Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

$- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) - 1/4 cup honey - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this honey garlic glazed salmon truly shine. Fresh salmon fillets are a must. Choose fillets that look bright and moist. I like to use wild-caught salmon for its rich taste and health benefits. Honey brings a natural sweetness. It pairs perfectly with the salty soy sauce. Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the dish balanced. Garlic adds depth, while fresh ginger gives a nice kick. Don’t forget the olive oil! It helps to create that crisp texture on the salmon. You can adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. For a fun twist, sesame seeds and green onions make great toppings. They add crunch and color. With these ingredients, you're on your way to a delicious meal. Let's get cooking! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Take a small mixing bowl and add the following: - 1/4 cup honey - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated 2. Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. 3. Set aside 2 tablespoons of this mix for later. 1. Use a paper towel to pat each salmon fillet dry. 2. Season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper. 3. In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. 1. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. 2. Cook them without moving for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp. 3. Gently flip the fillets using a spatula. 4. Pour the honey garlic mixture over the salmon evenly. 5. Cook for another 3-4 minutes. Spoon the sauce over the fish to create a thick glaze. 6. In the last minute, add the reserved sauce to the skillet. Let it bubble. 7. Remove the salmon from the skillet and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. 8. Plate the salmon and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Timing is key for the sauce. Pour it over the salmon right after flipping. This helps the glaze stick well. For a thicker coating, spoon the sauce over the fish while it cooks. This adds more flavor and shine. To check for doneness, look for the salmon to flake easily with a fork. It should have a slightly opaque center. Let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices spread back into the fish, keeping it moist. Garnish your dish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. They add color and crunch. For plating, use a clean white plate. This makes the vibrant glaze pop. Consider serving with steamed rice or sautéed greens to create a balanced meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh salmon, garlic, and ginger will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly compared to dried or pre-packaged ingredients. Get the Skin Crispy: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the salmon. This helps to create that delicious, crispy skin. Baste for Extra Flavor: Continuously spooning the honey garlic glaze over the salmon while it cooks will not only enhance the flavor but also create a thicker glaze. Let It Rest: Allowing the salmon to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorful fillet. {{image_4}} You can switch salmon for chicken or tofu. Chicken thighs work great and stay juicy. Use the same honey garlic mixture for flavor. For tofu, press and slice it into thick pieces. Marinate it in the sauce for 30 minutes. Then, cook it just like the salmon. This gives you tasty options for different diets. Want to change the taste? Add spices or citrus! A pinch of red pepper flakes brings heat. Try squeezing fresh lime or lemon juice for brightness. You can also mix in some herbs like cilantro or parsley. These small changes can make a big difference in flavor. You have choices for cooking methods. Oven-baked salmon is simple and hands-free. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet and pour the sauce on top. Bake for 12-15 minutes until cooked through. Grilling is another fun option. It gives salmon a nice smoky flavor. Brush the grill with oil, add the salmon, and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side. Each method gives you a different taste and texture. After cooking, let the salmon cool for about 10 minutes. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover the salmon well to keep it fresh. To reheat, use the oven for best results. Preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm. This keeps the salmon juicy and avoids dryness. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking. If you want to freeze leftover salmon, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. Frozen salmon can last for up to 3 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to keep it safe. You can add chili flakes or sriracha to the honey garlic mix. Start with a pinch of chili flakes. If you want more heat, add more. For sriracha, drizzle a small amount into the sauce before cooking. Mix well to spread the heat evenly. This gives the dish a nice kick while keeping the sweet flavor. I suggest pairing the salmon with steamed rice or sautéed greens. Rice absorbs the sauce well and adds a nice base. Sautéed greens like spinach or bok choy add color and nutrients. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a crunchy side. Roasted sweet potatoes work great too, balancing the sweetness of the glaze. Check the salmon for color and texture. Fully cooked salmon turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F. If it looks raw in the center, give it more time. Avoid overcooking, as it can dry out. Let it rest after cooking to keep it juicy and flavorful. In this blog post, I covered how to make honey garlic glazed salmon. We explored the essential ingredients, easy steps to prepare the dish, and tips for achieving that perfect glaze. I shared various protein options and cooking methods to suit your taste. I also included storage tips and answered common questions to help you along the way. Cooking can be simple and fun. Enjoy making this dish and share it with others!$

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

A delicious salmon dish glazed with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets salmon (6 oz each)
0.25 cup honey
4 cloves garlic, minced (approximately 2 teaspoons)
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a small mixing bowl, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and grated ginger. Whisk until well blended and smooth. Reserve 2 tablespoons of this mixture for basting later.
Use a paper towel to pat each salmon fillet dry, ensuring the skin is not too moist. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook without moving them for about 4-5 minutes, allowing a crisp skin to develop.
Once the skin is golden and crisp, gently flip the fillets over using a spatula.
Immediately pour the honey garlic mixture over the flipped salmon, ensuring an even coating over each fillet.
Allow the salmon to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, occasionally spooning the sauce over the fillets to build a thick glaze.
In the last minute of cooking, add the reserved sauce from step 1 to the skillet, letting it bubble and intensify in flavor as it coats the fish.
Once cooked to your preferred doneness, carefully remove the salmon from the skillet and let it rest for about 2-3 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
When ready to serve, plate the salmon and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a touch of color and crunch.

Notes

Serve on a clean white plate to highlight the vibrant colors of the glaze and garnish. Pair with steamed rice or sautéed greens for a well-rounded meal.

Keyword glazed, honey garlic, salmon, seafood