Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe: Quick, Easy & Delicious
Discover the ultimate Honey Garlic Salmon recipe that’s not only incredibly fast to prepare but also bursting with flavour! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. For more quick salmon recipes, check out our full collection!

The Secret to a Perfect Sauce
This Honey Garlic Salmon shines thanks to its simple yet flavourful sauce made from just four pantry staples: soy sauce, honey, garlic, and vinegar.
I used to mix the sauce and pour it over pan-seared salmon, but adding the sauce directly into the skillet with the fish elevates the dish to another level. At first, the sauce may seem ordinary, but once it caramelises while cooking, it transforms into a mouth-watering complement to the salmon.
Cooking Time for Salmon
For perfectly cooked salmon fillets (about 1 inch thick), cook for 3 to 4 minutes on one side and 2 to 3 minutes on the other. This timing will yield a beautifully moist and flaky medium-rare result with vibrant coral-coloured flesh.
Salmon's natural fat makes it more forgiving to cook, so even if it’s slightly overcooked, it remains delicious. When cooked just right, it becomes an absolute delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Honey Garlic Salmon is a household favourite and has been a reader favourite for years. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy salmon, highlighting its juicy texture and rich flavour with a caramelised surface that’s simply irresistible.
Pair it with steamed vegetables like broccolini or asparagus, and add bread or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. In under 20 minutes, you can have a delightful dinner on the table!
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 4 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (light or all-purpose)
- 1 tbsp white vinegar (or substitute with any vinegar except balsamic)
- 1 large garlic clove (or 2 small), minced
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon or trout fillets, skinless (200g each)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Optional Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds
- Finely sliced chives or scallions
Instructions
- Prep the Salmon: Take the salmon out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking. Pat dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients until combined.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a non-stick frypan over medium-high heat. Add the salmon, cooking the first side for 3–4 minutes until golden. Flip and cook the other side for 2–3 minutes.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce over the salmon and cook for an additional minute until it begins to thicken. Adjust the consistency by adding water, one tablespoon at a time, if it thickens too quickly.
- Serve: Transfer the salmon to serving plates, drizzling with the sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chives or scallions if desired.
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