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Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe

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4 from 53 reviews

This Honey Garlic Salmon recipe offers a perfectly balanced blend of sweet and savory flavors, combining tender salmon fillets with a sticky honey-garlic glaze. Pan-fried for a crisp skin and finished under the broiler for a slightly charred surface, this dish is garnished with fresh lemon wedges and parsley for a bright, fresh finish. It’s an easy, flavorful meal ideal for a quick dinner that feels gourmet.

Ingredients

Salmon

  • 12 oz. salmon, cut into 2-3 fillet strips
  • salt, to taste
  • black pepper, to taste
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Honey Garlic Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon warm water
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Garnish

  • 1/2 lemon, sliced into wedges
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Season the Salmon: Season the surface of the salmon fillets evenly with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Set the fillets aside while you prepare the sauce.
  2. Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, combine honey, warm water, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), and a pinch of salt. Stir well to fully mix the ingredients and create a smooth sauce.
  3. Pan-Fry the Salmon: Heat an oven-safe skillet (such as cast iron) over high heat. Add olive oil and carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Pan-fry for about 1 minute until the skin is crisp, then flip and cook the other side for 1 minute. Flip back so the skin side is down again for even cooking.
  4. Sauté Garlic and Add Sauce: Add minced garlic directly to the skillet and sauté until it is slightly browned and fragrant. Pour in the honey mixture along with the lemon wedges. Stir gently and reduce the sauce, allowing it to thicken and become sticky, coating the salmon beautifully.
  5. Broil for a Charred Finish: (Optional) Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil the salmon for 1 minute or until the surface is slightly charred to enhance flavor and texture.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, sprinkle chopped parsley over the salmon, and serve immediately with the lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Notes

  • You can substitute apple cider vinegar with fresh lemon juice for a citrusy tang.
  • The broiling step is optional but adds a nice charred flavor and appealing look.
  • For best results, use a cast iron skillet that is oven-safe to facilitate the transition from stovetop to broiler.
  • You can adjust the cayenne pepper quantity to control the heat level.
  • Serve this dish with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.