Say goodbye to boring weeknight dinners! This Best Easy Honey Lemon Salmon is a culinary triumph that will have your family asking for seconds. In just 15 minutes, you can transform simple salmon fillets into a gourmet-level meal, complete with a luscious, sweet, and tangy glaze. It’s the perfect harmony of healthy eating and irresistible flavor, making it a guaranteed favorite in your weekly rotation.
Making the Best Easy Honey Lemon Salmon
The secret to this Simple Glazed Salmon Recipe is the technique and the speed. We cook the salmon briefly on both sides to achieve a lovely golden-brown crust, then finish it by returning it to the pan after making the luscious honey lemon glaze. The brief simmer of the glaze in the hot pan ensures it thickens beautifully, clinging perfectly to the salmon for that irresistible, glossy finish. You’ll be amazed at the quality you can achieve in minutes!
Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Honey Lemon Glaze:
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chilli flakes (optional)
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep and Season: Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a good sear! Season both sides of the fillets generously with salt and pepper.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, paprika, minced garlic, and chilli flakes (if using) until well combined. Set aside.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat the oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat until the butter is melted and foamy. Add the salmon fillets, skin side down (if applicable). Cook for 3-4 minutes on the skin side until it’s crisp. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is golden brown.
- Remove and Deglaze: Remove the seared salmon fillets from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
- Thicken the Glaze: Pour the prepared honey mixture into the same pan. Stir and simmer for 1-2 minutes over medium heat until the glaze slightly thickens and reduces.
- Glaze and Serve: Return the salmon to the pan and spoon the glaze over the fillets until they are fully coated, warmed through, and fully cooked to your preference. Remove the salmon and serve immediately with fresh lemon slices for garnish.
Best Honey Glazed Salmon Ever
Ingredients
For the salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 tsp butter
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- salt and pepper to taste
For the honey lemon glaze
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chilli flakes optional
- lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Pat salmon dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, paprika, minced garlic, and chilli flakes (if using).
- Heat the oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add salmon, skin side down.
- Cook 3-4 minutes each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Pour in the honey mixture to the same pan. Stir and simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return salmon to the pan and spoon glaze over the fillet until fully cooked and glossy. Remove and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
This beautiful Honey Lemon Glazed Salmon pairs wonderfully with simple sides that let the vibrant sauce shine. Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice, quinoa, or with roasted easy asparagus for a complete and healthy meal. A side of steamed green beans or a simple garden salad is also a fantastic, quick choice! This is an elegant dish perfect for a weeknight, or a lovely treat for guests.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 of 4) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 95 mg |
| Sodium | 345 mg |
| Potassium | 885 mg |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 13 g |
| Vitamin A | 420 IU |
| Vitamin C | 5 mg |
| Calcium | 30 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Secrets to a Simple 15-Minute Glazed Salmon Recipe
The secret to this Simple 15-Minute Glazed Salmon Recipe is all about heat control and efficiency. Cooking the glaze directly in the hot pan after the salmon has been removed allows it to quickly reduce and concentrate its flavor, while capturing all the savory bits left behind. This simple trick ensures you get a beautifully thick, glossy, and flavorful glaze without any extra time or fuss.
We hope you love making and sharing this Best Easy Honey Lemon Salmon recipe! It truly is a fantastic, quick dinner solution. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating below to let us know how it turned out, or share a photo on social media and tag us! Happy cooking!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon thoroughly and pat it dry before cooking. Excess moisture from frozen fillets can prevent proper searing and crisping.
2. How do I know when salmon is perfectly cooked?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the center turns opaque pink. For moist, medium salmon, the internal temperature should reach 125–130°F (52–54°C) for precision.
3. Can I bake this Honey Lemon Salmon instead of pan-searing?
Yes! You can bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes, then pour the prepared glaze over the salmon during the last 5 minutes of baking for that glossy finish.
4. What can I substitute for soy sauce?
For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos. Both add a similar depth of flavor without compromising taste.
5. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! The honey lemon glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before adding to the cooked salmon.
6. What sides go best with Honey Lemon Salmon?
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli. For a lighter meal, serve it with a fresh garden salad or citrus slaw.
7. Can I use other fish for this recipe?
Yes, this glaze works wonderfully with cod, trout, tilapia, or halibut. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillet.
