This honey soy sauce glazed salmon recipe is quick & simple to make with a handful of everyday ingredients. You'll love the addictive savory-sweet sauce!
This crispy pan-seared salmon with a honey glaze is one tasty dinner. Salmon and sweetness just go so well together, don't you think? Quickly searing the salmon to perfection adds so much flavor, and a squeeze of lemon juice at the end helps to balance the sweetness. Oh, and there's butter in the sauce too, which just takes the yummy factor over the top!
This recipe is ready in about 30 minutes, so you can impress the family on a busy weeknight. I'd even serve this to guests because who can resist honey glazed salmon? 😛
You may also like my Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken or these Honey Soy Pork Chops.
I know that pan-frying fish can be intimidating if you've never done it before, but it's really not too difficult/fussy if you follow a few simple tips.
Pan-fried salmon success tips:
- Make sure the pan is hot and that you pat the salmon dry - this will help ensure it doesn't stick to the pan when you try to flip it. If it's sticking, give it a little more time to release naturally.
- Don't try moving the salmon around the pan... just let it cook undisturbed.
- Most salmon fillets you buy from the grocery store will be around 1" thick, and my cooking times/guidelines in the recipe below will work, but in general it's a good idea to watch the color of the salmon change (the light pink color moves up slowly as it cooks) - this will give you an idea of how close it is to being done. It will continue to cook for a little bit after you take it off the heat. It doesn't take much to overcook salmon, so keep that in mind.
Recipe notes & tips:
- You can definitely replace the garlic powder with a clove or two of minced garlic if you wish. I went for a slightly more subtle garlic flavor in this recipe.
- Leftovers will keep in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Leftovers can be warmed up, but they're also tasty cold in a salad!
- Kitchen tools: you may want to use a splatter guard for easier clean-up, and I used kitchen tongs to easily flip the salmon.
More tasty salmon recipes to try:
- Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon
- Sweet Chili Salmon
- Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe
- Honey Lemon Salmon
- Honey Mustard Salmon
What to serve with honey glazed salmon:
Try rice (white jasmine is my favorite), or even garlic mashed potatoes. For vegetable sides, try steamed broccoli (or broccolini), or my favorite easy asparagus recipe.
I hope you'll enjoy this easy honey soy glazed salmon! Questions? Ask me in the comments below.
Honey Soy Sauce Glazed Salmon
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh salmon cut into 4 pieces
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter divided
- Fresh lemon juice to taste
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Take the salmon out of the fridge 15-20 minutes prior to starting the recipe if possible. Cut the salmon into 4 equal pieces and pat it dry with paper towel. Season with salt & pepper.
- Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Let the pan heat up for a few minutes.
- Meanwhile, add the sauce ingredients to a medium bowl and whisk it together. Set aside.
- Cook the salmon (skin-side down) for 5 minutes, then reduce the heat to medium and flip the salmon over and cook for another 2-3 minutes (should be almost cooked through).
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and let it melt, then pour in the sauce (just pour it in between the salmon pieces). Let it bubble/thicken for 30 seconds or so, and then take the pan off the heat (the pan will still be hot and the sauce will continue to thicken, but this avoids burning it). Flip the salmon over & spoon the sauce over it.
- Squeeze some lemon juice over the salmon (I just use one wedge of lemon) and then serve immediately. I highly recommend adding the lemon juice to help balance the flavors and ensure it's not too sweet. The salmon skin goes nice and crispy and is delicious when you eat it right away, but feel free to peel it off it you prefer.
Notes
- The salmon I used in this recipe was about 1" thick. If your salmon is thicker or thinner, you may need to adjust cooking time a bit.
- It's ok if you've got a bit over a pound of salmon, just make sure it's not too much over or the salmon pieces will be crowded in the pan and not cook properly.
- Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
Robi Wickert Kott says
I make salmon once a week. But this was by far my favorite recipe to date. The only change I made was using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. I was making pork chops for my husband on the Blackstone, so I put a cast-iron skillet on the Blackstone to make this. It worked perfectly! I drizzled the sauce over some jasmine rice! Sooooo good.
Natasha says
I'm thrilled you enjoyed it, Robi!! Thank you for your review!
Carla @ Foodie Digital says
I followed the suggestion of one of the previous commenters and went the baked route to save on dishes! I also added the sauce to the pan toward the end of cooking in order to thicken and caramelize it on the salmon - so delicious and cleanup was a snap. Served with roasted veggies and a salad for a quick healthy dinner.
Natasha says
Excellent!
Eliza Grace says
This has become my go-to salmon recipe. It's so easy and delicious!
