Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Want salmon that’s crispy and saucy? This crispy honey garlic glazed salmon is it. Sweet, sticky, and packed with flavor!

You get golden, crispy edges and a shiny honey garlic glaze. Every bite is tender, juicy, and a little bit magic. It’s dinner made easy.

Perfect for busy nights, fancy dinners, or anytime you want something special. Quick to make. So good to eat.

Let’s grab a pan and sizzle it up. Crispy, sticky salmon is waiting for you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unbelievable Flavor: The combination of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of sriracha creates a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy.
• Fast and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish, with no complicated steps.
• Crispy Perfection: Searing the salmon locks in the juices while creating a beautiful golden crust.
• Flexible and Forgiving: Works with fresh or frozen salmon, and you can easily adjust the sauce to taste.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings:

• This recipe serves 4 people generously. Perfect for a family dinner or a quick meal prep option.

Difficulty:

• Easy to Medium — basic cooking skills needed, but nothing tricky. If you can stir a sauce and sear salmon, you can master this dish.

Required Kitchen Tools

Ingredients for Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

For the Salmon:

• 4 (6 oz each) Salmon Filets: Skin-on or skinless both work.
• ½ tsp Kosher Salt: To season the salmon evenly.
• ½ tsp Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
• ½ tsp Smoked Paprika (or Regular Paprika): Gives a warm, smoky note.
• ¼ tsp Blackening Seasoning (Optional): For an extra layer of spiced flavor.

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 3 Tbsp Butter: Creates richness and helps brown the garlic.
• 2 tsp Olive Oil: Prevents the butter from burning and gives a smooth base.
• 6 Cloves Garlic, Minced: The heart of the sauce’s bold flavor.
• ½ Cup Honey: For natural sweetness and sticky texture.
• 3 Tbsp Water: Helps thin out the sauce just enough to coat.
• 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce: Adds umami and depth.
• 1 Tbsp Sriracha Sauce: Brings a gentle heat that balances the sweetness.
• 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice: Brightens the entire dish and cuts through the richness.

Variations for Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

• Make It Spicier: Add an extra teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes for more heat.
• Swap the Sweetener: Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey for a slightly different flavor twist.
• Use Different Citrus: Try lime juice instead of lemon for a deeper, slightly sweeter citrus note.
• Go Gluten-Free: Substitute tamari for the soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
• Add Herbs: Finish with chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

How to Make Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the Salmon

Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps it crisp up beautifully.
Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and blackening seasoning if using.

2. Sear the Salmon

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to coat the bottom.
Place the salmon fillets skin-side up (presentation side down) and cook for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
Flip carefully and cook another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Pro Tip: Don’t move the salmon around once it hits the pan. Let it sear undisturbed to get that gorgeous crispy crust.

3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

While the salmon finishes cooking, melt the butter and olive oil together in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant — watch carefully to avoid burning.
Stir in the honey, water, soy sauce, sriracha, and lemon juice.
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened.

4. Glaze the Salmon

Once the salmon is cooked and removed from the skillet, pour the honey garlic sauce right over the fillets.
Use a spoon to baste the sauce over the tops and sides so every bite is coated.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

This salmon shines as the star of any meal. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy it:

• With Rice: Serve over jasmine rice, brown rice, or coconut rice to soak up the extra sauce.
• With Vegetables: Pair with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a colorful veggie stir-fry.
• Over Noodles: Toss with soba noodles or simple buttered noodles for a hearty dinner.
• In Bowls: Build salmon grain bowls with quinoa, avocado slices, cucumber, and edamame.
• With a Salad: Flake the salmon over a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.

For a restaurant-style presentation, sprinkle the finished dish with sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions, or a few lemon wedges for garnish.

Storing Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

• Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power to keep the salmon tender.
• Freezer: While salmon can be frozen, the texture after reheating may be softer. If needed, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Sauce: If you have extra sauce, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Drizzle it over veggies, rice, or other proteins.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Pat Dry: Always dry the salmon well before seasoning — it’s key to getting that crispy crust.
• Don’t Overcook: Salmon cooks quickly. Watch closely after flipping to avoid dryness.
• Control the Heat: Keep the heat medium-high when searing but lower it slightly if the pan gets too smoky.
• Fresh Garlic Matters: Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor. Pre-minced jarred garlic can taste a bit flat.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your sauce gets too thick, stir in a splash of water until it’s just right for drizzling.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (Approximate)
Calories	410
Protein	32g
Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	6g
Carbohydrates	20g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	17g
Sodium	480mg

Note: Nutrition values are estimates based on standard ingredients.

Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat it very dry before seasoning.

Can I bake the salmon instead of searing it?
You can! Bake at 400°F for about 12–15 minutes, then pour the warm sauce over before serving.

What can I substitute for sriracha?
Use a pinch of red pepper flakes or leave it out entirely for a milder flavor.

How do I know when salmon is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 145°F, and the flesh should flake easily with a fork.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing salmon recipe that’s packed with flavor, this Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon delivers every time.
The tender fish, golden crust, and glossy, sticky sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds — no fancy techniques required.
Pair it with simple sides, drizzle with extra sauce, and enjoy a meal that feels like a little victory at the dinner table.