Dinner

Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe

ByHugo Harnd January 4, 2026January 4, 2026

Introduction

This honey garlic salmon recipe is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, with a hint of spice to excite your taste buds. The glaze caramelizes beautifully under the broiler, creating a deliciously sticky coating that pairs wonderfully with tender salmon.

A large piece of cooked salmon with a shiny, thick reddish-brown glaze covers the entire top layer, creating a smooth and sticky texture. The fish rests on crumpled silver foil, showing hints of charring around the edges. Bright green chopped herbs are scattered unevenly on top of the glaze, adding a fresh contrast. Near the salmon, there is a white bowl filled with more chopped green herbs on a white marbled surface. In the corner, a small wooden bowl contains reddish-yellow flakes with a rough, dry texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¼ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup light brown sugar
3 tablespoons honey
¼ cup soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ inch fresh ginger, grated
Juice of 1 whole lemon
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 pounds salmon
Salt to taste
Cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together the butter, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, lemon juice, cornstarch, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it slightly reduces and thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the salmon on top. Lightly sprinkle the salmon with salt.
Step 3: Fold up the sides of the aluminum foil around the salmon to make a sealed “packet.”
Step 4: Brush half of the prepared glaze over the salmon inside the foil packet.
Step 5: Bake the salmon for 20-25 minutes, or until it is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Step 6: Switch your oven to broil. Carefully open the foil packet and place the salmon under the broiler for 3-5 minutes to caramelize the glaze. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 7: Remove the salmon from the oven. Brush the remaining glaze over the top and sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in half the glaze for 30 minutes before baking.
Substitute lime juice for lemon juice for a slightly different citrus note.
Add a splash of sesame oil to the glaze for a nutty depth.
Use fresh red chili instead of crushed flakes for milder, aromatic heat.

Storage

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve texture and flavor. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the fish.