Garlicky Honey-Glazed Salmon

Course: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes

Indulge in a delectable honey-glazed salmon dish, perfectly seared to a golden-brown hue and infused with a sweet-savory flavor profile. Begin by meticulously seasoning tender, skin-on salmon fillets with a touch of kosher salt to enhance their natural taste.
Craft a tantalizing sauce by combining the zesty essence of freshly squeezed lemon juice with the richness of honey and the umami depth of soy sauce, creating a harmonious blend that complements the salmon’s inherent succulence.
In a skillfully preheated skillet, coax the salmon into a sizzling dance, flesh-side down, allowing it to luxuriate in a gentle olive oil embrace. As it cooks, the skillet sears the fillets to a luscious golden-brown, releasing an aromatic melody that beckons with every turn.
Flipping the salmon reveals a canvas of caramelized perfection, a foundation for the garlic’s fragrant introduction. Within moments, the garlic infuses its essence, awakening the senses without browning.
With finesse, drizzle the crafted sauce over the salmon, immersing it in a bath of flavors. As the sauce simmers and reduces, it envelopes the fish, creating a tantalizing glaze that transforms the salmon into a symphony of taste.
Each bite tantalizes the palate—each tender morsel, bathed in the velvety sauce, whispers of sweet honey, tangy lemon, and the subtle embrace of soy, culminating in a delightful crescendo of flavors.
Garnished with delicate, thinly sliced scallions, this exquisite dish is a celebration of culinary artistry and a testament to the marriage of simplicity and sophistication. Whether enjoyed as a family dinner or an intimate feast, this honey-glazed salmon promises a culinary experience that lingers as a cherished memory.

Ingredients

  • 4 (6-ounce) skin-on salmon fillets

  • 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

  • 1/2 medium lemon

  • 1/4 cup honey

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari

  • 4 cloves garlic

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • Thinly sliced scallions, optional for garnish

Directions

  • Start by patting dry 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets with paper towels. Season the flesh side of the salmon with 3/4 teaspoon of the kosher salt.
  • Squeeze juice from 1/2 medium lemon, yielding about 1 tablespoon, into a small bowl. Combine the lemon juice with 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Whisk until the honey completely dissolves.
  • Mince 4 cloves of garlic.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Place the salmon fillets skin-side up in the skillet, pressing them gently with a flat spatula to ensure even browning. Cook without moving for about 5 minutes until the bottom turns golden-brown.
  • Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 15 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  • Pour the prepared sauce over the salmon. Cook, occasionally spooning the sauce over the fish, until it thickens and reduces by approximately half, and the salmon is cooked through. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. You can check the doneness by using an instant-read thermometer—120°F to 130°F for medium-rare or 135°F to 145°F for a more well-done texture.
  • If desired, garnish the cooked salmon with thinly sliced scallions before serving.

Notes

  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.