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Easy Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe

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4 from 10 reviews

This Easy Honey Garlic Salmon recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet honey, tangy lemon, and savory garlic, creating a flavorful and quick dinner option. With a simple pan-searing followed by oven baking technique, the salmon results tender, flaky, and delicious in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Salmon and Seasoning

  • 4 (6-ounce) skin-on salmon fillets
  • 3/4 to 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Honey Garlic Sauce

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons hot water
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 6 cloves minced garlic (about 2 tablespoons)

Other

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Chopped fresh parsley or green onion (for serving)
  • Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat it to 450 degrees F to ensure it's ready for baking the salmon later.
  2. Dry the Salmon: Let the salmon rest at room temperature for 10 minutes. Using paper towels, pat the fillets dry on both sides to help achieve a crispy sear.
  3. Prepare Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small mixing bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the honey, hot water, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and cayenne pepper. Set aside near the stove for easy access.
  4. Heat Skillet: Use an ovenproof skillet, preferably cast iron, just large enough for the salmon fillets without overlapping. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat to get it hot but not smoking.
  5. Season Salmon: Just before cooking, sprinkle each salmon fillet with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper on the flesh side. Reserve a pinch of salt for the skin side after placing salmon in the pan.
  6. Sear Salmon: Add the olive oil to the hot skillet and swirl to coat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side up, flesh side down, into the skillet by moving them away from yourself to avoid oil splatter. Sprinkle the skin sides generously with the reserved salt.
  7. Cook Salmon: Cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until the salmon is browned and releases easily from the pan. Carefully flip each fillet using a thin spatula. Then, turn off the heat.
  8. Add Sauce and Baste: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the salmon in the skillet. Use a spoon to baste the top of the fillets with the sauce for about 1 minute.
  9. Bake Salmon: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the salmon until it flakes easily with a fork, about 4 to 5 minutes for 1-inch thick fillets. Adjust time for thicker or thinner fillets. The salmon is done at 145°F internal temperature. Remove from oven and let rest covered for a few minutes to complete cooking through carryover heat.
  10. Serve: Garnish the salmon with chopped fresh parsley or green onion. Optionally, squeeze lemon wedges over the top before serving. Spoon additional pan sauce over the salmon for maximum flavor. Enjoy immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Resting the salmon at room temperature before cooking helps it cook evenly.
  • Patting the salmon dry ensures a beautiful, crispy sear on the flesh side.
  • Use an ovenproof skillet to transfer directly from stovetop to oven without extra dishes.
  • Monitoring internal temperature with a thermometer prevents overcooking and dryness.
  • Adjust cooking time for fillet thickness to achieve perfect doneness.
  • Fresh parsley or green onions add a nice fresh finish and color contrast.

Find it online: https://simpleplatter.com/easy-honey-garlic-salmon-recipe/