Perfect Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe

Honey glazed salmon transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something truly special with its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. I’ve been making this recipe for over fifteen years, and it never fails to impress my family and guests alike.

There’s something magical about the way honey caramelizes in the oven, creating those beautiful golden edges that make this dish restaurant-worthy—similar to the glaze magic in our Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. I remember the first time I made this honey glazed salmon for my husband – he took one bite and declared it was better than any salmon he’d ever had at a fancy restaurant. That was twenty years ago, and it’s still one of his most requested meals.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way everyday ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. The honey provides natural sweetness, while the soy sauce adds depth and umami, much like the flavor layering in my Creamy Garlic Tuscan Salmon, and the Dijon mustard brings just a hint of tang that ties everything together perfectly.

Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Honey Glazed Salmon

This honey glazed salmon recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. I’ve served this dish to countless dinner guests over the years, and it never fails to receive rave reviews – even from people who claim they don’t usually enjoy fish.

The inspiration for this recipe came from my grandmother’s Sunday dinners, where she always said the secret to great cooking was balancing sweet and savory flavors. She would have loved this modern twist on her classic glazing techniques.

• Easy to make with everyday pantry ingredients you probably already have
• Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special in under 30 minutes
• Consistently delicious results every single time you make it
• Versatile enough for casual family dinners or elegant entertaining
• Healthy protein option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for nutrition
• Beginner-friendly recipe that makes even novice cooks look like pros

This honey glazed salmon is more than just a dinner recipe – it’s become our family’s go-to meal for celebrations and quiet Sunday evenings alike.

Ingredient Note List

Salmon Fillets: I always recommend choosing fresh, thick fillets with bright color and firm texture, as they hold up beautifully to the honey glaze and create the most succulent results.

Honey: The star of this honey glazed salmon recipe, honey provides natural sweetness and creates those gorgeous caramelized edges that make this dish so special.

Soy Sauce: This adds essential umami depth and saltiness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the honey while enhancing the natural flavor of the salmon.

Olive Oil: I prefer using extra virgin olive oil because it helps the glaze adhere to the fish while adding subtle richness and promoting even browning.

Dijon Mustard: The slight tang and complexity of Dijon mustard cuts through the sweetness and adds sophisticated flavor depth that elevates the entire dish.

Fresh Lemon Juice: In my kitchen, I always use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled because it provides bright acidity that keeps the glaze from being too sweet.

Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the glaze with aromatic warmth and savory notes that complement both the honey and salmon perfectly.

Ground Ginger: This warming spice adds subtle heat and complexity that pairs beautifully with the honey while enhancing the Asian-inspired flavor profile.

How to Cook Honey Glazed Salmon

Step 1. I usually start by preheating my oven to 400°F because this temperature creates the perfect balance of cooking the salmon through while caramelizing the glaze.

Step 2. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper – I’ve found this prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier, plus it helps the salmon cook evenly.

Step 3. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet with the skin side down if using skin-on fillets, as this helps them hold their shape during cooking.

Step 4. In a small bowl, I whisk together the honey, soy sauce, olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground ginger, black pepper, and salt until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.

Step 5. My grandmother always said to be generous with glazes, so I use a spoon or brush to coat each fillet thoroughly with the honey mixture, making sure every surface is covered.

Step 6. Bake the honey glazed salmon for 12-15 minutes, checking for doneness by gently inserting a fork into the thickest part – it should flake easily when ready.

Step 7. For those gorgeous caramelized edges that make this dish special, I broil on high for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.

Step 8. Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven – this allows the juices to redistribute and ensures perfectly moist, tender fish.

How to Store & Reheat

I usually store any leftover honey glazed salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure the fish cools completely before sealing it to prevent condensation from making the glaze soggy.

While this dish is absolutely best served fresh from the oven, I don’t recommend freezing cooked salmon as it can become tough and lose its delicate texture. If you need to prepare ahead, I suggest making the glaze in advance and storing it separately.

For best results, I recommend reheating leftover honey glazed salmon in the oven at 300°F for about 8-10 minutes, just until warmed through. You can also use the microwave for convenience – just cover it with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals to prevent overcooking.

What to Serve with Honey Glazed Salmon

Steamed Jasmine Rice: The mild, fluffy texture of jasmine rice perfectly absorbs the delicious honey glaze while providing a neutral base that lets the salmon shine.

Roasted Asparagus: The slight char and crisp-tender texture of roasted asparagus provides a perfect contrast to the tender salmon while adding vibrant color to your plate.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes complement the sweet-savory glaze beautifully—though you might also enjoy the herby touch of our Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli as a green side.

Asian Cucumber Salad: The cool, crisp freshness of cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing cuts through the richness of the glazed salmon—try our Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad for a flavorful variation.

Honey Glazed Carrots: In my kitchen, I often serve this with honey-glazed carrots because the complementary flavors create a cohesive, elegant meal that my family absolutely loves.

Simple Green Salad: A light salad with lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and helps balance the richness of the honey glazed salmon while keeping the meal from feeling too heavy—when I want to level it up, I pair it with our Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Skewers for an easy entertaining plate.

FAQs

How do I know when my honey glazed salmon is done cooking?

I recommend checking for doneness by gently inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fillet – it should flake easily and the internal temperature should reach 145°F.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry with paper towels before applying the glaze to ensure proper caramelization.

What if my honey glaze is too thick or too thin?

If the glaze seems too thick, I add a teaspoon of water or lemon juice to thin it out, and if it’s too thin, a bit more honey usually does the trick.

How many calories are in honey glazed salmon?

This honey glazed salmon contains approximately 350 calories per serving, with about 23 grams of high-quality protein, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

Is honey glazed salmon healthy?

Yes! Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential nutrients, while the honey provides natural sweetness without refined sugars – it’s a well-balanced, nutritious choice.

Can I make this honey glazed salmon recipe ahead of time?

I often marinate the salmon in the glaze for 15-30 minutes before baking for extra flavor, but for best results, I recommend cooking and serving it fresh rather than preparing it hours in advance.