A sweet, savory, and garlicky salmon recipe with a glossy caramelized glaze. This version gives you crispy edges, flaky salmon, and a rich sauce that works perfectly over rice or vegetables.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the honey garlic glaze

• ⅓ cup honey
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

• Chopped parsley or green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Lemon wedges

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Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Let sit for 10–15 minutes at room temperature.

Dry salmon helps create a crisp golden crust.

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Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Soy sauce
• Lemon juice
• Vinegar
• Dijon mustard

Set aside.

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Step 3: Sear the Salmon

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Place salmon skin-side down first.
3. Cook for:
   • 4–5 minutes on first side
   • 2–4 minutes on second side

The salmon should release easily from the pan when ready to flip.

Remove temporarily to a plate if the fillets are thick.

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Step 4: Make the Glaze

1. Lower heat to medium.
2. Add butter to the skillet.
3. Pour in the honey garlic mixture.
4. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.

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Step 5: Finish the Salmon

1. Return salmon to the pan.
2. Spoon glaze repeatedly over the fillets for 1–2 minutes.
3. Cook until salmon reaches:
   • 125°F (52°C) for medium
   • 130–135°F for well done

The fish should flake easily with a fork.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Garlic butter noodles
• Roasted broccoli
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Mashed potatoes

Extra glaze over rice is especially good.

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Optional Variations

Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon

Add:

• 1–2 tsp sriracha
• Extra chili flakes

Asian-Style Version

Add:

• 1 tsp grated ginger
• Sesame oil
• Toasted sesame seeds

Oven-Baked Method

1. Bake salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes.
2. Simmer glaze separately.
3. Brush glaze over salmon before serving.

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Chef Tips

• Use center-cut salmon fillets for even cooking.
• Fresh garlic gives much better flavor than garlic powder.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan.
• If the glaze thickens too much, add 1–2 tbsp water.

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.
• Avoid microwaving too long to prevent dry salmon.

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Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Protein: 34–38g
• Carbs: 18–22g
• Fat: 18–24g
• Calories: 400–500 kcal