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Easy Honey Garlic Baked Salmon (One-Pan)

honey garlic baked salmon - featured image

This easy honey garlic baked salmon is a one-pan wonder that comes together in about 25 minutes. The sweet and savory glaze caramelizes perfectly, making it a delicious and simple weeknight dinner that looks and tastes impressive.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170g each), skin on or off
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/3 cup honey (80ml)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (45ml), low sodium recommended
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (15ml)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (5ml), optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. If using foil, lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  3. Make the honey garlic glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  4. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Drizzle about half of the glaze over the salmon, using a brush or spoon to spread it evenly. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.
  5. Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness. For standard 1-inch thick fillets, 13 minutes is usually perfect. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done. About halfway through baking, brush on another layer of the reserved glaze for extra flavor.
  6. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for a caramelized top. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  7. Remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

For best results, let salmon sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking. Don’t overcrowd the pan; leave space between fillets. If broiling, watch carefully as honey burns quickly. Let salmon rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute. Double the glaze recipe if serving with rice or vegetables.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic salmon, baked salmon, one-pan salmon, easy salmon recipe, weeknight dinner, healthy salmon