Name: Easy Baked Honey Garlic Salmon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce (Can swap for tamari for a gluten-free option); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 4 pieces salmon fillets (6 oz each); Salt and pepper, to taste; Chopped green onions, for garnish

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Imagine sitting down to a plate of perfectly baked salmon drizzled in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze, all while knowing you’ve just spent only 20 minutes in the kitchen. This Easy Baked Honey Garlic Salmon recipe allows you to whip up a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests at your next gathering. With just four simple ingredients for the glaze and a handful of pantry staples, this dish proves that you don’t have to compromise on flavor or quality, even when you’re short on time.

Table of Contents hide

1 Why you’ll love this dish

2 The cooking process explained

3 What you’ll need

4 Step-by-step instructions

5 Best ways to enjoy it

6 Storage and reheating tips

7 Helpful cooking tips

8 Creative twists

9 Common questions

10 Easy Baked Honey Garlic Salmon

Why you’ll love this dish

What sets this recipe apart is its remarkable balance of flavors combined with the ease of preparation. The sweetness of the honey blends beautifully with the umami-rich soy sauce and fragrant garlic, creating a glaze that envelops the salmon fillets in a heavenly coating. This dish is not only quick and budget-friendly but also kid-approved, making it a wonderful option for family dinners.

Here’s what one satisfied home cook had to say:

"I can’t believe how simple and delicious this honey garlic salmon turned out! My kids devoured every bite, and I loved how little cleanup there was afterward."

Whether it’s for a casual weeknight meal or a more festive occasion, this recipe checks all the boxes.

The cooking process explained

Making Easy Baked Honey Garlic Salmon is straightforward and requires minimal prep work, making it accessible even for novice cooks. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be able to create a meal that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll gain confidence in your cooking abilities and surprise your family or guests with this delectable dish.

What you’ll need

Gather these items

Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have the following ingredients on hand:

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped green onions, for garnish

If you’d like to mix things up, consider swapping the soy sauce for tamari for a gluten-free option, or experimenting with maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor profile.

Step-by-step instructions

Directions to follow

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking dish or sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice until well combined.
Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the glaze stick better. Place the fillets in the prepared baking dish, skin-side down if applicable. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Pour the honey garlic glaze evenly over the salmon files, ensuring that each piece is well coated.
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon is done when it’s opaque throughout, flakes easily with a fork, and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two. Spoon any leftover glaze from the pan over the salmon and sprinkle with chopped green onions for garnish.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serving suggestions

This honey garlic salmon pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious glaze. Steamed broccoli or sautéed asparagus also make fantastic accompaniments, adding color and nutrition to your plate. For a light touch, a simple salad with mixed greens dressed in lemon vinaigrette will elevate the meal further.

Storage and reheating tips

Proper storage is key to enjoying your leftovers. Once cooled, store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the salmon in the oven at 350°F until just heated through, or microwave it in short bursts to avoid overcooking. For longer storage, you can freeze cooked salmon for up to three months. Make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Helpful cooking tips

Practical cooking tips

For even better flavor, marinate the salmon in the glaze for 30 minutes before baking.
If you want an extra caramelized finish, place the salmon under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Always check salmon’s internal temperature with a food thermometer to ensure it’s cooked perfectly and safe to eat.

Creative twists

Different ways to try it

Feeling adventurous? Try adding a tablespoon of sriracha to the glaze for a spicy kick, or sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving for added crunch. You can also introduce citrus by adding orange or lime juice and zest to the marinade for a fresh twist on flavor.

Common questions

Your questions answered

Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, frozen salmon can be used; just ensure it is completely thawed before cooking for even results.
What if I don’t have honey? You can substitute honey with brown sugar mixed with a small amount of water or even maple syrup for a different sweetness.
How do I know when the salmon is done? Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

With this Easy Baked Honey Garlic Salmon recipe, your dinner table will become the star of the show without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the delightful flavors and impress your family with minimal effort!