Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greased aluminum foil. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels—this is important for proper browning. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. Arrange salmon on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart.

Step 2: Make the Honey Butter Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and whisk in the honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, Dijon mustard (if using), and red pepper flakes. Whisk until smooth and well combined. The glaze should be pourable but slightly thick. Set aside about 2 tablespoons of glaze for serving (to avoid cross-contamination with raw fish).

Step 3: Glaze the Salmon
Using a basting brush or spoon, generously coat the top of each salmon fillet with about half of the honey butter glaze. Make sure the entire surface is covered—the glaze will caramelize beautifully as it cooks.

Step 4: Bake the Salmon
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness. After 8 minutes, brush the salmon with more glaze (from the portion that touched raw fish). Continue baking for another 2-4 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F on an instant-read thermometer. Don’t overcook—salmon should still be slightly translucent in the very center when you remove it from the oven; carryover cooking will finish it perfectly.

Step 5: Optional Broiler Finish
For extra caramelization and a gorgeous golden-brown glaze, turn your oven to broil (high setting) and broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. The glaze should bubble and darken slightly, creating a beautiful caramelized crust. This step is optional but highly recommended for that restaurant-quality appearance!

Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes. The glaze will thicken slightly as it cools. Drizzle with the reserved clean glaze, garnish with fresh chopped herbs, lemon wedges, and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides!