This honey-glazed salmon tastes like it belongs on a restaurant menu, yet it’s simple enough for a weeknight. It has become a favorite in my family and often appears on our dinner rotation. The recipe requires only about 5 minutes of prep and 20 minutes in the oven, delivering a flavorful, elegant meal with minimal effort.
The recipe is remarkably easy and nearly foolproof, making it ideal for entertaining or a special family dinner. You don’t need to salt the salmon beforehand because the glaze provides all the seasoning. I recommend low-sodium soy sauce to prevent the dish from becoming too salty, since soy sauce and the natural brininess of salmon already contribute a lot of flavor. The glaze uses a few pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
To make the glaze, start in a small saucepan with honey, then stir in low-sodium soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, freshly grated ginger, and a pinch of black pepper. Warm the mixture over medium-high heat so the honey thins and combines smoothly with the other ingredients. Bringing it briefly to a boil and then letting it simmer for about a minute helps the flavors meld and the sauce thicken to a syrupy consistency.
Place the salmon in a lightly sprayed baking dish. Use a pastry brush or a spoon to coat the fillet evenly with the glaze, then pour any remaining glaze over the top so the fish soaks up the flavor. Baking at a moderate temperature allows the glaze to caramelize slightly and the juices to seep into the salmon.
Honey Glazed Salmon
4
servings
5
minutes
20
minutes
Ingredients
-
1 lb salmon
-
2 tablespoons honey
-
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
-
1 teaspoon lemon juice
-
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
-
1 tablespoon garlic powder
-
black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375° F (190° C). Lightly coat a baking dish with nonstick spray and place the salmon in the dish.
- In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, grated ginger, garlic powder and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 1 minute to thicken slightly.
- Brush the glaze over the salmon with a pastry brush or spoon, then pour any remaining glaze over the fillet.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Bringing the glaze to a boil and then simmering helps it thicken into a syrupy consistency that coats the fish nicely.
Baking at 375° F (190° C) for 20 minutes gives the salmon time to absorb the glaze while allowing the sugars in the honey to caramelize slightly on the surface. After baking, resting the fish for 10 minutes helps keep it moist and makes it easier to serve.
Serve the salmon with your favorite sides. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or roasted asparagus. A light-bodied Pinot Noir or a crisp Chardonnay can complement the dish if you enjoy wine. Savor the balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in this simple yet impressive meal.
Happy eating!
-Madison