Description
Tender, flaky salmon fillets seared to perfection and glazed with a sticky-sweet honey garlic sauce. This restaurant-quality dish comes together in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, making it perfect for healthy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each, about 1-inch thick, skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Honey Garlic Glaze:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon water (to thin if needed)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (white or black)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels—this is crucial for getting a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Let the salmon sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while you prepare the glaze (this ensures even cooking).
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined. Set aside. The glaze will be thick but pourable.
- Heat the pan: Heat the oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles immediately, but not smoking. This usually takes 2-3 minutes.
- Sear the salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side up (or presentation-side down if skinless) in the hot pan. Don’t move them! Let them cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on the bottom with crispy edges. The salmon should release easily from the pan when it’s ready to flip—if it’s sticking, it needs more time.
- Flip carefully: Using a thin spatula, carefully flip each fillet. If you’re using skin-on salmon and want crispy skin, flip to skin-side down. Cook for another 3-4 minutes on the second side. The salmon should be about 80% cooked through at this point.
- Add the glaze: Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the honey garlic glaze over and around the salmon fillets. The glaze will bubble immediately—this is good! Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, spooning the glaze over the salmon repeatedly to coat it evenly. The glaze will thicken and become sticky as the honey caramelizes.
- Check for doneness: The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (medium), or 125°F for medium-rare (many prefer salmon slightly underdone in the center for maximum moisture). The glaze should be thick, sticky, and coating the salmon beautifully.
- Rest briefly: Remove from heat and let the salmon rest for 2 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the glaze to set slightly, creating that perfect glossy coating.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer salmon to plates, drizzle with any remaining glaze from the pan, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Salmon thickness matters: If your fillets are thinner than 1 inch, reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes per side. Thicker fillets need an extra minute or two.
- Skin-on vs. skinless: Both work! Skin-on salmon has more flavor and the skin crisps beautifully. Skinless is easier to eat and more kid-friendly.
- Glaze thickness: If your glaze is too thick and starting to burn before the salmon is cooked, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to thin it out.
- Don’t overcook: Salmon continues cooking after you remove it from heat. Pull it just before it’s completely done—carryover cooking will finish it perfectly.
- Gluten-free option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Lower sugar option: Reduce honey to 3 tablespoons for a less sweet glaze (it will still caramelize nicely).
- Pan variations: This also works beautifully in a cast iron skillet or even on a grill (use a grill basket for easier flipping).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (6 ounces) with glaze
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 95mg