If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and seriously delicious way to enjoy salmon, this honey garlic baked salmon is exactly what you need. It’s got the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, thanks to a buttery glaze infused with honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and fresh lemon juice. Best of all? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option.
I love recipes that come together effortlessly but taste like they took hours to prepare. This salmon does exactly that! The glaze seeps into every bite, keeping the fish moist, tender, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving guests, this dish is sure to impress.
So, let’s get started with this foolproof method to make the best baked salmon!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prep Your Baking Sheet
First things first—preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for baking salmon because it helps it cook evenly without drying out.
For easy cleanup (because who wants to scrub a baking sheet after dinner?), line your baking sheet with either parchment paper or foil. This will prevent the salmon from sticking and make cleaning up a breeze. If you’re using foil, you can even fold up the edges slightly to keep all the flavorful juices from spilling over.
Step 2: Arrange the Salmon Fillets
Next, place your four salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. If your salmon fillets have different thicknesses, don’t worry! Just arrange them so they all have some space between them. This helps them cook more evenly.
If you prefer skinless salmon, that works too! The only difference is that the fish may be slightly more delicate when removing it from the pan after baking.
Step 3: Make the Flavor-Packed Glaze
Now comes the fun part—the sweet and savory glaze that takes this salmon to the next level. In a small bowl, whisk together:
- 3 tbsp melted butter – For richness and flavor.
- 2 tbsp honey – Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory ingredients.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Because everything is better with garlic!
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard – Brings a slight tanginess that complements the honey.
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice – Brightens up the dish with a fresh citrus kick.
- 1 tsp paprika – Adds a touch of warmth and color.
- ½ tsp salt & ½ tsp black pepper – For the perfect seasoning.
Whisk everything together until well combined. The butter will give the sauce a silky texture, while the honey and Dijon help create a slightly thickened glaze that sticks beautifully to the salmon.
Step 4: Coat the Salmon with the Delicious Glaze
Now that you’ve got your beautifully whisked honey garlic glaze ready, it’s time to coat the salmon fillets! Using a pastry brush or a spoon, generously brush the glaze over each fillet, making sure to cover every inch. You want that rich, buttery, garlicky goodness to seep into the fish as it bakes.
Pro tip: If you have extra glaze, don’t let it go to waste! Drizzle a little over the fillets again halfway through baking for an even deeper flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
With the salmon fillets beautifully coated, it’s time to bake! Place the tray in your preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes.
How do you know when the salmon is done? Here are a few easy ways to check:
- Flake test: Use a fork to gently press into the thickest part of the fillet. If it flakes easily and looks opaque, it’s ready!
- Temperature check: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The FDA recommends cooking salmon to 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
- Color change: The salmon should have a lovely golden color on top and a soft, slightly pink center.
The exact baking time can vary slightly depending on the thickness of your fillets. If your fillets are on the thinner side, they may be done closer to 12 minutes; thicker fillets may need closer to 15 minutes.
Step 6: Broil for Extra Flavor (Optional, but Highly Recommended!)
Want to take your salmon to the next level? Broil it for an extra 2-3 minutes after baking!
Broiling helps caramelize the honey in the glaze, giving the fillets a gorgeous, golden-brown finish with slightly crispy edges. Just be sure to keep an eye on it—broiling works fast, and you don’t want to burn your beautiful salmon.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Once your salmon is perfectly baked (and maybe broiled for that extra pop of flavor), remove it from the oven. Let it rest for a minute or two—this helps the juices settle, making every bite even more tender.
Now for the final touches! Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and a hint of freshness. If you love an extra citrusy kick, serve your salmon with lemon slices on the side—a quick squeeze of lemon juice right before eating makes the flavors shine even more.
What to Serve with Baked Salmon?
This honey garlic baked salmon pairs beautifully with so many sides! Here are some easy ideas:
- Roasted or steamed veggies – Think asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.
- Mashed or roasted potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes or crispy garlic butter potatoes are always a win.
- Rice or quinoa – A simple, fluffy side to soak up all that delicious glaze.
- Fresh salad – A light, crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the salmon perfectly.
No matter how you serve it, this baked salmon is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I know salmon can sometimes feel a little intimidating to cook, but trust me—this recipe is as simple as it gets! To make things even easier, I’ve answered some of the most common questions about making the perfect baked salmon.
1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes! If you’re using frozen salmon, make sure to thaw it completely before baking. The best way to do this is to let it sit in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can place the sealed salmon in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes until thawed.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Leftover baked salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a low-temperature oven (around 275°F) for a few minutes, or microwave it in short 20-second bursts to avoid drying it out.
3. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can whisk together the honey garlic glaze a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before using it on your salmon.
4. What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
No problem! You can swap it out for yellow mustard or whole-grain mustard. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
5. How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, try adding ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze. You can also sprinkle a little cayenne pepper over the salmon before baking.
6. Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes! This honey garlic glaze works beautifully on trout, cod, halibut, or even tilapia. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fish.
7. How do I prevent my salmon from drying out?
The key to moist, tender salmon is not overcooking it. Be sure to check for doneness at the 12-minute mark, and always let the salmon rest for a minute or two before serving. The glaze also helps lock in moisture, keeping your fish perfectly juicy.
Final Thoughts: Give This Baked Salmon a Try!
And that’s it—an easy, foolproof honey garlic baked salmon that’s packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes! Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments what you paired it with or if you made any fun variations. And don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family—they’ll thank you later!
Happy cooking!
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BAKED SALMON
- Total Time: 25 mins
Description
This Baked Salmon is a quick and flavorful dish featuring a honey-garlic glaze that perfectly complements the tender, flaky fish. With a hint of Dijon mustard and fresh lemon juice, this dish is both rich and refreshing. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For Garnish:
- 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: Lemon slices for serving
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2️⃣ Arrange the Salmon:
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
3️⃣ Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4️⃣ Coat the Salmon:
Brush the glaze generously over the salmon fillets, making sure they are fully coated.
5️⃣ Bake:
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6️⃣ Broil for Extra Flavor (Optional):
For a caramelized finish, broil the salmon for 2-3 minutes after baking.
7️⃣ Garnish & Serve:
Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley and optional lemon slices.
Serve immediately with your favorite sides!
Notes
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes or microwave gently to avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
