The story behind this Honey Glazed Salmon recipe
My kids never liked fish. Let’s be honest, fish is rarely the first choice for dinner in many households, and it wasn’t mine either when I was at young age. I remember not enjoying fish much until I was about 13, when I started learning about balanced diets and the benefits of oily fish like salmon.
But back to my kids. A few years ago, I was determined to make salmon something they would not only eat but enjoy. I knew they liked sweet and sour pork, so I thought, why not sweet and sour fish like honey lemon salmon? It worked like magic!
Since then, this honey-glazed salmon has become a family favourite. I’ve shared it with friends and their families loved it too. Now, after countless tweaks and trials, I’m excited to share this foolproof, family-friendly recipe with you.
The ingredients and method
Fresh salmon – the star of the dish
Freshness is everything when it comes to fish. I usually cook salmon within the first couple of days after my weekly shop, even if the expiry date says it can last longer. Fresh fish contributes to more than half the success of any fish dish.
After opening the package, pat both sides of the salmon dry with kitchen towels. If your family isn’t a fan of salmon skin (mine isn’t), you can slice it off before cutting the fillet into squares about 3cm x 3cm. If you enjoy crispy skin, feel free to leave it on! Season the non-skin side with a sprinkle of salt and pepper for a perfect honey-glazed salmon.
Cooking the salmon
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a hot pan. Add the salmon squares and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, just enough to keep them moist and not overcooked. Once done, transfer them to a bowl and set aside.
Making the sauce
In a small bowl, mix lemon juice, dark soy sauce, and honey. If you only have light soy sauce, that’s fine – it’ll still taste amazing, though dark soy adds a beautiful, glossy finish to honey-glazed salmon.
For the garlic, I use my favourite method: crush the cloves flat with the side of a large knife, then chop them finely. It’s quicker and easier than cleaning a garlic press!
Back to the pan – heat it slightly, then add a knob of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and stir quickly until it’s light brown and fragrant. Add the soy, honey, and lemon mixture. It’ll bubble and thicken into a lovely glaze, lower the heat.
Finishing the dish
Gently place the fried salmon squares into the pan, arranging them flat so they soak up the honey glaze. Resist the urge to stir or flip them too soon, they can break apart easily. Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes.
While I sometimes break the salmon into chunks (my kids enjoy it that way), I usually keep the squares intact for a neater presentation. After a few minutes, turn the pieces over and let them simmer for another 3-4 minutes. By now they’ll have a stunning shiny glaze and a rich flavour.
Serving suggestions
Honey-glazed salmon pairs beautifully with jasmine rice and green vegetables. My personal favourite is edamame beans, but steamed broccoli or asparagus work just as well. To finish, I like to garnish with thin strips of seaweed for a touch of texture and flair.
Why you’ll love it
And that’s it – a quick, simple and delicious dinner idea that’s as nutritious as it is tasty. Let me know how this honey-glazed salmon recipe works for you, and don’t forget to check out my other fish recipes for more inspiration.
You can find out more about top 6 health benefits of salmon here.
Why not try my other recipes that pair nicely with rice here?
Honey Glazed Salmon: A Quick, Nutritious Dinner Idea
Description
Looking for a main dish that's quick to cook, nutritious, and flavour-packed? This honey glazed salmon strikes the perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and tangy - and best of all, it's ready in just 30 minutes.
Honey glazed salmon recipe
Instructions
Prepare the salmon
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- Pat the salmon fillet dry with kitchen towels.
- Slice off the skin if preferred, and cut the fillet into 3cm x 3cm squares.
- Season the non-skin side with salt and pepper.
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Fry the salmon
- Heat 1 table spoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the salmon squares for 2-3 minutes on each side, then remove from the pan and set aside.
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Make the sauce
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, lemon juice, and honey.
- Melt the butter in the same pan, add the minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in the soy, honey and lemon mixture, stirring until it simmers and thickens slightly.
If you prefer to keep the skin on, start by frying the salmon skin-side down. It's okay if the salmon isn't fully cooked at this stage - avoid the temptation to over fry it, as this helps keep it tender and moist.
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Combine and cook
- Add the fried salmon squares back into the pan.
- Let them cook flat for 3-4 minutes under low heat without stirring, then gently flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until coated in the glossy sauce.
The sauce will simmer, thicken and darken quickly due to the honey. This process can take just a minute or two, so work swiftly to prevent the sauce from burning.
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Serve and garnish
- Serve the honey glazed salmon with jasmine rice and steamed greens.
- Garnish with thin strips of seaweed, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 395.03kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 25.99g40%
- Saturated Fat 7.88g40%
- Cholesterol 84.01mg29%
- Sodium 625.11mg27%
- Potassium 538.69mg16%
- Total Carbohydrate 13.55g5%
- Dietary Fiber 0.34g2%
- Sugars 11.1g
- Protein 26.75g54%
- Vitamin A 122.04 IU
- Vitamin C 9.92 mg
- Calcium 26.95 mg
- Iron 0.77 mg
- Vitamin D 13.75 IU
- Vitamin E 5.11 IU
- Vitamin K 4.07 mcg
- Thiamin 0.27 mg
- Riboflavin 0.22 mg
- Niacin 11.12 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.86 mg
- Folate 36.95 mcg
- Vitamin B12 4.04 mcg
- Phosphorus 326.33 mg
- Magnesium 43.95 mg
- Zinc 0.63 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For a chunkier texture, gently break the salmon into pieces while cooking in the sauce - perfect for kids or a rustic presentation!
