Best Damn Honey Garlic Salmon

This 30-minute Honey Garlic Salmon features tender, juicy salmon fillets coated in a lucious, savory-sweet honey garlic sauce. The highlight? A perfectly caramelized honey crust that takes each bite to the next level. Simple yet impressive, this easy sheet pan dinner delivers on all fronts!

Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe

When it comes to making a delicious salmon dinner, there are so many directions you can take it. From my Citrus Garlic Salmon and Honey Mustard Salmon to my Miso Salmon and Broccoli and Garlic Butter Salmon, an easy salmon recipe is always at the ready in my home.

Now it’s time to marry two ingredients I absolutely love in any salmon recipe— honey and garlic! Bring these two together with some melted butter, and you’ve got a savory glaze that is perfect for any cut of salmon. It not only brings on the flavor but also creates a caramelized, crispy skin that contrasts beautifully with the flaky fish inside. 

Salmon has a quick cooking time, so if you’re in need of a quick dinner with top-notch flavor, this honey garlic salmon recipe is your partner in culinary crime! But is it a crime to make a salmon this delicious? If you consider eye-rolling, lip-smacking, and plate-licking a crime, then yes!

​Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

• Salmon filets: These can be either skinless or skin-on fillets. I like to use wild salmon for its superior flavor and nutritional value.
• Unsalted butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature. This will ensure even distribution of flavor.
• Honey: This creates an irresistibly sticky sauce that complements the salmon perfectly.
• Spice blend: We’ll get our flavors by mixing garlic powder, kosher (or coarse salt), ground black pepper, and paprika.
• Lemon: Topping the salmon off with lemon allows the flavor to trickle down through the salmon while it bakes. Mmm.

Preparation

Make sure you start with room-temperature butter. This doesn’t mean melting it—just letting it sit out until it’s malleable. Then, in a small bowl, use a spoon or spatula to mix it well with the honey and seasonings. You want a uniform mixture, so make sure to mix it thoroughly.

Place the salmon fillets, skin side down, on the foil-lined baking sheet and smother each with the butter mixture. Then, shingle 3 lemon slices atop each filet. It’s now ready for the oven!

Cooking

Place your salmon in the oven at 450°F for about 12-16 minutes. We want the salmon to reach an internal temperature of 145°F when measured in the thickest part of the filet with a meat thermometer.

Once the salmon reaches the desired internal temperature, it’s ready to come out of the oven.

Serving

Once removed from the oven, allow the salmon to rest for a few minutes before eating. The rest period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fish, improving the texture and ensuring the heat is evenly distributed. A short rest of about 2-3 minutes is sufficient.

After the salmon is plated, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, green onions, or dill if desired. You’re now ready to dig in!

What to Pair with Honey Garlic Salmon

This sweet and savory salmon is the star of the plate and will be complimented well with fresh, simple sides that let its rich flavors shine. These Easy Stovetop Sautéed Green Beans or Best Damn Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts would be a great way to round out the meal. 

If you’re craving something heartier, serve it over a side of rice, like white rice, coconut rice, or cauliflower rice, to soak up every last drop of that delicious honey garlic glaze.

Storage & Reheating Honey Garlic Salmon

Before storing, allow the salmon to cool. Once ready, wrap the leftover salmon in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

You can reheat the salmon in a few different ways:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F. Line a baking sheet or dish with foil, then place the salmon on top. Add a light drizzle of oil or a splash of water to keep it moist, cover tightly with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes.
• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the salmon in the basket or on a tray (no overcrowding), then air fry for 3-4 minutes until just warmed through.
• Microwave: For a quick fix, place the salmon on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat at 50% power in 1-2 minute bursts to avoid overcooking.

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