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Close-up overhead image of four equal-sized cooked salmon covered in a homemade honey garlic sauce.
4.71 from 17 votes

Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe

This easy honey garlic salmon is sweet, savory, garlicky, and ready in about 20 minutes. Made with tender salmon fillets simmered in a simple honey garlic sauce, then finished under the broiler, it is the perfect weeknight dinner to serve with rice and vegetables
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 430kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets - about 5-6 ounces each, preferably similar in thickness
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 6 cloves garlic - minced
  • ½ lemon - thinly sliced

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to broil, using a low or medium broil setting if your oven gives you the option.
  • Season the salmon: Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and water, then set the sauce aside.
  • Cook the garlic: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet set over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring often, until fragrant.
  • Simmer the sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  • Add the salmon: Carefully nestle the salmon fillets into the sauce, skin-side down. Let them cook for 4 to 5 minutes, occasionally spooning the sauce over the tops so they stay moist and flavorful.
  • Broil the salmon: Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and lightly caramelized around the edges. For best results, the thickest part of the salmon should register 145°F.
  • Finish and serve: Remove from the oven and spoon the warm sauce from the pan over the salmon. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and garnish with green onions or fresh chives, if desired.

Notes

  • Do not overcook: Salmon can go from tender to dry very quickly, especially wild-caught varieties. A digital thermometer is the easiest way to know when to stop cooking.
  • Make it dairy-free: Replace the butter with extra olive oil.
  • Want a little heat? Add a little sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a sweet-spicy variation.
  • Storage: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave, oven, or a covered skillet over low heat until warmed through. Add a spoonful of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 917mg | Potassium: 927mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 248IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg
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