Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with this honey glazed salmon, a dish that’s honestly one of my go-to favorites for both speedy weeknight dinners and fuss-free entertaining. In just  25 minutes, you can transform simple salmon and pantry staples into crispy, caramelized bites coated in a shimmering sweet-savory glaze. Each piece is juicy and rich, perfectly balanced with a hint of ginger and a pop of fresh chives—no wonder it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this recipe really special is its simplicity—every ingredient plays an important role, from the smoky paprika to the brightness of ginger. Even if you’ve never made honey glazed salmon before, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to assemble this vibrant, crave-worthy meal.

• Salmon (1 ½ lb, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes): Fresh salmon is the star here—cube it evenly for perfect cooking and irresistible texture.
• Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color to each golden bite.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Boosts deep savory notes that complement the natural sweetness of honey.
• Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Layers in extra umami flavor so the glaze is anything but flat.
• Salt (¾ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors while keeping everything balanced.
• Ground black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds that gentle kick to liven up your taste buds.
• Olive oil (3 tablespoons, divided): Ensures the salmon gets crispy edges and keeps the skillet happy.
• Garlic, minced (2 teaspoons): Use freshly minced garlic for bold, fragrant flavor in the glaze.
• Ginger, grated (1 teaspoon): Brightens the glaze and brings a light, zingy freshness.
• Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Delivers salty, umami depth to the honey glaze—don’t skip it!
• Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds tang to balance the sweetness of honey and richness of salmon.
• Honey (¼ cup): The star of the glaze, giving each bite its glossy, addictive sheen.
• Sesame seeds (2 teaspoons): Sprinkle for a nutty crunch and that classic finishing touch.
• Chopped chives (2 teaspoons): Fresh, vibrant, and perfect for a pop of color right before serving.

How to Make Honey Glazed Salmon

Step 1: Prep and Season the Salmon

Start by patting the salmon cubes completely dry with paper towels—this step is so important for getting those irresistible crispy edges later! Once dry, toss the salmon with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil and gently massage everything together until it’s nicely coated. If you have a few extra minutes, let the salmon marinate for a deeper flavor, but even a quick toss does wonders in just Time 25 minutes.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Grab a heavy skillet and heat up a tablespoon of olive oil until shimmering. Place the salmon cubes in a single layer so they sear—not steam. Cook, flipping often, for about 4-5 minutes until all sides are golden, caramelized, and crisp on the outside while still tender inside. Transfer the finished salmon to a plate, and repeat if you have more cubes.

Step 3: Make the Honey Glaze

To the same skillet, pour in the final tablespoon of olive oil, add minced garlic and grated ginger, and saute until fragrant—about a minute. Now, whisk in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens and bubbles gently, creating a sticky, fragrant glaze that’s downright irresistible!

Step 4: Toss and Finish

Slide the crispy salmon cubes back into the skillet. Toss everything gently so every piece is coated in that gorgeous glaze. Check for seasoning, then transfer the honey glazed salmon bites to a serving platter. Now, you’re just a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chives away from a stunning finish. The magic of Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes comes shining through as you marvel at how easy—and delicious—this meal truly is!

How to Serve Honey Glazed Salmon

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect plate and a bit of extra flavor, finish your honey glazed salmon with a generous shower of toasted sesame seeds and a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives. Not only do these garnishes lend a subtle nuttiness and verdant bite, but they also make your meal look absolutely irresistible—ideal whether you’re impressing company or treating yourself after a busy day within 25 minutes.

Side Dishes

Rice is an unbeatable classic—serve the honey glazed salmon over fluffy jasmine or brown rice to catch every last drop of that sweet-savory sauce. Round out the meal with steamed veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy, which offer a delightful crunch and balance to the richness of the fish. If you’re feeling fancy, a citrusy cucumber salad makes for an ultra-refreshing side, keeping your honey glazed salmon meal both light and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to take things up a notch? Serve the salmon bites as skewers for a fun appetizer, or nestle them in lettuce cups for a low-carb lunch. For a flavorful bowl, layer the salmon over rice, top with quick-pickled veggies, then drizzle any extra glaze over the top. Don’t be afraid to play with presentation—the beauty of this recipe is that it shines any way you serve it, always ready in just 25 minutes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have extras? Let any leftover honey glazed salmon cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 days, making lunch the next day something to look forward to.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze your salmon for later, arrange the cooled cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze separately (so they don’t stick together), then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture in the freezer for up to one month, though the glaze may lose a touch of shine and stickiness when thawed.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the salmon in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce if the glaze has thickened too much in the fridge. Microwave reheating is quick, but it may soften the crispy texture—so the stovetop is best when you can spare an extra couple of minutes.

FAQs

Can I use salmon with the skin on?

Absolutely! If you prefer, leave the skin on for extra flavor and crispy edges. Just make sure to sear with the skin-side down first, and watch them closely as the glaze cooks.

Do I have to use fresh salmon?

Fresh salmon yields the juiciest, most tender result, but thawed frozen salmon works in a pinch. Pat it very dry before seasoning to ensure those golden, caramelized edges.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce for the regular soy sauce and you’ll have a completely gluten-free honey glazed salmon dish—just double-check your other ingredient labels too.

How do I make this spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend, or drizzle with a little sriracha before serving for an extra kick. The sweetness of the honey balances heat perfectly!

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Definitely! Because it comes together in 25 minutes, it’s ideal for prepping ahead. Store in individual portions with rice and veggies for quick, delicious lunches all week long.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned salmon lover or just looking for a fast, flavorful dinner, this honey glazed salmon recipe fits the bill beautifully. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s a shining example of how great food doesn’t have to take all day. Give it a try—I promise, it’ll soon be a staple in your kitchen too!

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