Natasha says
I'm thrilled to hear it!!
Karen Lindt-Gueiss says
This was so easy! And delicious! I always worry I won’t cook fish correctly, but this was perfect! And that sauce. So good!
Natasha says
Fantastic!! 😀
Helen says
Thank you. I have made this twice now and it turned out amazing each time.
Natasha says
I'm thrilled to hear it, Helen!
SK says
Very good! Use a splatter screen for sure. Will definitely make again.
Natasha says
Thank you!! Glad you enjoyed!
Carolyn says
This was so good! We absolutely loved every bite! It will definitely be in the meal rotation. Very easy and your instructions were spot on! Thank you for this delicious recipe.
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
You're welcome, Carolyn! So happy your family enjoyed the salmon!
Susan says
This glaze SAVED my frozen salmon from sams. Thank you!
Natasha says
You're very welcome! 🙂
Dale says
Can I use my air fryer as opposed to pan?
Natasha says
Sure, but you'd need to experiment on timing - I haven't tested it.
Kathy says
Love love love this recipe so much!!! Because I'm cautious about heated honey, would the taste and texture be about the same if I used just sugar? If so do you know about how much sugar? Thank you again for this amazing recipe!
Natasha says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I think that sugar should be fine. I haven't tested, but I'd probably use a similar amount. I have a similar recipe using sugar here, actually: https://bit.ly/3QdNY4i
Amanda says
I make this recipe once a week! its a family favorite, thank you!
Natasha says
That's awesome!! You're very welcome! 🙂
Chris says
This was such a great recipe! Easy, and so delish!
Natasha says
So glad you enjoyed it, Chris!! Thanks for your 5-star review!
Debbie says
This recipe is so simple, so delicious!!! I made the usual amount of salmon for dinner tonight ... he said I did not make enough. He said next time I use this recipe make more. The sauce is addicting!!! I will be passing this recipe on to my friends and family. Served it with brown rice and stir fried broccoli, carrots and onion in a spicy sauce.
Natasha says
I'm so happy it was a hit, Debbie!! 🙂 Appreciate you sharing!
Katherine Truby says
Absolutely delicious! Paired with white rice, chive on top and see weed on the side ! What a great recipe 😍
Natasha says
Awesome!! Thanks for your review! 😀
Tami Kelley says
I made this Honey Soy glazed Salmon for my family tonight with Basmati rice & steamed asparagus and they DEVOURED it! I followed the recipe exactly and then again to double it. It was so quick & easy the first four were still nice & warm when the 2nd batch & sides finished. We all thank you sharing!
Natasha says
Yay!! That's great to hear, Tami! Thanks for letting me know. 🙂
Valerie English says
This was finger-licking good. Even though I substituted the soy sauce for a coconut alternative and used arrowroot instead of cornstarch, it turned out awesome.
I'm so 😊 I came across your website. I cook salmon once a week and I was getting bored; same taste every week.
Now I have a website I can go to for delicious recipes.
Thank you
Natasha says
So glad it worked out, Valerie!! 🙂 Let me know if you try anything else.
Patsy Cothran says
This is really good. I also use the sauce for chicken.
Natasha says
For sure!! Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Leah Self says
This was amazing! The first time cooking salmon and your directions were perfect. Thank you for making my dinner a success.
Natasha says
Yay!! That's so great to hear, Leah!
Alberto says
very good ! From Buenos Aires, Argentina
Natasha says
So glad you enjoyed it, Alberto! Hello from Canada 🙂
Linda says
Made this tonight from fresh caught King Salmon. Fabulous! Quick easy delicious.
Natasha says
Fantastic!! 🙂
Stacey says
This is my go-to dinner. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve made it. My husband and I love it!!
Natasha says
That makes me so happy, Stacey!! Thank you for taking time to write me a review. 😀
Terry S says
Maybe a dumb question but when you say to put the salmon in the skillet skin side down does that mean the skin in on the skillet surface or ontop?
Natasha says
Hi Terry! It means the skin side is touching the surface of the skillet. 🙂
Veronique says
Thank you for this delicious recipe! Definitely saving this recipe to make again!
Natasha says
You're very welcome, Veronique!! So happy you enjoyed it. 😀
Carol M says
Also, I omit the cornstarch and the sauce still thickens up great:)
Carol M says
Adore this recipe! I had been searching high and low for the most delicious, quick and easy salmon recipe and I finally found it here. The sweet/savory sauce and the way it glazes the salmon in a cast iron is perfection. Easily surpasses any baked salmon recipes I’ve tried and the prep is SO simple with the powdered garlic, no chopping required. I’ve made this weekly for a couple months now with steamed broccoli and white jasmine rice and my husband and toddler inhale it.
