Honey Glazed Salmon will be your favorite salmon recipe yet! Juicy, flakey and delicious salmon that cooks in 20 minutes! Baked in a mixture of Hot Honey, garlic, butter, dill and lemon, it pairs so beautifully with many side dishes. Make sure to watch the video and step by step instructions below.
Salmon Recipes are BIG for us! Like whenever in doubt, we go for a salmon dinner! So many tasty recipes you can explore, but you can start with Salmon Tacos, Sockeye Salmon With Lemon Butter Sauce or Air Fryer Salmon.
If you’re in the mood for something super light, this Salmon Tartare is a delicacy. Baked Salmon With Greek Dressing is a HIT recipe at the cooking school where I teach and Pan Seared Salmon with blue cheese. Yes you read that, blue cheese. I beg you to try it before looking away!
What is Honey Glazed Salmon
Honey glazed salmon is a dish that perfectly balances sweetness, richness, and savory depth. The natural ruchness of salmon pairs beautifully with honey’s floral sweetness, while ingredients like lemon, dill add contrast and complexity.
When cooked properly, honey glazed salmon develops a shiny caramelized glaze, tender flakes, and bold flavor that works equally well for weeknight dinners or elegant meals.
The glaze cooks down during baking, pan searing, grilling, or broiling, creating a caramelized coating that locks in moisture and enhances flavor. The result is salmon that is tender and flaky, glossy and caramelized and well balanced between sweet and savory.
Why You’ll Love Honey Glazed Salmon
- It’s a tasty combo of sweet, spicy, tangy and refreshing!
- Salmon is a great source of omega-3 and so this recipe makes a nutritious dinner.
- The honey glazed salmon recipe need exactly 20 minutes start to finish. Add an extra 5 minutes if you don’t already have the Hot Honey Recipe ready.
- Your oven will do all the work, so you’ll have minimal cleanup when done.
- The level of spice is easily adjusted, so feel free to do so.
- You can always swap herbs and use olive oil instead of butter
- The salmon pairs SO WELL with many side dishes, more on that below.
- Salmon cooks in minutes, making this perfect for weeknight meals.
- Healthy and nutritious meal because salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins.
- Restaurant quality results by using a simple glaze that transforms basic salmon into a beautiful centerpiece.
Ingredients for Salmon Recipe
Salmon. The hero and star of the recipe. You can use farm raised or wild caught. Today we’ve used Sockeye Salmon because we had it on hand and we love it! Fresh salmon fillets are ideal. Varieties commonly used include:
- Atlantic salmon (rich, fatty)
- Sockeye salmon (firmer, deeper flavor)
- Coho salmon (mild and delicate)
- Skin on fillets help protect the fish during cooking.
Garlic. Aromatic and flavor!
Honey. The key sweetener that forms the glaze and caramelizes during cooking. We used our Hot Honey Recipe. Different honeys provide different flavors:
- Clover honey tastes mild and floral
- Wildflower honey has complex sweetness
- Orange blossom honey has citrus notes
Butter. Adds richness and helps the glaze coat the salmon evenly.
Seasonings. Salt and black pepper. You can add garlic powder, paprika.
Optional Flavor Enhancers, optional: Dill, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, ginger, soy sauce, chili flakes, sesame oil, sriracha, green onions,
How to Make Honey Glazed Salmon
Prepare the Glaze
- Start by making the honey glaze, melt the butter in a skillet and then add in the garlic. You’ll cook the garlic for just a minute. You’ll need it to be fragrant but not gold or toasty.
- Next, you’ll be adding the Hot Honey Recipe. This is such a great recipe as it keeps forever and stores at room temperature. You can use it endlessly so make sure to check the post and read how to enjoy it 🙂
- Once the honey starts simmering, turn off the heat and then add the remaining ingredients to complete the glaze.
Glaze The Salmon
- Now take the glaze and cover the salmon fillets generously with the glaze. Now the salmon is ready for the oven to roast.
Oven Baked Method (Easiest)
- Preheat oven to about 400°F (200°C).
- Place salmon on a lined baking sheet.
- Brush with glaze and bake until the salmon flakes easily.
Broiled Method (Best Caramelization)
Broiling caramelizes the honey quickly and creates a glossy finish. Set the broiler on high and place the baking sheet with the glazed salmon for a few minutes until charred.
Grilled Method (Smoky Flavor)
Grill salmon on a well oiled grate and brush with glaze during cooking. Check out our comprehensive guide for Grilled Trout : How to Grill Fish without it sticking.
Pan Seared Method
- Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place salmon filets skin side down.
- Cook until the skin crisps and the fish begins to turn opaque.
- Flip gently and add the honey glaze.
- Spoon the glaze over the fish as it thickens.
- Salmon is ready and golden with a slight char and gorgeous glaze! LOOK AT IT! Now you may serve it as it is, or take it an extra notch like below.
- Finish off this tasty dish with a heaping drizzle of more Hot Honey, a squeeze of lemon, some lemon slices and fresh dill. SO GOOD you need to make it!
What to Serve with Honey Glazed Salmon?
- This main dish makes the perfect dinner, and you can serve it with your favorite sides. Some of our favorites are below.
- Air Fryer Baked Potato
- Pan Fried Potatoes ( our family recipe that is SO underrated!!)
- Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
- Panzanella Salad
- Wedge Salad
- Ultimate Garlic Bread
- Pasta Primavera
- Burrata Pasta
Pro Tips for Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe
- Choose your preferred type of salmon fillet, and also chose if skin on or skinless.
- It’s best to have the Hot Honey Recipe ready, and we highly recommend MAKING IT!!
- The honey glazed sauce is not meant to be a marinade, you don’t need to marinade at all.
- Baking the salmon in the oven makes for an easier option rather than searing it on your skillet, and easier cleanup.
- If you’d like extra char on the salmon, feel free to broil for an extra 2 minutes when the fish has cooked through.
- Always pat dry the salmon, moisture prevents caramelization.
- Avoid extremely high heat when cooking because honey burns easily at very high temperatures.
- Choose thicker fillets so they cook more evenly and stay juicy.
Honey Glazed Salmon Variations
- Honey-Garlic Salmon: Extra garlic for deeper savory flavor.
- Honey Mustard Salmon: Honey combined with Dijon mustard creates a tangy glaze.
- Asian Style Honey Soy Salmon: Honey, soy sauce, ginger, tamari and sesame oil.
- Spicy Honey Salmon: Add one or more of those: chili flakes, sriracha, hot honey and Chili Oil Recipe.
- Citrus Honey Salmon: Use lemon, lime, or orange juice for brightness.
Can I cook Honey Glazed Salmon in Air Fryer?
To make this recipe in the air fryer, you’ll need to line your basket with foil or paper. Since the marinade is sticky, lining is very important. Read all the TIPS to make this a success in this Air Fryer Salmon post.
How to Make this recipe on the stove?
For ease and convenience, we love the oven. However to make honey glazed salmon in a skillet, you’ll sear the salmon with salt and pepper. Sear the fish for 4 minutes on both sides on medium high heat with 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the honey glaze ingredients and lower the heat to medium and let the fish soak up the glaze and flavor.
How to Store and use leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. Leftover honey glazed salmon make the best Salmon Tacos, Sushi Bowl, Sushi Burrito, Salmon Salad With Sweet Dill Dressing, or sandwich.
Make Ahead Honey Glazed Salmon
This recipe can be made ahead in many ways:
- Prepare the Hot Honey Recipe and mix it with the remaining glaze ingredients and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble right before cooking.
- Marinade :You can also pour the glaze over the salmon in the morning and leave it in the fridge for 6 hours and then bake as per the recipe.
- To Store: Cooked salmon can be stored in the fridge for 5 days.
- Reheat: Our favorite way to reheat this salmon would be to wrap it in foil entirely and air fry it at 375 degrees for 8 minutes or place it in a 350 oven for 15 minutes. Alternatively you can reheat in a microwave, but that’s our least favorite way.
