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Quick Honey Garlic Baked Salmon: 20-Minute Easy Dinner

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This isn’t just another salmon recipe. The honey garlic glaze caramelizes in the oven, creating a sticky, glossy finish that makes the salmon look like something from a fancy restaurant, but it takes almost no effort. Ready in 20 minutes from fridge to table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each, skin-on or skinless)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Sesame seeds, toasted (for garnish)
  • Chopped green onions (for garnish)
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the rack in the middle of the oven. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. If using foil, brush it lightly with olive oil.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside about 2 tablespoons of the glaze for later.
  3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Place the fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least an inch apart.
  4. Using a pastry brush or spoon, coat each fillet generously with the glaze. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.
  5. Bake for 10 minutes. At the 10-minute mark, pull the pan out and brush another layer of glaze over the fillets.
  6. Return the salmon to the oven and bake for another 3-5 minutes, depending on thickness. For medium-rare, aim for 125°F internal temperature. For medium, go to 130-135°F.
  7. Optional: For extra caramelization, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully.
  8. Let the salmon rest on the pan for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip patting the salmon dry—wet salmon steams instead of bakes. Let fillets sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking for even cooking. Use an instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness. Leftover salmon keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic salmon, baked salmon, quick dinner, weeknight dinner, salmon recipe, honey garlic glaze

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/quick-honey-garlic-baked-salmon-20-minute-easy-dinner/