Honey Garlic Salmon - Real Life Dinner

We’ve started having salmon once a week for dinner because it’s such a simple main dish to cook. I’m always looking for new ways to prepare it to keep things exciting. You’ve probably seen the Oven Baked Blackened Salmon and Baked Honey Mustard Salmon recipes on my blog. My latest favorite is this simple Honey Garlic Salmon.

I love being able to whisk together a few simple ingredients, pour it over the fish, and have a delicious healthy dinner 20 minutes later. I typically use a large filet to feed my family, but this also works well if you’re cooking 4 ounce segments instead of a large filet.

The sauce is more the consistency of a marinade, and as such, two to three times during the cooking process you will need to baste the sauce back up on the fish. Technically, you don’t have to baste the fish, but it intensifies the flavor. If you’re a salmon fan like us, you’ve got to try this recipe.

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step-by-step pictures on how to make honey garlic salmon

Frequently Asked Questions about how to make Honey Garlic Salmon

will this sauce work with other fish?

Yes, it should be okay to use it on another mild fish like Tilapia.

can i cook it in a frying pan instead of the oven?

Yes. It actually works really well to cook it in a frying pan.

what’s the best temperature to bake salmon?

I prefer to bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, but many people like to broil it or cook it at high temperatures like 425 degrees or 450 degrees.

how long does salmon need to bake in the oven?

Usually, 15-20 minutes depending on the thickness of the filet(s).

can i use frozen salmon filets?

It’s always best to use a thawed piece of salmon so you can better predict cooking time and make sure it is cooked through. If your salmon is frozen, place it in a cool water bath for an hour or until it thaws.

cook’s tools:

Honey Garlic Salmon

Prep time

5 mins

Cook time

20 mins

Total time

25 mins

Flavorful and simple, this recipe for Honey Garlic Salmon is one to keep in your back pocket. The ingredients are sure to be things you have on hand.

Author: Maria

Cuisine: Seafood

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

1-2 lbs of fresh salmon
salt and pepper (Season both sides of the fish before adding the sauce. To season the bottom, I sprinkle salt and pepper on the bottom of the pan before placing the fish on it.)
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
¼ cup honey
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp fresh or bottled lemon juice
3-4 cloves garlic, crushed
⅛ tsp red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Foil or parchment paper for the rimmed baking sheet

Instructions

Prepare a large rimmed baking sheet by covering the bottom with parchment paper or tinfoil.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Place the fish on the prepared cooking sheet and season with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, crushed garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Pour over the fish and place into the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until fish is completely cooked through. 2-3 times during the cooking process spoon or baste the honey garlic mixture back onto the fish (it is runny like a marinade). This step isn't necessary but will intensify the flavor if you take the time to do it.
Serve with steamed or roasted veggies.