Sweet, savory, and so easy to make, this honey soy glazed salmon is one of those go-to recipes that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant but takes just minutes to prepare. The glaze made with honey and soy sauce cooks down into a rich, sticky coating that clings to the salmon, creating the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors. Best of all, it's a quick weeknight dinner that looks (and tastes) fancy enough for company.
Table of contents
- Why you'll love this honey soy salmon recipe
- Ingredients and their part in the dish
- How to make honey soy glazed salmon
- Recipe tips for success
- Recipe variations to make it your own
- What to serve with glazed salmon
- How to store, freeze, and reheat leftovers
- Love salmon? Check out these delicious salmon recipes
Why you'll love this honey soy salmon recipe
If you're a fan of flavor-packed seafood, this honey soy glazed salmon recipe is sure to become a favorite. Here are all the reasons it's a keeper!
Quick and Easy: With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can have this delicious salmon dish on the table in 30 minutes.
Rich, Thick Glaze: Enhanced flavor with real aromatics like garlic rather than just dumping soy and honey in the dish while reducing the glaze adds body and depth.
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 nicely caramelized top.
Versatile: Pairs well with so many sides and works for anything from busy weeknights to elegant dinners.
Ingredients and their part in the dish
Making baked honey soy salmon only requires a few pantry staples, and each one plays an important role in building that signature glossy glaze and rich flavor. Here's what you'll need:
- 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 that makes the glaze even more irresistible.
- Salmon Fillets: Choose high-quality fresh salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture. Skin-on and skinless both work.
- Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle before broiling adds nutty crunch and texture while giving the finished salmon a little visual appeal.
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. Here's what to do:
Making honey soy glaze for salmon
- 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.
Baking the salmon with glaze
- Place salmon fillets in a 2-quart baking dish. (Tip: 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 before 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 the heat until sesame seeds are toasted.
- Plate salmon over rice and drizzle with reserved honey soy sauce. Yum!
Recipe tips for success
Just a few tips & tricks for making this dish come out perfectly:
Marinate for Deeper Flavor: Let the salmon sit in the glaze for 15 to 30 minutes before baking to infuse every bite with that sweet-savory goodness.
Adjust Time for Thickness: Thicker fillets may need a few extra minutes in the oven, while thinner ones will cook faster.
Check for Doneness: The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Recipe variations to make it your own
It's easy to tweak this glazed salmon with honey and soy to suit your taste or what you have in the pantry.
Sweetener: Out of honey? Try brown sugar, molasses, or maple syrup. Brown sugar gives gentle sweetness, molasses adds deep caramel flavor, and maple syrup brings a warm, woodsy sweetness.
Balsamic Vinegar: Swap part or all of the soy sauce for balsamic vinegar to add tangy depth and a sweet-savory balance.
Ginger: Stir in some freshly grated ginger for a zesty, slightly spicy edge that brightens the glaze.
Lemon: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or place the salmon on thin lemon slices before baking for brightness and freshness.
Spicy: Sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a little heat.
Extra Sesame: Add a few drops of toasted sesame oil for extra nutty aroma and richness.
Without Soy Sauce: Use coconut aminos for a soy-free, gluten-free version that still has that savory umami flavor.
What to serve with glazed salmon
This honey soy glazed salmon goes with so many sides! Try these to make a full meal:
Steamed Rice: The classic pairing! Fluffy rice soaks up the glaze perfectly. Use white, brown, jasmine, or basmati.
Quinoa or Couscous: Both are light and fluffy grains that complement the rich glaze beautifully.
Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted broccoli, carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for natural sweetness and color contrast.
Stir-Fried Greens: Bok choy, spinach, or kale sautéed with a bit of garlic and soy sauce make a fresh, vibrant side.
Mashed Potatoes: For a cozy, comfort-food twist, whip up some creamy mashed potatoes.
Other Great Options: Serve with sesame noodles, coconut rice, or an Asian-inspired slaw for crunch and contrast.
How to store, freeze, and reheat leftovers
Store: If you have leftover salmon (lucky you!), let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat gently in a 275°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, covered with foil, until warmed through. For a faster option, microwave in 30-second bursts on low power, checking often to avoid drying it out.
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 or regular 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°F.
- 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.