Natasha says
I'm so glad you like it!! 🙂 Thank you!
Lytle Markham says
I made this 4/21/21. It was excellent and easy. We ate it with roasted veggies!
Natasha says
Wonderful! So glad you enjoyed it!
Mallory says
Looking to make this tonight! Just a couple of questions, can I bake this instead? Also can I use flour instead of cornstarch
Natasha says
Hi! I've only tested the recipe as indicated. I don't want to speculate as it's completely different timing etc. Flour won't thicken it up the same and may clump.
Marge Ptacek says
Does fish need to be thawed?
Natasha says
Yes.
Pearl Ortiz says
Turned out so wonderful!’
Natasha says
So happy to hear it, Pearl! 🙂
Jay says
I just wanted to ask how much regular soy sauce would you think be needed instead of low sodium soy sauce? Can I do half the amount and the rest water to dilute it??
Natasha says
Hi Jay! I think that's a good plan.
Shaine says
The Sauce!!!!!!!!!! I quite literally ate it with a spoon. I baked the salmon, simply because I hate cleaning my stove top, and added the sauce in for the last few minutes. It was perfect. And I will definitely be making this dish again and again and again. The Sauce!!!!! Did I mention the sauce?
Natasha says
Haha I love that. 😀
Aislynn says
I’m a newbie at cooking and this was my first time cooking salmon. It turned out great!!! I’m so happy with how quick, easy, and tasty it was 🙂 I had to substitute the corn starch for flour, I’m not sure if that’s recommended but it worked out. Thank you for this recipe!
Natasha says
I'm so happy you liked it and it worked out!! 🙂
Teresa says
Absolutely delicious and so easy! Will definitely make again! Thank you for sharing!
Natasha says
You're welcome! Glad you liked it 🙂
CC says
I never cook. My husband does but was coming home late so I decided to. These were super easy and delicious. Followed recipe except I didn’t cut the salmon in half. So made 2 larger steaks. They were fine. As long as you heat up the cast iron well the salmon can easily be turned. Thanks for the recipe. I looked like I knew what I’m doing in the kitchen:)
Natasha says
That's awesome!! I'm so glad it worked out! 🙂
Marla says
This was bomb!!! A picky fiancee even ate the crispy skin! Thanks for all the truly wonderful recipes!. I love that many of your recipes serve only 2!
Natasha says
Well that's fantastic!! Thanks so much for leaving me a review, Marla.
Deb says
Easy, fast, FANTASTIC!!!!
Natasha says
Thank you! 🙂
Valerie Catling says
Just tried this recipe it was awesome. Thanks will make it again. Happy New Year Stay Safe
Natasha says
Fantastic!! Thank you! Happy New Year to you as well. 🙂
Karla says
This is, without a doubt, THE BEST glazed salmon recipe I've ever tried. It has been bookmarked and will show up regularly in our menu rotation. Thank you so much for sharing!
Natasha says
That's wonderful to hear!! Thank you for commenting! 😀
Jeanna says
I make salmon often and wanted something a little different to mix it up. This sauce was super tasty and my family loved it. I will definitely add this to my routine.
Natasha says
Wonderful! Thanks so much for letting me know! 🙂
Kelly says
I have a question, if you don’t have any low sodium soy sauce but just the regular soy sauce do you just add more honey or do you have another solution to make it a bit sweeter?
Natasha says
I don't think making it a bit sweeter is the concern... it's more that it'll just taste way too salty. You could maybe try using half the suggested soy sauce amount and replacing the rest with water?
YtheWait says
I love seafood and i loved the recipe!!!!!!!!!!!!
Natasha says
Wonderful!! Thanks for commenting!
Donna says
Couldn’t get the sauce to become a glaze, didn’t stick to the fish, won’t make it again.
Natasha says
That's very weird. Did you add the cornstarch as indicated in the recipe? The sauce thickens for me in less than a minute, and it gets very thick if you let it cook a bit longer than that. If you added cornstarch and cooked it at a fairly high heat as the recipe suggests, I really don't see how it is possible it didn't thicken.
Kelly says
Just made this tonight and it was super delicious and very easy to make. Definitely making this one again because it’s already a favorite!
Natasha says
I'm so glad to hear that, Kelly!! Thanks for leaving me a comment! 😀
Afshan says
I love seafood and i loved the recipe. Will try this recipe when I am able to find a fresh salmon.
Natasha says
Thanks! Let me know if you make it 🙂