Garlic Butter Salmon with Sweet Honey Glaze Recipe

Salmon lovers rejoice as this garlic butter and honey glaze recipe delivers a mouthwatering culinary experience.

The delicate fish melts with rich, golden flavors that dance across your palate.

Tender salmon fillets receive a luxurious coating of sweet honey and aromatic garlic butter.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of savory and sweet notes that will instantly elevate your dinner game.

Fresh ingredients come together effortlessly to create a restaurant-worthy dish you can easily prepare at home.

The glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a stunning golden crust that seals in moisture and flavor.

Prepare to be amazed by this simple yet extraordinary salmon masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Store Baked Garlic Honey Salmon

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen salmon maintains quality for up to 3 months when stored at 0°F (-18°C).
• Place salmon on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stop when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C), place salmon in a baking dish with a splash of water or broth, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes to retain moisture and prevent overcooking.

Side Ideas for Baked Garlic Honey Salmon

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity that complements the salmon's rich buttery glaze, cutting through the sweetness and enhancing the fish's delicate flavor.
• Complement with Roasted Asparagus: Create a side dish of roasted asparagus seasoned with garlic and lemon, matching the recipe's flavor profile and providing a light, fresh vegetable accompaniment that balances the salmon's richness.
• Match with Citrus Quinoa Salad: Prepare a light quinoa salad with fresh lemon zest, chopped parsley, and a hint of olive oil, echoing the recipe's bright notes and offering a nutritious, textural contrast to the glazed salmon.
• Select Sparkling Water with Lemon: Serve a chilled sparkling water with a fresh lemon wedge to cleanse the palate between bites, highlighting the dish's subtle honey and garlic undertones while providing a refreshing accompaniment.

Flavor Swaps for Baked Garlic Honey Salmon

• Gluten-Free Variation: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe celiac-friendly and eliminate gluten completely.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap honey with sugar-free maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining similar flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused Option: Substitute fresh parsley with dill or chives and add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the glaze for enhanced aromatic complexity.
• Mediterranean Remix: Include crushed red pepper flakes and replace Dijon mustard with Greek yogurt to create a Mediterranean-inspired salmon preparation with tangy undertones.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in the garlic butter honey glaze?

The glaze combines melted butter, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. These ingredients create a rich, sweet, and tangy coating that enhances the salmon’s flavor.

• How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145F (63C). The fish should look opaque and have a moist, tender texture. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before preparing. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the glaze adhere better and ensures a crispy exterior.

• Is this recipe suitable for people who don't like strong fish flavors?

Absolutely! The honey and garlic glaze helps mask the fishy taste, making it appealing to those who typically find salmon too strong. The sweet and savory combination creates a more mild and enjoyable flavor profile.

Sweet-Savory Glaze in Baked Salmon

• Elevate your home cooking with a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive but requires minimal culinary skills, making you feel like a professional chef without the complicated techniques.
• The honey-garlic butter glaze transforms a simple salmon fillet into a mouthwatering masterpiece, balancing sweet, savory, and tangy notes that will tantalize every taste bud and impress dinner guests.
• Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein, this recipe offers a nutritious meal that feels indulgent, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious food lovers who refuse to sacrifice taste.

Baked Salmon Ingredients

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, high-quality fish that serves as the star of the dish and provides rich, delicate flavor.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, luxurious coating for the salmon.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create a beautiful caramelized glaze.
• Soy Sauce: Contributes a savory umami flavor and depth to the glaze.
• Garlic: Offers a pungent, aromatic element that enhances the overall taste profile.

• Dijon Mustard, Lemon Juice, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: These ingredients work together to create a complex, balanced flavor that complements the salmon perfectly.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh garnish that brings color and a light herbal note to the dish.
• Lemon Slices: Optional garnish that provides a zesty, citrusy accent to the baked salmon.

Making Baked Salmon with Garlic Honey Glaze

Step 1: Preheat The Oven

Turn your oven to 400F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

This prevents sticking and makes cleanup super easy.

Step 2: Prepare The Salmon Fillets

Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Position them so they can cook evenly and develop a nice crispy texture.

Step 3: Create The Magical Glaze

• Melted butter
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Minced garlic
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh lemon juice
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Lavish The Salmon With Glaze

Grab a brush or spoon and generously coat each salmon fillet with the glaze.

Make sure every part of the fish gets some love from this flavor-packed mixture.

Step 5: Bake To Delicious Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven.

Bake for 12-15 minutes.

The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145F.

Step 6: Caramelize With Broiler

Want an extra golden finish?

Switch your oven to broil.

Let the salmon broil for 2-3 minutes to create a beautiful caramelized top.

Step 7: Serve With Flair

Remove salmon from the oven.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top.

Add a few lemon slices for a bright, zesty touch.

Serve immediately while hot and incredibly tempting.

Tips for Baked Garlic Honey Salmon

• Check the salmon's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 145F without overcooking, maintaining its moisture and tender texture.
• Adjust the honey and soy sauce ratio to control sweetness and saltiness, creating a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.
• Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels before glazing to help achieve a crispy exterior and prevent excess moisture during baking.
• Choose fresh, wild-caught salmon with bright color and firm flesh for the best taste and nutritional value, ensuring a superior dining experience.
• Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary in the glaze to introduce subtle aromatic notes and elevate the overall flavor profile.

Baked Salmon With Garlic Butter And Honey Glaze Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter and honey glazed salmon elevates weeknight dinners with Mediterranean flair. Tender fish infused with sweet and savory notes promises a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: Lemon slices for serving

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
2. Arrange salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet, positioning them to maintain shape and allow skin to crisp.
3. Create the glaze by whisking together melted butter, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
4. Generously brush the glaze over each salmon fillet, ensuring complete and even coverage to enhance flavor and moisture retention.
5. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, monitoring until the salmon flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 145F (63C).
6. For a caramelized finish, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a golden-brown glaze without burning.
7. Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and optional lemon slices. Serve immediately while the salmon is warm and the glaze is still glistening.

Notes

• Swap salmon for other fish like trout or halibut to vary the recipe and keep things exciting.
• Reduce honey for a less sweet glaze, perfect for those watching sugar intake or preferring savory profiles.
• Create a dairy-free version by substituting butter with olive oil or coconut oil for similar richness and moisture.
• Ensure even cooking by selecting salmon fillets of uniform thickness, which helps prevent dry or undercooked sections.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 352
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg