Description
Honey Baked Salmon: Succulent salmon drizzled with sweet honey glaze, baked to perfection. Easy, flavorful, and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz/170g each), skin-on preferred
- ¼ cup (85g) pure honey
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) soy sauce, low-sodium recommended
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 tablespoon (3g) fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon (2g) fresh ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
- ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels – this is crucial for helping the glaze adhere properly and achieving that perfect caramelization. Place the salmon skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a lightly oiled baking dish. I find that a light sprinkle of salt and pepper at this stage builds a good flavor foundation for your Honey Baked Salmon.
- Step 2: Make the Honey Glaze In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). This versatile glaze is the magic that transforms simple salmon into a memorable meal. The mixture should look smooth and integrated, with the honey fully dissolved into the other liquids. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of this glaze for basting during cooking.
- Step 3: Apply the Glaze Pour the honey mixture over your salmon fillets, using a spoon or brush to ensure even coverage. Make sure to get some glaze on the sides of the fillets as well. The glaze should generously coat the fish without pooling excessively around it. This initial layer will begin to infuse your Honey Baked Salmon with those beautiful flavors.
- Step 4: Bake the Salmon Place the salmon in your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. Around the 8-minute mark, open the oven and carefully brush the reserved glaze onto the salmon. This second application adds another dimension of flavor and helps create that gorgeous caramelized finish that makes Honey Baked Salmon so enticing.
- Step 5: Finish and Serve Your salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but still maintains a slightly translucent center. For a beautiful finishing touch, switch your oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes to caramelize the top – but watch it carefully to prevent burning! Let the salmon rest for 3-5 minutes before serving, which allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fish. Garnish with fresh dill and lemon wedges for a professional presentation.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (6 oz)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg