This honey garlic salmon recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. The dish combines the richness of butter, the sweetness of honey, and the citrusy zest of freshly squeezed lemon juice. It's an easy and delicious way to elevate your salmon and impress your guests.
Photos of Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe
When preparing this recipe, make sure to get wild caught salmon, which offers a richer flavor and better texture. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is also essential to add that fresh citrusy kick. If you don't have a cast iron skillet, any oven-safe pan will do, but the cast iron helps achieve a nice sear on the salmon.
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth sauce.
Honey: Provides sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic element.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed to add a tangy zest.
Salmon: Wild caught for the best flavor and texture.
Lemon wedges: Used for garnish and added flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
One reader, Elli Hollis says:
This honey garlic salmon recipe is a game-changer! The flavors blend perfectly, and the salmon turns out tender and delicious. It's easy to make and feels like a gourmet meal. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Honey Garlic Salmon
How to arrange oven shelf: Position the oven rack about 8 inches away from the heat element in your oven. How to preheat oven to broil: Set your oven to the broil setting and allow it to reach the desired temperature. How to cook with cast iron skillet: Place butter in a cast iron skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring and swirling the pan occasionally. How to sauté garlic: Add garlic to the pan and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. How to baste: Spoon the pan juices over the tops of the salmon fillets while they cook. How to broil: Transfer the pan to the oven and cook under the broiler for 5 to 6 minutes until the tops of the salmon are nicely charred.
How To Make Honey Garlic Salmon
For this honey garlic salmon recipe, the combination of sweet and slightly bitter flavors provide a well-rounded taste to this wonderful entree dish.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4tbspbutter,¼ cup
- 4tbsphoney,¼ cup
- 3clovesgarlic,minced
- 2tbspfresh squeezed lemon juice
- ½lbwild caught salmon
- lemon wedges,to serve
- Salt,to taste
Instructions
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Arrange oven shelf about 8-inch away from heat element in your oven. Preheat your oven to broil.
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Place butter in a cast iron skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring and swirling pan occasionally for about 3 minutes, or until the foam settles.
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Pour in the honey and let it dissolve into the butter. Then add in the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add in the lemon juice; stir well to combine all of the flavours together.
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Add the salmon steaks to the butter in the pan; cook each fillet for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden, while basting the tops with the pan juices. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
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Add the lemon wedges around the salmon. Transfer the pan to your oven to broil / grill for a further 5 to 6 minutes, or until the tops of the salmon are nicely charred.
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To serve, drizzle with the reserved brown butter sauce. Serve with steamed vegetables; over rice or with a salad.
Nutrition
- Calories: 290.65kcal
- Fat: 19.18g
- Saturated Fat: 9.03g
- Trans Fat: 0.47g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.12g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.65g
- Carbohydrates: 19.23g
- Fiber: 0.31g
- Sugar: 17.64g
- Protein: 12.01g
- Cholesterol: 61.71mg
- Sodium: 252.95mg
- Calcium: 16.25mg
- Potassium: 246.73mg
- Iron: 0.37mg
- Vitamin A: 97.20µg
- Vitamin C: 9.68mg
Technique Tip for Perfectly Cooked Honey Garlic Salmon
When cooking salmon in a cast iron skillet, make sure to preheat the skillet thoroughly before adding the butter. This ensures an even sear and helps to lock in the moisture of the fish. Additionally, when basting the salmon with the pan juices, tilt the skillet slightly to pool the juices on one side, making it easier to spoon over the fillets.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Salmon Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and chop garlic and lemon wedges ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Use preheated oven: Preheat your oven while you prepare the salmon to save time.
Melt butter quickly: Cut butter into smaller pieces to speed up the melting process in the skillet.
Multitask: While the butter and honey are melting, season the salmon to save a few extra minutes.
Use a timer: Set a timer for each cooking step to ensure you don’t overcook the salmon and can move efficiently through the recipe.
Substitute Ingredients For Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a healthier fat option and a slightly different flavor profile.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness with a unique, rich flavor.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter taste compared to garlic.
fresh squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and brightness to the dish.
wild caught salmon - Substitute with arctic char: Arctic char has a similar texture and flavor to salmon.
lemon wedges - Substitute with orange wedges: Orange wedges provide a sweeter citrus note that complements the dish.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Best Way to Present Honey Garlic Salmon
Select a pristine white plate: The clean, minimalist look of a white plate will make the vibrant colors of the salmon and lemon wedges pop.
