Sticky Garlic Honey Salmon
There’s something magical about a recipe that brings everyone to the dinner table with smiles on their faces. Sticky Garlic Honey Salmon has become that recipe in my household. I stumbled upon this dish during a hectic week when I needed something quick yet special. The combination of garlic, honey, and soy sauce creates a sticky glaze that coats the salmon so perfectly, it’s almost addictive. My kids call it “candy salmon,” and my husband always asks if there are leftovers to take for lunch. Spoiler: there rarely are.
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you get a dish that tastes like it’s straight out of a fancy restaurant. It’s also versatile! You can serve it over rice, alongside roasted vegetables, or even as part of a salad. The first time I made it, my youngest declared it was better than takeout, and honestly, I couldn’t agree more.
Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just need a reliable weeknight dinner, Sticky Garlic Honey Salmon is always a hit. The sweet-savory flavor profile pairs beautifully with the richness of the salmon, and the crispy caramelized edges from searing make it utterly irresistible. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. It’s the perfect blend of easy, delicious, and impressive.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I use another type of fish?
Absolutely! While salmon works best for this recipe, you can try it with cod, halibut, or even tilapia. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fish.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
You can substitute fresh garlic with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, but fresh garlic adds a deeper flavor that’s worth the effort.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in the fridge. However, it’s best to cook the salmon fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The sweetness of the honey balances out the savory notes, making it a hit with kids.
Can I make it spicy?
Of course! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick.
What You Need to Make Sticky Garlic Honey Salmon
Ingredients:
4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Tools and Equipment:
Non-stick skillet
Spatula
Measuring spoons
Small mixing bowl
How to Make Sticky Garlic Honey Salmon
Prepare the marinade: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and pour the marinade over them. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Cook the salmon: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy.
Add the glaze: Flip the salmon and pour the remaining marinade into the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, spooning the glaze over the salmon as it thickens.
Serve and enjoy: Remove from heat and let the salmon rest for 2 minutes. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Sticky Garlic Honey Salmon
Use skin-on salmon: The skin helps protect the fish from overcooking and adds a delightful crispy texture.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the fillets in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
Deglaze the pan: If the glaze starts to stick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it.
Substitute honey with maple syrup: For a different twist, use maple syrup instead of honey. It’s equally delicious!
Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the skillet for maximum flavor.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Quick, easy, and delicious!” Made this on a busy weeknight, and it was a hit with the whole family. Definitely adding this to our dinner rotation!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for date night.” My partner couldn’t stop raving about it. Served it with roasted asparagus and mashed potatoes—restaurant quality!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Next time, I’ll double the sauce.” The flavor was amazing, but we ran out of sauce to drizzle over our rice. Will definitely make again!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Even the kids loved it!” My picky eaters asked for seconds. That’s a win in my book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A little too sweet for me.” Great recipe, but I’ll cut back on the honey next time. Still a solid dish!
Printable Recipe
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Sticky Garlic Honey Salmon
This Sticky Garlic Honey Salmon is a sweet and savory delight that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With just a handful of ingredients and under 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish that the whole family will love. Pair it with rice, veggies, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tools and Equipment:
- Non-stick skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Small mixing bowl
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and pour the marinade over them. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the salmon: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy.
- Add the glaze: Flip the salmon and pour the remaining marinade into the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, spooning the glaze over the salmon as it thickens.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from heat and let the salmon rest for 2 minutes. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
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