If you’re looking for a no-fail, insanely delicious salmon recipe, this Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is it! Flaky, juicy, and caramelized to perfection, this dish is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero. The combination of buttery garlic, sweet honey, and a touch of citrus creates a mouthwatering glaze that coats the salmon beautifully. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!
Why You’ll Love Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Versatile
Perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or even a fancy date night!
Budget-Friendly
You only need a few pantry staples to create this restaurant-quality dish at home.
Quick and Easy
Ready in just 20 minutes, making it a hassle-free weeknight meal.
Customizable
Adjust the sweetness, swap the seasonings, or add a spicy kick!
Crowd-Pleasing
Even picky eaters love this one—it’s buttery, sweet, garlicky, and just irresistible!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
This dish is all about simple, bold flavors coming together for the perfect bite.
Salmon Fillet: The star of the show! Choose a fresh, high-quality fillet for the best results.
Butter: Creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
Garlic: Infuses the butter sauce with an irresistible aroma.
Soy Sauce: Balances the sweetness with deep, umami flavor.
Lemon Juice: A pop of citrus brightens up the dish.
Paprika & Black Pepper: For a little warmth and depth.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, herby finish.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Make the Honey Garlic Butter
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and lemon juice, whisking until combined. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillet dry and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the honey garlic butter sauce generously over the salmon, making sure to coat every inch.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12-15 minutes, then switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes to caramelize the top.
Garnish & Serve
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2-3
Calories per serving: 400-450
Notes: Nutrition values depend on the size of the salmon fillet and the amount of butter used.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- With Veggies: Pair with roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or garlic green beans.
- Over Rice or Quinoa: The sauce seeps into the grains, making every bite flavorful.
- With Mashed Potatoes: For a creamy, comforting side.
- As a Salad Topper: Flake the salmon over a fresh salad for a light meal.
Additional Tips
- Use Skin-On Salmon: Helps keep the fillet moist while baking.
- Let It Rest: Allow the salmon to sit for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
- Don’t Overcook: Salmon should be slightly pink and flaky but not dry.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just thaw it completely and pat it dry before baking.
2. How do I know when the salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
3. Can I make this in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.
4. What can I substitute for honey?
Maple syrup or brown sugar works great as an alternative.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the salmon in the sauce and refrigerate it for up to 12 hours before baking.
6. What’s the best type of salmon to use?
Wild-caught salmon has a richer flavor, but farm-raised works too.
7. Can I add spice?
Yes! Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha for a spicy kick.
8. What if I don’t have soy sauce?
Try coconut aminos or Worcestershire sauce instead.
9. Can I grill this instead?
Yes! Grill over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, brushing with sauce.
10. How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is one of those effortless, yet impressive dishes that never disappoints. With rich buttery goodness, sweet honey, and a touch of garlic, every bite is pure perfection. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is a keeper!
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Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (plus 1–2 minutes if broiling)
- Total Time: 25–27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish / Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon features tender, flaky salmon fillets glazed with a rich blend of honey, garlic, and butter. The result is a beautifully caramelized exterior with a burst of sweet and savory flavors that perfectly complement a variety of side dishes, making it a delightful and healthy option for any dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and generously brush each fillet with the honey garlic butter mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Optionally, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes to achieve a more caramelized top.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Keep an eye on the salmon during broiling to prevent burning.
- Adjust the amount of garlic or honey based on your preferred flavor balance.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (6 oz)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg