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Chef Amber

Easy Honey Garlic Salmon Skillet

Tender salmon fillets coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. A fast, flavorful dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes with minimal ingredients.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Four ingredients for the glaze plus the salmon itself.
  • 4 salmon fillets skin-on, about 6 oz each
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 5 garlic cloves minced finely
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh parsley or sliced green onions for garnish

Equipment

  • Want to Build on It?
  • Add a teaspoon of fresh grated ginger to the glaze for a sharper, more aromatic version that works especially well over rice.
  • Stir in a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes if you want heat in the glaze without changing its consistency.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the glaze just before it goes over the salmon to brighten the sweetness and cut through the richness.
  • Use tamari instead of soy sauce if you need a gluten-free version — the flavor is nearly identical and the glaze behaves exactly the same in the pan.

Method
 

  1. How to Make Honey Garlic Salmon
  2. Step 1 - Prep the salmon: Remove the salmon fillets from the refrigerator about ten minutes before cooking and let them sit at room temperature. Pat each fillet thoroughly dry on all sides with paper towels, then season lightly with black pepper. Do not add salt at this stage — the soy sauce in the glaze will provide all the saltiness the dish needs, and pre-salting can draw additional moisture to the surface and interfere with the sear.
  3. Step 2 - Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic until fully combined. The mixture will look thin at this stage — it thickens significantly once it hits the heat of the pan and the water content evaporates, leaving behind a concentrated, glossy sauce. Keep the bowl near the stove so you can pour it in quickly without losing heat from the pan.
  4. Step 3 - Sear the salmon: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Place the salmon fillets skin-side up in the pan and press gently to ensure full contact with the surface. Let them cook completely undisturbed for three minutes — do not move them, do not press them, do not check underneath. After three minutes, flip each fillet carefully with a spatula so they are now skin-side down, and cook for another two minutes.
  5. Step 4 - Add the glaze: Reduce the heat to medium and pour the honey garlic mixture directly over the salmon fillets. The glaze will bubble and steam immediately as it hits the hot pan. Use a spoon to baste the tops of the fillets as the sauce cooks, tilting the pan slightly if needed to pool the liquid. Cook for two to three minutes, basting continuously, until the glaze has thickened to a sticky, syrupy consistency and is visibly coating the salmon with a deep amber color.
  6. Step 5 - Serve immediately: Transfer the salmon fillets to plates and spoon any remaining glaze from the pan over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions and serve while the glaze is still warm and fluid. Honey garlic salmon does not hold well — the glaze sets and loses its glossy texture as it cools, so this is a dish to serve and eat right away rather than let sit.

Notes

Nutrition Facts (per serving): Carbs: 12g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 11g