15-Minute Honey Garlic Salmon
Salmon handles sweet and savory flavors especially well, and this quick honey-garlic glaze gives the fish a glossy finish without hiding its natural richness. Soy sauce adds saltiness, ginger brings warmth and lemon keeps the sauce from becoming cloying.
Because salmon cooks fast, prepare the sauce before the fish goes into the pan. Let the glaze reduce just enough to coat a spoon, then return it to the salmon near the end so the honey does not scorch.
Honey-Garlic Salmon Needs a Short, Hot Cook
- Honey Garlic Salmon is built for a genuinely quick dinner window of about 15 minutes.
- Sweet-savory sauce
- High-protein seafood meal
- One skillet
- Pairs with rice or vegetables
15-Minute Honey Garlic Salmon
Honey garlic salmon is a fast skillet dinner with a glossy sweet-savory sauce, tender salmon and fresh lemon in about 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets about 5 oz / 140 g each
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce 80 ml
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or rice vinegar
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water optional for thicker sauce
- Sliced green onion for serving
Instructions
- Pat salmon dry.
- Whisk soy sauce, honey, garlic, lemon juice and ginger.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear salmon for 3–4 minutes on the first side.
- Flip the salmon and reduce heat to medium.
- Pour in the sauce and simmer until the salmon reaches at least 145°F / 63°C.
- If desired, stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and simmer briefly until glossy.
- Spoon sauce over the salmon and garnish with green onion.
Notes
Cooking times can vary by equipment and ingredient size. Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands, and portion sizes.
What to Pay Attention to While It Cooks
- Pat salmon dry before searing.
- Do not let the honey sauce boil aggressively or it can reduce too quickly.
- Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking salmon.
- Add the sauce after the first side has browned.
Turning Honey Garlic Salmon Into Dinner
- Steamed Rice
- Broccoli
- Edamame
- Cucumber Salad
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A Couple of Common What-Ifs
Can I bake honey garlic salmon?
Yes, but this recipe is optimized for a quick skillet method.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Thaw fully and pat dry before cooking for better browning.
How do I know salmon is done?
The thickest part should reach at least 145°F / 63°C and flake easily.
