Hey y'all! If you're searching for a fabulously easy dinner that's both healthy and loaded with flavor, Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is for you. This mouthwatering dish brings together flaky, tender salmon fillets coated in a sweet, garlicky butter glaze, perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even date nights at home. The glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, making every bite burst with buttery, garlicky sweetness and a hint of tang. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the sweet-savory glaze.
- Healthy and nutritious: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and packed with protein.
- No-fuss cleanup: All you need is one baking dish for effortless washing up.
- Versatile: Perfect for weeknights or special occasions alike.
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (5-6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon slices, for serving (optional)
Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon: Step-By-Step Directions
1. Prep Your Oven & Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish or rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray for easy cleanup.
2. Make the Honey Garlic Butter Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, minced garlic, lemon juice, soy sauce, salt, and pepper until combined.
3. Arrange the Salmon
Place salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish, skin-side down (if using skin-on fillets). Pour the honey garlic butter sauce evenly over each fillet.
4. Bake to Flaky Perfection
Bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes, or until salmon easily flakes with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) (FDA Safe Seafood Cooking Temperatures). For a caramelized finish, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
5. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon slices. Enjoy immediately!
Notes for the Best Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- If using frozen salmon, thaw completely and pat dry before baking for best texture.
- For even more flavor, marinate the salmon in the sauce for 30 minutes before baking (Marinating Salmon Tips).
- Don’t overbake; salmon is done when it flakes easily and is still moist inside.
Delicious Variations on Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- Spicy Sriracha: Add 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Citrus Herb: Replace lemon juice with orange juice and add 1 tablespoon chopped dill for a bright, herby twist.
- Maple Garlic Butter Baked Salmon: Use pure maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper, earthy sweetness.
Required Equipment
- Baking dish or rimmed sheet pan
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Parchment paper or cooking spray (optional)
- Measuring spoons
Storing & Reheating Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven at 275°F (135°C) until heated through, or use the microwave for 30-second intervals. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness (Best Ways to Reheat Fish).
Serving Recommendations for Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- Serve over fluffy rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Pair with a simple side salad, roasted asparagus, green beans, or steamed broccoli.
- Finish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled sparkling water with lemon.
Pro Tips for the Best Baked Salmon
- Use salmon fillets of similar thickness for even cooking.
- Let salmon rest for 2-3 minutes after baking so juices redistribute and fillets stay moist.
- Brush salmon with more glaze halfway through baking for extra flavor (Additional Baked Salmon Tips).
FAQ: Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- Can I use frozen salmon?
- Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat dry before adding the glaze and baking.
- How do I know when salmon is done?
- Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F (63°C) internally.
- Can I prepare the honey garlic butter sauce in advance?
- Absolutely! Mix the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator—give it a quick whisk before using.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- ¼ cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with foil or parchment paper.
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2Place the salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
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3In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, minced garlic, lemon juice, and soy sauce until well combined.
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4Pour the honey garlic butter mixture evenly over each salmon fillet.
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5Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
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6Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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