If you love Asian flavors, you will love this healthy & easy to make baked honey soy glazed salmon. A slightly sweet soy sauce glaze covers the salmon while it bakes, adding flavor and keeping it moist while a garnish of sesame seeds adds the perfect finishing touch. The best part - it all takes just 30 minutes from prep to table!
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Yummy salmon recipes to make all year long
Salmon is my go-to seafood for busy weeknights. Whether it’s grilled, baked, or air-fried it’s a delicious, healthy option any time of year. Its mild and flaky texture is perfectly suited to so many flavors while its high protein content and healthy fats make me feel good about serving it to my family.
From delicious options like Air Fryer Lemon Salmon to baked Crab Stuffed Salmon to Grilled Salmon Skewers, this amazing fish never disappoints!
Why you'll love this recipe for salmon with honey and soy sauce
Quick and Easy: With just a handful of basic ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have this delicious salmon on the table in 30 minutes.
Amazing Flavor: The combination of honey and soy sauce creates a rich, savory glaze with a touch of sweetness while the garlic adds a subtle kick.
Perfectly Cooked Every Time: The dual cooking method of baking and then broiling keeps the salmon tender and juicy inside while delivering a light caramelized top.
Versatile: This honey soy glazed salmon pairs well with a variety of side dishes and is a popular choice for family dinners as well as entertaining guests.
Healthy and Nutritious: Salmon is packed with plenty of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and this recipe lets you enjoy it without any heavy sauces or frying. A healthy meal sure to be a new family favorite.
Ingredients
- Tamari Soy Sauce: This gluten-free soy sauce adds a deep, savory flavor that forms the base of the glaze. It’s a bit richer than regular soy sauce, making it perfect for creating that umami taste. You can also opt for regular soy sauce.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that balances out the saltiness of the soy sauce. It caramelizes beautifully during cooking, giving the salmon a nice glossy finish.
- Garlic: Just a touch of minced fresh garlic adds a nice depth of flavor and a hint of spice making the glaze even more delicious.
- Salmon Fillets: Choose high-quality fresh salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkling sesame seeds on top before broiling adds a light, nutty crunch and a bit of texture.
How to make honey soy glazed salmon
Making this Honey Soy Glazed Salmon is a breeze! With just a few simple steps, you can have the perfect weeknight meal ready in no time. Check out the printable recipe card below for exact measurements.
Honey Soy Salmon Glaze
- In a small saucepan, mix soy sauce, honey and garlic.
- Cook on medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is reduced by ⅓. This should take about 7-10 minutes.
How to Bake Honey Glazed Salmon
- Place salmon fillets in a 2-quart baking dish. (Line with foil for easier cleanup.) Pour all but 2 Tablespoons of honey soy sauce over salmon. If your salmon has skin, place skin side down first then turn over just prior to cooking.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and preheat broiler. Baste salmon with glaze in baking dish then sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes about 6" from heat until sesame seeds are toasted.
Plate salmon over rice and drizzle with reserved honey soy sauce. Yum! It's amazing to me that this honey-glazed salmon recipe uses just a few simple ingredients and can create a dish that’s packed with so much flavor. This deliciously moist, flaky salmon is my go-to salmon recipe and perfect for busy weeknight dinners as well as special occasions.
Recipe variations
Brown Sugar or Molasses: If you’re out of honey or want a slightly different flavor, you can swap the honey for brown sugar, molasses, or maple syrup. Each will add a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the glaze. Brown sugar gives a more subtle sweetness, molasses adds a deeper, slightly smoky taste while maple syrup adds sweet maple flavors with caramel undertones.
Balsamic Vinegar: For a tangy twist, replace part or all of the soy sauce with balsamic vinegar. The vinegar will bring a touch of acidity and a sweet and savory flavor to the glaze.
Add Ginger: Kick up the flavor by adding some grated fresh ginger to the glaze. Ginger adds a zesty, slightly spicy note that complements the sweetness of the honey and the umami of the soy sauce.
Without Soy Sauce: If you’re avoiding soy sauce, you can still enjoy this delicious salmon by using coconut aminos. It provides a similar umami flavor while keeping the dish soy-free and gluten-free.
What to serve with glazed salmon
Steamed Rice: A classic choice, steamed rice is perfect for soaking up the sweet and savory glaze from the salmon. You can go with plain white rice, brown rice, or even fragrant jasmine or basmati rice for a more aromatic touch.
Quinoa or Couscous: For a healthier grain option, serve your salmon with quinoa or couscous. Both are light, fluffy, and soak up the glaze we well.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in vegetables, making them a great match for the honey soy glaze. Try roasted broccoli, carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts drizzled with a bit of olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper.
Stir-Fried Greens: A quick stir-fry of bok choy, spinach, or kale with a touch of garlic and soy sauce complements the flavors of the salmon perfectly. It adds vibrant color and a nutritious boost to your meal.
Mashed Potatoes: For a comfort food twist, serve your salmon with creamy mashed potatoes.
How to store and reheat leftovers
Store: If you find yourself with some leftover salmon (lucky you!), storing and reheating it properly will help maintain its delicious flavor and texture. The best way to store leftover salmon is to let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container or large resealable plastic bag. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked salmon. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen salmon can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: You want to reheat the salmon gently to keep it moist and flavorful. The best way to reheat salmon is in the oven at a low temperature. Preheat your oven to 275°F, place the salmon on a baking sheet, and cover it with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps prevent the salmon from drying out and maintains its texture.
If you're short on time, you can also reheat it in the microwave. Place the salmon on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, and heat on low for 30-second intervals until warmed through. Be sure not to overheat, as this can make the salmon tough.
Love salmon? Check out these delicious salmon recipes;
- Air Fryer Salmon Patties
- Baked Asian Salmon with Maple Glaze
- Bloody Mary Salmon
- Everything Bagel Salmon Foil Packets
- Grilled Cajun Salmon
Find lots of easy recipes for seafood right here on 2CM!
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Honey Soy Glazed Salmon
Ingredients
- ½ cup Tamari soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- ¼ teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 salmon fillets about 7 ounces each
- 1-2 Tablespoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, mix soy sauce, honey, and garlic. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until glaze is reduced by about a third, 7 to 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Set aside 1-½ tablespoons of the glaze to top the finished salmon.
- For easy cleanup, line a 2-quart baking dish with foil. Pour the remaining glaze into the prepared dish then place salmon pieces on top. Let mainate for 15 minutes. If the salmon has skin on one side, put the flesh side down first to marinate then turn the fillets over just prior to baking.
- Place the baking dish with salmon fillets on the middle shelf of the oven and bake for 15 – 20 minutes. Remove from the oven.
- Turn oven to broil. Baste salmon with honey soy sauce from the baking dish then sprinkle the top of the fillets with sesame seeds. Broil for 2-3 minutes, about 6" from heat, just until sesame seeds are toasted.
- To serve, place salmon on serving plates and drizzle reserved glaze on top.
Notes
Nutrition
This post has been updated with new photos and more helpful information. It was first published on June 8, 2014.