- To Freeze: You can freeze the leftover cooked salmon sealed tightly for up to 3 months, thaw and reheat as above. Keep in mind the texture of salmon changes when frozen, so it’s not highly recommended.
Why does my honey glaze burn?
Honey contains natural sugars that caramelize quickly. If the heat is too high or the glaze is added too early, it can burn. Cook the salmon first and add the glaze near the end.
Why is my salmon dry?
Overcooking is the most common cause. Salmon should be removed from heat when it reaches about 125–130°F (medium).
Why doesn’t my glaze thicken?
The glaze thickens as it cooks and reduces. If it stays thin, simmer it briefly in the pan until it coats the back of a spoon.
Why does the glaze slide off the salmon?
This usually happens if the salmon surface is wet. Always pat the fish dry before cooking.
Why is my salmon sticking to the pan?
Preheat the pan properly and use enough oil. Nonstick or well seasoned cast iron pans work best, and if you’re grilling, follow our guide to Grilled Trout : How to Grill Fish without it sticking.
Is honey glazed salmon healthy?
Yes. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential nutrients. Honey adds sweetness but is used in moderate amounts.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I make the glaze ahead?
Yes. The glaze can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
What internal temperature should salmon reach?
For best texture, salmon is typically cooked to 125–130°F for medium or 145°F for fully cooked.
Can honey glazed salmon be grilled?
Yes. Brush the glaze on during the final minutes of grilling to prevent burning and follow our Grilled Trout : How to Grill Fish without it sticking guide.
Easy Salmon Recipes
Honey Glazed Salmon
Honey Glazed Salmon will be your favorite salmon recipe yet! Juicy, flakey and delicious salmon that cooks in 20 minutes! Baked in a mixture of Hot Honey, garlic, butter, dill and lemon, it pairs so beautifully with many side dishes. Make sure to watch the video and step by step instructions below.
Ingredients
- 4 Pieces Salmon unpacked and defrosted
- 1 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper
Garlic Honey Marinade for Salmon:
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup hot honey RECIPE
- 3 Tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper
- 2 Tablespoons fresh thyme or oregano minced, or 1 teaspoon dried
Garnish
- Remaining hot honey from above Recipe
- Dill
- Lemon slices
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
-
Start by making the hot honey which can be stored in a jar at room temperature for up to a year.
-
Place the salmon on a parchment lined baking sheet, and season on both sides.
-
To make the salmon marinade, use a skillet over medium low heat.
-
Add the butter and garlic, cook them for 2 minutes.
-
Then add the honey and soy sauce and and cook for 1 minute.
-
Remove from the heat and add in the herbs.
-
Drizzle that sauce all over the salmon making sure to brush the sides and coat the salmon as best as you can.
-
Place the salmon in the oven and cook for 18-20 minutes until cooked through.
-
When the salmon is ready, drizzle with extra hot honey
-
Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Pro Tips for Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe
- Choose your preferred type of salmon fillet, and also chose if skin on or skinless.
- It's best to have the Hot Honey Recipe ready, and we highly recommend MAKING IT!!
- The honey glazed sauce is not meant to be a marinade, you don't need to marinade at all.
- Baking the salmon in the oven makes for an easier option rather than searing it on your skillet, and easier cleanup.
- If you'd like extra char on the salmon, feel free to broil for an extra 2 minutes when the fish has cooked through.
- Always pat dry the salmon, moisture prevents caramelization.
- Avoid extremely high heat when cooking because honey burns easily at very high temperatures.
- Choose thicker fillets so they cook more evenly and stay juicy.
Honey Glazed Salmon Variations
- Honey-Garlic Salmon: Extra garlic for deeper savory flavor.
- Honey Mustard Salmon: Honey combined with Dijon mustard creates a tangy glaze.
- Asian Style Honey Soy Salmon: Honey, soy sauce, ginger, tamari and sesame oil.
