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Honey Garlic Butter Glazed Salmon

This easy homemade dish features sweet and savory flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon
  • 4 fillets salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on or off, about 1–1¼ inch thick
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Honey Garlic Butter Glaze
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1½ tablespoons)
  • 3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional — adds depth)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • Lemon slices for garnish
  • Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Optional for Oven Method
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter to brush before broiling

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the salmon dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes while you preheat or heat the pan.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce (or tamari), lemon juice, Dijon (if using), and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Cooking
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add salmon skin-side down (if skin on). Sear for 4–5 minutes without moving for a golden crust.
  2. Flip the fillets and reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the pan. Spoon butter and garlic over the salmon for 30 seconds to bloom the garlic — don’t burn it.
  3. Pour the honey-soy mixture into the pan and let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, spooning the glaze over the salmon. The sauce should thicken slightly and coat the back of a spoon.
  4. Cook salmon another 3–4 minutes until done to your liking. (Internal temp: 125–130°F for medium-rare, 145°F per USDA.)
  5. Remove from heat and let rest for 1–2 minutes. Spoon any remaining glaze over the fillets. Garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley before serving.
Oven Option
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season salmon and place on a lined baking sheet.
  2. Bake for 8–12 minutes depending on thickness (fillets ~1" need ~10 min). Switch to broil and brush with the honey-garlic-butter mixture; broil for 1–2 minutes to caramelize the glaze. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Notes

For skin-on fillets, press gently with a spatula for the first 30–60 seconds of searing to ensure full contact and crispiness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat gently in a 275°F (135°C) oven until warm or in a skillet with a splash of water to prevent drying. Freeze raw salmon for up to 3 months.