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Pan-seared glazed salmon fillets in a skillet surrounded by lemon slices and green onions
american / mediterranean Easy dinner

Pan-Seared Honey Garlic Salmon

Crispy-skinned Atlantic salmon fillets caramelized in a sticky sweet glaze of wildflower honey, garlic, soy sauce, and lemon.

Prep
10 min
Cook
10 min
Total
20 min
Servings
4

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Pat salmon fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and fresh lemon juice until combined.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Place salmon fillets in skillet skin-side down. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until skin is crispy and fish is cooked about halfway up.
  5. Carefully flip fillets over with a fish spatula.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté for 30 seconds until garlic is fragrant.
  7. Pour the honey soy lemon mixture into the skillet around the salmon.
  8. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, continuously spooning the bubbly glaze over the salmon fillets until fish is just cooked through and glaze is sticky and caramelized.
  9. Remove from heat immediately. Garnish with lemon slices and parsley; serve with steamed rice or roasted greens.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Essential Tips

  • Cook skin-side down first for at least 70% of the cooking time to ensure shatteringly crispy skin
  • Do not walk away while the honey glaze is simmering; honey caramelizes rapidly over heat
  • Pull salmon off the heat when the center is slightly translucent; carryover heat will finish cooking it

⭐ Why This Recipe Works

  • Ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish
  • Loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids
  • Crispy seared skin with meltingly tender flaky fish
  • The honey garlic glaze caramelizes into pure magic

🔄 Delicious Variations

  • Add sriracha or chili flakes for hot honey garlic salmon
  • Add grated fresh ginger for Asian fusion flair
  • Bake in foil packets at 200°C for 14 minutes for hands-off cooking

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when salmon is cooked?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 52-54°C (125-130°F) in the center.
Should I remove the skin?
Leave the skin on while cooking; it protects the delicate flesh from high heat and turns deliciously crispy.
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