Perfectly seared salmon with a golden crust, coated in a sticky-sweet honey garlic glaze. I love how quick it comes together, packed with flavor, and makes an easy weeknight dinner feel like a restaurant-worthy meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
2 tablespoons cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
For the glaze:
1/3 cup honey
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 teaspoons water (slurry)
Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
For garnish:
Sesame seeds
Chopped green onions
Directions
I pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel, season them with salt and pepper, then lightly coat with cornstarch.
I heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. I add the salmon, skin side down if using, and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until crispy and golden. Then I remove them and set aside.
In the same skillet, I add honey, soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar. I let it simmer for 2 minutes.
I stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the glaze thickens.
I return the salmon to the pan, spooning the glaze over the top until it’s well coated.
Finally, I garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. Prep time is about 10 minutes, cooking time is 15 minutes, for a total of 25 minutes. Each serving has about 340 calories.
Variations
I sometimes add a splash of orange juice to the glaze for a citrusy twist.
If I want a little spice, I sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes.
Instead of salmon, I like using this glaze on shrimp or chicken.
For a low-carb option, I serve it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
I also enjoy swapping honey for maple syrup when I want a slightly different sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer using a skillet over low heat to keep the glaze sticky and the salmon tender. If I’m in a hurry, the microwave works too, but I make sure to cover it to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, I can use frozen salmon, but I always thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to ensure crispiness.
Do I have to use cornstarch for the coating?
No, I don’t have to, but I find that cornstarch gives the salmon that extra crispy finish. Without it, the salmon will still taste great, just less crunchy.
Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing it?
Yes, I sometimes bake the salmon at 400°F for about 12–15 minutes, then brush the glaze on at the end. It’s a great hands-off option.
What sides go best with honey garlic glazed salmon?
I like serving it with steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, roasted asparagus, or even noodles. The glaze pairs well with almost anything.
How do I know when salmon is fully cooked?
I check if the salmon flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F. That’s when I know it’s perfectly done.
Conclusion
This crispy honey garlic glazed salmon is one of my favorite quick and flavorful dinners. I like how simple it is to prepare yet it feels so special on the plate. With its golden crust, sticky-sweet glaze, and endless pairing options, it’s a dish I can enjoy any night of the week.
Recipe:
Print
Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Perfectly seared salmon fillets with a crispy crust, coated in a sticky-sweet honey garlic glaze. This quick and flavorful recipe is ideal for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
1/3 cup honey
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 teaspoons water (slurry)
Optional: red pepper flakes
Garnish: Sesame seeds
Garnish: Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season with salt and pepper, then lightly coat each fillet with cornstarch.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on) and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add honey, soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water) and cook until the glaze thickens, about 1–2 minutes.
- Return the salmon to the pan and spoon the glaze over the fillets until well coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
Use frozen salmon if needed, but make sure it’s fully thawed and dried before cooking.
Cornstarch adds extra crispiness but can be omitted for a softer texture.
Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Bake instead of pan-searing for a hands-off method—400°F for 12–15 minutes.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Swap honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Serve with rice, noodles, or steamed/roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg