This Honey Garlic Salmon is made with tender baked or air fried salmon fillets with a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze and makes the perfect easy weeknight meal! Gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free and refined-sugar free.
Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe
Make perfectly tender and flaky salmon like never before with this simple Honey Garlic Salmon recipe! Tender and juicy salmon fillets are marinated and drizzled with a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze and served with tons of fresh and healthy vegetables. Serve over some cooked riced cauliflower or your favorite rice then garnish with some fresh herbs, sesame seeds and a drizzle of hot sauce to finish it off. The crowning glory of this healthy entree? It takes less than 30 minutes to make!
Not only is this recipe great for weeknight dinners, but the leftovers are amazing, too. You can bake or air fry your salmon fillets. And when it comes to the sauce, you can make it a day ahead for easy meal prep!
How to Choose Salmon
Now sure what kind of salmon to use? Go for a variety like Chinook, sockeye, or another type of salmon with a high fat content. These varieties make for more tender and juicy meat. Salmon with a higher fat content is also less fussy in terms of cook time.
Should You Choose Fresh or Farmed Salmon?
As with any other kind of fish, I recommend using wild-caught rather than farmed salmon. The flavor of fresh salmon is much better, and the meat is higher quality in general. You can find wild-caught salmon at most grocery stores or pick some up at your local fish or farmer’s market.
Recipe Ingredients
For the Honey Garlic Glaze
- Honey: The heart of this dish and adds a touch of natural sweetness. You can also sub with maple syrup or preferred liquid sweetener of your choice. Date syrup or a sugar-free sugar substitute to make a low carb or keto salmon.
- Coconut aminos: Provides a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, lending a slightly sweet and salty note. Use gluten free tamari or low sodium soy-sauce if you don’t have coconut aminos or if you are okay with soy.
- Miso / Dijon Mustard / Tahini: Miso adds a rich umami flavor and depth to the marinade. We like the organic white miso paste from Hikari. If you’re not a fan of miso, Dijon Mustard, tahini or more honey work as well.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Offers a zesty brightness that complements the other flavors. You can also sub with coconut vinegar or rice wine vinegar.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty and delicious flavor.
- Garlic and Ginger: These aromatic ingredients provide a punch of flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add a hint of heat to the marinade for those who enjoy a little spice.
For the Salmon
- Salmon Fillets: Opt for quality skin-on salmon fillets. Their freshness and texture are vital for the perfect outcome.
- Salt & Pepper: We like using sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Bowls
- Cooked riced cauliflower: Or rice of choice
- Persian cucumbers: Sliced.
- Matchstick carrots
- Shelled Edamame: Frozen and cooked
- Avocado: Cut into slices
- Red / purple cabbage: Shredded
For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Cilantro for garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Sriracha or preferred hot sauce
How to Make Honey Garlic Salmon
This flavorful fish dinner is a weeknight regular at our house for a reason. It’s so easy to prepare!
- Season Salmon: Pat salmon dry with a paper towel. Season with salt and cracked black pepper.
Make Sauce: In a small saucepan, add the coconut aminos, maple syrup, miso, sesame oil, lime juice, garlic, ginger and crushed red pepper flakes. Turn the heat to medium and bring to a gentle boil, while whisking frequently. Remove from heat and set aside.
Oven Method:
- Place the salmon pieces (skin side down) in the baking dish or on the baking sheet. Spoon or pour ⅔ of the honey garlic sauce onto the salmon, making sure to coat all sides of the salmon. Let marinate while the oven comes to temperature (or longer if desired for more flavor). Arrange the lime slices around the salmon.
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400F. (see below for air fryer method).
- Prepare the bowl ingredients: While the oven is preheating, prepare the ingredients for your bowl.
- Bake: Once the oven is ready, place the baking dish in the oven and cook for 9-11 minutes, (or more depending on the thickness of the salmon) until the salmon is just done and starts to flake easily. Turn the broiler on high and broil the salmon for another 1 – 1 ½ minute (watching carefully so that it doesn’t burn), until there are a few brown / charred spots.
- Assemble the bowls: While the salmon is cooking, assemble your bowl(s) by scooping some rice into each bowl, then topping with sliced cucumbers, carrots, edamame, avocado and pickled onions. Place one piece of salmon on top, then garnish with a spoonful of sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish salmon with sliced green onions, cilantro and sesame seeds. Drizzle with some sriracha or preferred hot sauce, if desired. Serve and enjoy.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat if needed: If your air fryer requires preheating, preheat to 380F.
- Add Salmon: Place the marinated salmon in an air fryer basket.
- Air Fry: Cook for 11-12 minutes, or until the salmon is just done.
- Serve: Assemble bowls as above.
*NOTE: cooking time will vary depending on the size / thickness of the salmon as well your air fryer model. Keep an eye on the salmon while cooking to avoid overcooking / burning.
Tips for Success
- Pat Dry: Ensure your salmon fillets are patted dry before seasoning them. This helps achieve a beautiful sear.
