Honey Garlic Butter Salmon

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If you are looking for a quick meal that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and buttery flavors, Honey Garlic Butter Salmon is an absolute game-changer! Featuring golden seared salmon fillets coated in a sticky, caramelized honey garlic glaze, this dish is melt-in-your-mouth tender and dripping with flavor. Best of all, it comes together in under 15 minutes using simple pantry staples!

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

  • Salmon Fillets: 4 skin-on or skinless salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170g each).
  • Seasoning: ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper, and ½ tsp garlic powder.
  • Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (for searing).

For the Honey Garlic Butter Glaze:

  • Unsalted Butter: 3 tbsp.
  • Honey: ¼ cup quality raw honey.
  • Garlic: 5 cloves minced.
  • Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (for rich umami flavor).
  • Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice.
  • Garnish: Freshly chopped parsley or green onions, and lemon slices.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep and Season the Salmon:
    • Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels.
    • Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Pan-Sear the Salmon:
    • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
    • Place the salmon fillets in the pan (skin-side down first if using skin-on).
    • Sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and almost cooked through. Transfer salmon temporarily to a plate.
  3. Make the Honey Garlic Glaze:
    • Reduce heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet.
    • Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
    • Stir in the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, and fresh lemon juice. Let the glaze simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until it bubbles and thickens slightly.
  4. Glaze and Serve:
    • Return the salmon fillets to the skillet.
    • Spoon the sticky honey garlic glaze continuously over the fillets for 1 to 2 minutes so the sauce coats and caramelizes on the fish.
    • Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and lemon slices, and serve hot!

Chef’s Tips for Success

  • Don’t Burn the Garlic or Honey: Keep an eye on the heat when simmering the sauce; honey can burn quickly if left on high heat for too long.
  • Deglaze with Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness of the butter and honey, giving the glaze a perfectly balanced sweet-and-tangy finish.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted broccoli or asparagus.

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