- Spicy Honey Salmon: Add one or more of those: chili flakes, sriracha, hot honey and Chili Oil Recipe.
- Citrus Honey Salmon: Use lemon, lime, or orange juice for brightness.
Can I cook Honey Glazed Salmon in Air Fryer?
To make this recipe in the air fryer, you'll need to line your basket with foil or paper. Since the marinade is sticky, lining is very important. Read all the TIPS to make this a success in this Air Fryer Salmon post.
How to Make this recipe on the stove?
For ease and convenience, we love the oven. However to make honey glazed salmon in a skillet, you'll sear the salmon with salt and pepper. Sear the fish for 4 minutes on both sides on medium high heat with 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the honey glaze ingredients and lower the heat to medium and let the fish soak up the glaze and flavor.
How to Store and use leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. Leftover honey glazed salmon make the best Salmon Tacos, Sushi Bowl, Sushi Burrito, Salmon Salad With Sweet Dill Dressing, or sandwich.
Make Ahead Honey Glazed Salmon
This recipe can be made ahead in many ways:
- Prepare the Hot Honey Recipe and mix it with the remaining glaze ingredients and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble right before cooking.
- Marinade :You can also pour the glaze over the salmon in the morning and leave it in the fridge for 6 hours and then bake as per the recipe.
- To Store: Cooked salmon can be stored in the fridge for 5 days.
- Reheat: Our favorite way to reheat this salmon would be to wrap it in foil entirely and air fry it at 375 degrees for 8 minutes or place it in a 350 oven for 15 minutes. Alternatively you can reheat in a microwave, but that's our least favorite way.
- To Freeze: You can freeze the leftover cooked salmon sealed tightly for up to 3 months, thaw and reheat as above. Keep in mind the texture of salmon changes when frozen, so it's not highly recommended.
Why does my honey glaze burn?
Honey contains natural sugars that caramelize quickly. If the heat is too high or the glaze is added too early, it can burn. Cook the salmon first and add the glaze near the end.
Why is my salmon dry?
Overcooking is the most common cause. Salmon should be removed from heat when it reaches about 125–130°F (medium).
Why doesn’t my glaze thicken?
The glaze thickens as it cooks and reduces. If it stays thin, simmer it briefly in the pan until it coats the back of a spoon.
Why does the glaze slide off the salmon?
This usually happens if the salmon surface is wet. Always pat the fish dry before cooking.
Why is my salmon sticking to the pan?
Preheat the pan properly and use enough oil. Nonstick or well seasoned cast iron pans work best, and if you're grilling, follow our guide to Grilled Trout : How to Grill Fish without it sticking.
Is honey glazed salmon healthy?
Yes. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential nutrients. Honey adds sweetness but is used in moderate amounts.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I make the glaze ahead?
Yes. The glaze can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
What internal temperature should salmon reach?
For best texture, salmon is typically cooked to 125–130°F for medium or 145°F for fully cooked.
Can honey glazed salmon be grilled?
Yes. Brush the glaze on during the final minutes of grilling to prevent burning and follow our Grilled Trout : How to Grill Fish without it sticking guide.
This glaze was absolute PERFECTION on salmon. Love it!!!
This honey glazed salmon checks ALL the boxes for our salmon dinner and is a family favorite! This version couldn’t be easier! Thanks for sharing 🙂
My salmon turned out so well!! It had great flavor from the glaze and was flaky and tender. Delicious for dinner!
This salmon glaze was so good! Sweet, sticky and it totally complimented the rich salmon taste!
This salmon is absolutely delicious. We made it for lunch today and it was lovely and tender and the flavour was on point. Will be making this again!
This is so good!! The flavors are just perfect! Can’t wait to make it again!
This salmon was beautiful. The flavours were amazing.
We love salmon in my household. Thanks for the flavor inspo.
Oh my goodness my mouth is Watering, this looks delicious! Never thought to use hot honey this way. We love salmon in our house, adding this to next week’s meal plan, yummm!