Easy Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

If you’re searching for a dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but takes less than 30 minutes to make, this Easy Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon is your answer. With its sweet-and-savory glaze, crisp golden edges, and tender, flaky center, this salmon dish is guaranteed to be a showstopper.

The sticky honey garlic glaze caramelizes beautifully on the salmon while delivering a rich, balanced flavor that hits all the right notes. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for a dinner party. Served with fluffy rice or steamed vegetables, it makes a satisfying and wholesome meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes
• Balanced flavors: Sweet, savory, and aromatic with just the right amount of richness
• Restaurant quality: Gorgeous caramelization and satisfying crunch
• Minimal ingredients: Pantry staples you probably already have
• Versatile: Pairs beautifully with rice, potatoes, or fresh vegetables

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 4 salmon fillets, skin-on
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Chopped green onions, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

Start by rinsing the salmon fillets under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps achieve a crisp sear on the skin.

Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. This glaze will add a rich, sticky sweetness and that classic garlicky aroma, perfectly balancing the rich flavor of the salmon.

Step 3: Sear the Salmon

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the salmon fillets in the pan skin-side down. Cook for about 4 minutes, letting the skin crisp up to a beautiful golden brown.

Step 4: Glaze and Finish Cooking

Flip the fillets carefully using a fish spatula. Brush half of the prepared honey garlic glaze over the salmon, allowing it to soak in while the fish cooks for another 3–4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the salmon from the skillet, drizzle the remaining glaze over the top, and garnish with freshly chopped green onions. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.

Pair this salmon with steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or a crisp garden salad for a balanced meal. It also goes wonderfully over fluffy jasmine rice or even buttery mashed potatoes.

Tips for Success

• Use skin-on salmon: The skin helps hold the fillets together and crisps beautifully in the pan.
• Don’t crowd the pan: Give the salmon space to sear properly.
• Watch the glaze: Honey can burn quickly, so keep an eye on it and lower the heat if needed.
• Choose high-quality salmon: Wild-caught or fresh salmon has the best flavor.
• Serve immediately: The crispiness is best enjoyed fresh out of the pan.

Why This Recipe Works

This salmon recipe works so well because the honey caramelizes, creating a sticky glaze that enhances the natural richness of the salmon while providing a satisfying crunch. Garlic adds depth and savory notes, while soy sauce balances the sweetness with a salty umami hit.

Searing the salmon skin-side down first allows the skin to crisp up, locking in moisture and flavor, while the final drizzle of glaze brings everything together in a mouthwatering finish.

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: For best results, warm the salmon gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through. You can also reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 3–4 minutes to help maintain crispness.

Variations

• Add heat: Stir in a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy twist
• Citrus flavor: Add 1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest to the honey glaze for a bright, fresh flavor
• Soy-free: Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos
• Herb twist: Garnish with fresh cilantro or dill for a flavor boost
• Sesame style: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty finish

Serving Suggestions

• Over jasmine or basmati rice
• With roasted or steamed vegetables
• On top of a green salad with a citrus vinaigrette
• Wrapped in lettuce cups for a low-carb option
• Paired with crusty bread to soak up extra glaze

Perfect for These Occasions

• Weeknight family dinners
• Casual dinner parties
• Date night at home
• Sunday lunch
• Holiday gatherings when you want an impressive seafood dish

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Easy Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon hits every note you want in a dinner: it’s easy to make, uses pantry staples, cooks quickly, and looks stunning on the plate. You get tender, flaky salmon coated with a golden, sticky, garlicky glaze that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

It’s proof that simple ingredients can deliver incredible flavor with very little effort, and thanks to the one-pan method, cleanup is quick too. If you love salmon, this will quickly become your new go-to recipe.

The Goods

Easy Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

We appreciate you taking the time to rate!

No ratings yet

Crispy honey garlic glazed salmon ready in 30 minutes! Sweet, savory, quick, and easy for dinner.

Course Dinner, Fish, Lunch, Main Course, Seafood

Cuisine American

Recipes

• 4 salmon fillets skin-on
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

• Start by rinsing the salmon fillets under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps achieve a crisp sear on the skin.

Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze

• In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. This glaze will add a rich, sticky sweetness and that classic garlicky aroma, perfectly balancing the rich flavor of the salmon.

Step 3: Sear the Salmon

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the salmon fillets in the pan skin-side down. Cook for about 4 minutes, letting the skin crisp up to a beautiful golden brown.

Step 4: Glaze and Finish Cooking

• Flip the fillets carefully using a fish spatula. Brush half of the prepared honey garlic glaze over the salmon, allowing it to soak in while the fish cooks for another 3–4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Remove the salmon from the skillet, drizzle the remaining glaze over the top, and garnish with freshly chopped green onions. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.
• Pair this salmon with steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or a crisp garden salad for a balanced meal. It also goes wonderfully over fluffy jasmine rice or even buttery mashed potatoes.