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A delicious plate of Honey Glazed Salmon is presented as a featured image.

Perfect Honey Glazed Salmon

This recipe delivers perfectly cooked, flaky salmon with a luscious, savory-sweet honey glaze. By pre-cooking the glaze and monitoring the internal temperature, you can avoid dryness and achieve a restaurant-quality dish at home. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for an elegant presentation.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced, for garnish
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or foil
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Oven
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Paper towels
  • Fork

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
  2. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Combine Glaze Ingredients: Stir in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
  4. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  5. Glaze the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each fillet generously with the honey glaze.
  6. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). For the last minute of baking, you can optionally broil the salmon for extra caramelization, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
  7. Rest and Garnish: Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
  8. Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

Patting the salmon dry is crucial for glaze adherence and even cooking. Pre-cooking the glaze thickens it and intensifies the flavor. Monitor the internal temperature of the salmon to ensure it reaches 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked, moist results. Salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. For a spicier glaze, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. You can also add a pinch of ginger or a squeeze of lemon juice to the glaze for extra flavor.