Balsamic Glazed Salmon

Balsamic Glazed Salmon transforms simple salmon fillets into a restaurant-quality meal with a tangy-sweet glaze that takes just minutes to prepare! Readers rave this recipe is “restaurant quality,” “perfectly balanced,” and “the best salmon I’ve ever made.” This tender, flaky salmon with its rich balsamic rosemary glaze is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress your family and guests with a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a fine dining establishment.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The tangy balsamic vinegar paired with honey and rosemary creates a sweet and savory glaze that complements the salmon beautifully.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
• Elegant Presentation: Beautiful enough for dinner parties but simple enough for busy weeknights.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: This recipe serves 4 people. Each person gets one salmon fillet with plenty of glaze. Need to feed more guests? Simply double the recipe.

Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for experienced home cooks.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Medium saucepan
• Large oven-safe skillet
• Meat thermometer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or whisk

Ingredients for Balsamic Glazed Salmon

This elegant dish comes together with simple ingredients that create amazing flavor. The balsamic glaze reduces into a thick, glossy sauce while the salmon cooks to tender perfection. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Balsamic Rosemary Glaze:

• Balsamic Vinegar: Provides the signature tangy, sweet base for the glaze.
• White Wine: Adds depth and helps balance the acidity.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Creates a savory foundation without overpowering the other flavors.
• Honey: Brings natural sweetness to balance the vinegar’s tang.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds complexity and helps thicken the glaze.
• Rosemary Sprig: Fresh rosemary infuses the glaze with earthy, aromatic flavor.
• Garlic: Provides savory depth to the sauce.

For the Salmon:

• Salmon Fillets: Choose fresh, high-quality fillets with the skin on or off based on preference.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps sear the salmon and prevents sticking.
• Fresh Rosemary: Garnish that echoes the glaze flavors.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds color and freshness to the finished dish.

Variations for Balsamic Glazed Salmon

• Add Citrus: Include lemon zest in the glaze for a bright, citrusy note.
• Use Maple Syrup: Swap honey for pure maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
• Try Thyme: Replace rosemary with fresh thyme for a milder herbal flavor.
• Add Heat: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
• Use Different Fish: This glaze works wonderfully on other fish like halibut or sea bass.

How to Make Balsamic Glazed Salmon Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Balsamic Glaze

In a medium saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, white wine, chicken broth, honey, Dijon mustard, rosemary sprig, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens and reduces by about half. Remove the rosemary sprig.

2. Season the Salmon

While the glaze simmers, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.

3. Sear the Salmon

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, place the salmon fillets skin-side up (if using skin-on salmon) in the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes until a golden crust forms.

4. Flip and Glaze

Carefully flip the salmon fillets. Brush or spoon the balsamic glaze generously over each fillet. If your skillet is oven-safe, you can transfer it to a preheated 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Otherwise, reduce heat to medium, cover the skillet, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork.

5. Rest and Garnish

Remove the salmon from heat and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fish. Drizzle with additional glaze, then garnish with fresh rosemary and chopped parsley.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Balsamic Glazed Salmon

This elegant salmon pairs beautifully with many side dishes:

• With Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.
• With Grains: Pair with quinoa, wild rice, or garlic mashed potatoes.
• With Salads: Place over a bed of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and cucumber.
• With Pasta: Serve over angel hair pasta tossed with olive oil and garlic.
• With Bread: Accompany with crusty bread to soak up the delicious glaze.

Storing Balsamic Glazed Salmon

• Glaze: Store leftover glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before using.
• Cooked Salmon: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently in a low oven (275°F) for about 10 minutes to prevent drying out. Salmon can also be enjoyed cold in salads.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Choose Quality Salmon: Look for bright, firm fillets with no fishy smell. Wild-caught salmon often has better flavor.
• Don’t Overcook: Salmon continues cooking after you remove it from heat. Aim for slightly undercooked in the center for moist, tender results.
• Make the Glaze Ahead: The balsamic glaze can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
• Use a Thermometer: For perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer. Salmon is done at 145°F.
• Let It Rest: Allow the salmon to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep it moist and juicy.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste your glaze before finishing. Add more honey if too tangy or more vinegar if too sweet.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	385
Protein	34g
Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	3g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	18g
Sodium	420mg
Cholesterol	78mg

Balsamic Glazed Salmon FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat it very dry before cooking.

Can I make this without wine? Absolutely. Replace the white wine with additional chicken broth or use apple juice for a sweeter flavor.

How do I know when salmon is done? The salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F and flake easily with a fork. The center should be slightly opaque.

Can I grill the salmon instead? Yes. Grill the salmon over medium heat, basting with the glaze during the last few minutes of cooking.

What if my glaze is too thick? Simply add a tablespoon of water or broth at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Conclusion

Balsamic Glazed Salmon brings together the best of simple cooking and bold flavors. The tangy-sweet glaze elevates the naturally rich salmon into something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for a quiet weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish delivers impressive results with minimal effort. The combination of balsamic vinegar, honey, and fresh rosemary creates a sauce that’s so good, you’ll want to make extra to drizzle over your vegetables too!