, savory, sticky, and cooked to perfection in under 20 minutes.
With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep time, you can create a dish that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant.
We’ll cover everything from the ingredients you need to the best cooking methods, tips for perfect salmon, serving ideas, variations, and how to store leftovers.
Let’s get started.
What You Need for 5-Ingredient Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon
You only need five simple ingredients to make this recipe shine:
- Salmon fillets
- Honey
- Garlic
- Soy sauce (or a soy-free alternative)
- Butter
These ingredients build a balanced glaze that’s sweet, salty, garlicky, and buttery. The honey caramelizes beautifully, the soy sauce adds depth, and the garlic brings a bold, savory aroma.
When choosing salmon, look for firm, bright fillets with a mild smell. Fresh or frozen both work as long as the fish is fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural richness of the salmon to shine.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Honey Garlic Salmon
- Prep the salmon
Pat the fillets dry to ensure good browning. Lightly season with salt and pepper. - Make the glaze
Combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth. - Choose your cooking method Pan-Searing:
Heat a skillet with a little oil. Sear salmon for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden. Pour the glaze over the salmon and let it bubble and thicken. Baking:
Bake salmon at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes. During the last few minutes, brush with glaze and broil for added caramelization. Air Frying:
Air fry at 390°F for 8 to 10 minutes. Brush glaze on halfway through. - Thicken the glaze
If your glaze needs more body, simmer it for 1 to 2 minutes until sticky. - Finish and serve
Spoon extra glaze over the salmon for a glossy finish.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Salmon Every Time
- Aim for the right temperature: The ideal internal temperature is 125°F to 130°F for moist, flaky salmon.
- Avoid overcooking: Salmon cooks quickly. Pull it from the heat just as it turns opaque and flakes easily.
- Use parchment: If baking, line your sheet pan to reduce sticking and cleanup time.
- Add glaze at the right moment: Applying glaze too early can cause burning because of the honey content. Add it near the end.
- Crisp the edges carefully: A quick broil creates caramelized edges without drying out the fish.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
This salmon pairs beautifully with simple sides. Try serving it with:
- Steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
- Rice, quinoa, couscous, or mashed potatoes
- A fresh side salad with lemon vinaigrette
- A bowl-style meal with rice, pickled veggies, and fresh herbs
- Toppings like chopped parsley, lemon slices, sesame seeds, or green onions
The glaze complements both light and hearty side dishes, making it a versatile main course year-round.
Variations and Ingredient Substitutions
This recipe is flexible and easy to adapt based on your pantry:
- Soy sauce alternatives: Tamari or coconut aminos work well for gluten-free and soy-free diets.
- Garlic options: Use garlic paste or pre-minced garlic if you’re short on time.
- Honey swaps: Maple syrup or light brown sugar can replace honey.
- Add heat: Try red pepper flakes, hot honey, or a splash of sriracha.
- Make it dairy-free: Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter.
Small changes can completely transform the flavor profile while keeping the recipe simple.
Storage, Reheating, and Meal Prep Tips
- Storing leftovers: Keep cooked salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating without drying out: Warm gently in a covered skillet over low heat or microwave at 50 percent power.
- Freezing tips: Cooked salmon freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Meal prep tip: Make extra glaze and store it separately for drizzling over reheated portions.
- Reuse leftovers: Add pieces of salmon to salads, wraps, rice bowls, or pasta.
Meal prepping with salmon ensures quick and nutritious lunches for busy weeks.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing?
Yes. Bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, then brush with glaze and broil for 1 to 2 minutes to caramelize.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can prep the glaze up to 3 days ahead. Cook the salmon fresh for best texture.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
5-Ingredient Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 6 oz salmon fillets
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari/coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
Optional (not included in ingredient count):
- salt, pepper, oil for pan
Instructions
Prepare the salmon:
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Make the glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and melted butter until smooth.
Heat the pan:
- Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
Cook the salmon:
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if applicable). Sear for 3 to 4 minutes until golden.
Add the glaze:
- Pour the honey garlic mixture over the salmon. Let it bubble, thicken, and caramelize for 2 to 3 minutes.
Flip and finish:
- Turn the salmon carefully and spoon the thickened glaze over the top. Cook 1 to 2 more minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Serve:
- Plate the salmon and drizzle with any remaining glaze from the pan.