Description
Honey and garlic were absolutely made for salmon! This High Protein Honey Garlic Salmon recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 25 minutes with minimal ingredients. The honey-garlic glaze caramelizes beautifully on the pan-seared salmon, creating a perfectly balanced sweet and savory dish.
Ingredients
18 oz. wild Atlantic salmon cut into 3 oz. filets (about 6 filets)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons honey (42g)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon olive oil
Cooking spray
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Place salmon filets in a large resealable Ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them. Squeeze out as much air as possible and seal the bag. Gently move the filets around inside the bag to make sure they are all evenly coated. Place flesh side down and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes.
3. Spray a large nonstick or cast iron skillet with cooking spray and set to medium heat. Add olive oil and let it shimmer.
4. Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the salmon filets flesh side down and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them. The flesh side should turn opaque and light pink.
5. Flip the salmon carefully using a spatula and cook the skin side for another 1-2 minutes until the salmon reaches 145°F internally or flakes easily with a fork.
6. Plate the salmon while hot and pour any remaining pan drippings over the filets. Serve with lemon wedges and your choice of sides like roasted potatoes, air-fried green beans, rice, or salad.
Notes
Temperature Matters: The most accurate way to check doneness is an internal temperature of 145°F (according to USDA guidelines). If you do not have a thermometer, look for salmon to be light pink and flaky throughout.
Use Fresh Salmon: If using frozen salmon, thaw it completely before marinating. Partially thawed salmon cooks unevenly and can result in dry edges and raw centers.
Do Not Overcrowd: Overcrowding the skillet causes temperature to drop and traps steam, which steams the salmon instead of searing it. Cook in batches if needed. A golden crust is what makes this special.
Keep the Skin On: The skin helps retain moisture during cooking and makes it easier to peel off any skin after cooking.
Air Fryer Option: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Spray the basket with cooking spray. Add marinated salmon and cook for 5-7 minutes for equally delicious results.
Swap Your Sides: This salmon pairs beautifully with farro, quinoa, roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted broccoli, or any roasted vegetable you prefer.
Fresh Ingredients: Fresh minced garlic creates the best flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch. Fresh-squeezed lemon juice is always better than bottled.
Make It Meal Prep: Cook a batch on Sunday and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Eat cold on salads or reheat gently for bowls.
Layer More Flavor: Add red pepper flakes for heat, fresh dill for herbaceousness, or orange zest for citrus depth.
Storage: Leftover salmon keeps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days. You can also freeze marinated salmon in a Ziplock bag for up to one month.
Keto Friendly: The honey provides about 5.7g carbs per serving. Skip it for strict keto or keep it for the flavor that makes this dish special.
Different Salmon Types: Coho and sockeye are leaner varieties and cook faster (3-4 minutes per side). Fattier varieties take slightly longer but are more forgiving if you slightly overcook.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American