- Marinate Well: Allow the salmon to marinate in the miso sauce for a more intense flavor. The longer, the better!
- Watch the Broiler: When broiling the salmon, keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. A few charred spots are perfect for added flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with this recipe:
- Vegetarian Twist: Substitute the salmon with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tamari instead of coconut aminos for a celiac-friendly option.
- Different Fish: Experiment with other fish varieties like cod or trout.
What to Serve with Honey Garlic Salmon
This salmon is guaranteed to go great with all of your favorite sides. Need some inspiration? Here are some of our go-to pairings:
- Along with Asparagus: Tender-crisp and full of savory seasonings, Air Fryer Asparagus is a great side dish for this citrusy salmon.
- Pair with Potatoes: These Slow Cooker Garlic Rosemary Tri-Color Potatoes are an amazing addition to your fish dinner. Not only do they taste great, but they also look beautiful on a plate with this salmon!
- Serve with Dinner Rolls: Something as simple as a toasted, buttered dinner roll is enough to complete this crave-worthy meal.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Leftover salmon should be refrigerated in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat your salmon fillets, place them on a foil-lined baking sheet and warm them up in a preheated, 275°F oven. Heat the fillets for about 15 minutes, then serve.
Can I Freeze Cooked Salmon?
Yes! Baked salmon can be frozen for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to keep it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw out frozen salmon in the fridge before reheating.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
1. Can I use a different type of fish?
- Yes, you can experiment with other fish like cod or trout, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
2. How can I prevent the salmon from overcooking?
- Watch the salmon closely while broiling to avoid overcooking. A few charred spots are ideal for flavor.
3. Can I use an air fryer for the entire cooking process?
- Yes, you can use the air fryer method for the entire cooking process. Simply follow the provided instructions for air frying.
More Salmon Recipes To Try
There are tons of other tasty ways to make salmon. Get ready for more delicious weeknight dinner ideas!
This Honey Garlic Salmon is made with tender baked or air fried salmon fillets with a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze and makes the perfect easy weeknight meal! Gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free and refined-sugar free.
- 2 quality skin-on salmon fillets , about 6 ounces each (similar size + shape if possible)
- Coarse sea salt or kosher salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos , can sub gluten-free Tamari or low sodium soy sauce if not gluten-free
- 2 teaspoons honey , you can also use maple syrup or preferred sticky liquid sweetener of your choice. Opt for sugar-free sweetener if you need a low carb / keto option.
- 2 tablespoons organic white miso , we like the organic white miso paste from Hikari. If you're not a fan of miso, Dijon Mustard, tahini or more honey work as well.
- ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice or rice wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic , finely minced or grated
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or chili powder
- 2-4 lime slices
- Cooked riced cauliflower or rice of choice
- Some sliced Persian cucumbers
- Some matchstick carrots
- Some shelled frozen and cooked edamame
- Half an avocado cut into slices
- Some pickled onions or shredded red / purple cabbage
- Sliced green onions
- Cilantro for garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Sriracha or preferred hot sauce
- Pat salmon dry with a paper towel. Season with salt and cracked black pepper.
In a small saucepan, add the coconut aminos, maple syrup, miso, sesame oil, lime juice, garlic, ginger and crushed red pepper flakes. Turn the heat to medium and bring to a gentle boil, while whisking frequently. Remove from heat and set aside.
Lightly coat a small baking dish with avocado oil spray or coconut oil spray, or line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the salmon pieces (skin side down) in the baking dish or on the baking sheet. Spoon or pour ⅔ of the honey garlic sauce onto the salmon, making sure to coat all sides of the salmon. Let marinate while the oven comes to temperature (or longer if desired for more flavor). Arrange the lime slices around the salmon.
Preheat the oven to 400F. (see below for air fryer method)
Preheat the oven to 400F. (see below for air fryer method).
While the oven is preheating, prepare the ingredients for your bowl.
- Once the oven is ready, place the baking dish in the oven and cook for 9-11 minutes, (or more depending on the thickness of the salmon) until the salmon is just done and starts to flake easily. Turn the broiler on high and broil the salmon for another 1 - 1 ½ minute (watching carefully so that it doesn’t burn), until there are a few brown / charred spots.
While the salmon is cooking, assemble your bowl(s) by scooping some rice into each bowl, then topping with sliced cucumbers, carrots, edamame, avocado and pickled onions.
Place one piece of salmon on top, then garnish with a spoonful of sauce. Garnish salmon with sliced green onions, cilantro and sesame seeds.
Drizzle with some sriracha or preferred hot sauce, if desired. Serve and enjoy.
- If your air fryer requires preheating, preheat to 380F.
- Place the marinated salmon in an air fryer basket.
- Cook for 11-12 minutes, or until the salmon is just done.
- Assemble bowls as above.
- *NOTE: cooking time will vary depending on the size / thickness of the salmon as well your air fryer model. Keep an eye on the salmon while cooking to avoid overcooking / burning.
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