Position the salmon centrally: Place the salmon fillet in the center of the plate, slightly angled to give a dynamic presentation.
Drizzle the brown butter sauce artistically: Use a spoon to drizzle the reserved brown butter sauce around the salmon in a circular pattern, creating an elegant and appetizing look.
Garnish with lemon wedges: Arrange the lemon wedges around the salmon in a balanced manner, ensuring they are evenly spaced and add a touch of brightness to the dish.
Add a touch of green: Place a small sprig of fresh herbs like parsley or dill on top of the salmon to add a pop of color and freshness.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables: Neatly arrange a small portion of steamed vegetables on one side of the plate, ensuring they are vibrant and cooked to perfection.
Include a portion of rice or salad: On the opposite side of the steamed vegetables, place a small mound of rice or a delicate salad, adding variety and balance to the dish.
Finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt: Just before serving, lightly sprinkle some sea salt over the salmon to enhance the flavors and add a touch of texture.
Essential Tools for Making Honey Garlic Salmon
Cast iron skillet: A heavy-duty pan that retains heat well and is perfect for searing and broiling the salmon.
Oven: Used to broil the salmon, giving it a nicely charred top.
Stove: Needed to melt the butter and cook the salmon before transferring it to the oven.
Spatula: Useful for flipping the salmon fillets and basting them with the pan juices.
Basting brush: Helps in evenly spreading the pan juices over the salmon fillets.
Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.
Lemon squeezer: Makes it easier to extract fresh lemon juice without seeds.
Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like butter, honey, and lemon juice.
Knife: Needed for cutting the lemon wedges and possibly for mincing the garlic if a garlic press is not used.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the lemon and garlic.
Tongs: Useful for handling the salmon fillets without breaking them apart.
Storing and Freezing Honey Garlic Salmon
Let the honey garlic salmon cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. This will prevent the fish from becoming soggy and help maintain its texture.
If you have any leftover salmon, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent any air from getting in.
To reheat the stored honey garlic salmon, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until it's heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it as this can cause the fish to dry out.
If you want to freeze the honey garlic salmon, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Label the container with the date and contents, so you know what's inside and when it was frozen.
Frozen honey garlic salmon can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the oven or microwave as described above.
To maintain the best quality and flavor of your honey garlic salmon, it's important to store it properly and consume it within the recommended time frame. This will ensure that you get the most out of your delicious meal!
How to Reheat Leftover Honey Garlic Salmon
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover honey garlic salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through and the glaze is bubbling. This method helps to preserve the moisture and flavor of the salmon while reheating.
For a quick and easy reheat, use your microwave. Place the salmon on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, checking the temperature between each interval, until the salmon is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the salmon to dry out and lose its texture.
If you have a toaster oven, this is another great option for reheating your leftover honey garlic salmon. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the salmon on a small baking tray or toaster oven-safe dish. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the salmon is warmed through and the glaze is sizzling.
For a stovetop method, place the leftover salmon in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to the pan to help create steam and prevent the salmon from drying out. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through.
If you want to add a fresh twist to your leftover honey garlic salmon, try flaking it into a salad or pasta dish. The cold salmon will add a delicious contrast to the warm ingredients, and the honey garlic glaze will provide a burst of flavor in every bite.
Random Fact About Honey Garlic Salmon
A random fact about this recipe is that honey and garlic create a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, making the salmon both delicious and nutritious.
Is Making Honey Garlic Salmon at Home Cost-Effective?
This honey garlic salmon recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. With simple ingredients like butter, honey, garlic, and lemon, the total cost remains reasonable. The most expensive component is the wild caught salmon, but its nutritional value justifies the price. Overall, this dish offers a delightful balance of flavors without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost in USD for a household of 4 people: $20-$25.
Is This Salmon Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The honey garlic salmon recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side:
- Salmon is a nutritious fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and various vitamins and minerals
- Garlic offers potential health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation
- Lemon juice provides vitamin C and adds flavor without additional calories
However, there are some concerns:
- The recipe uses a significant amount of butter, which is high in saturated fat
- Honey, while a natural sweetener, still contributes to the overall sugar content of the dish
- The cooking method involves broiling, which may lead to the formation of harmful compounds if the salmon is charred excessively
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of butter used, or replace some of it with heart-healthy olive oil
- Use a smaller quantity of honey, or substitute it with a low-calorie sweetener like stevia
- Opt for grilling or baking the salmon instead of broiling to minimize the risk of charring
- Serve the salmon with a larger portion of steamed vegetables to increase the nutrient density of the meal
- Choose sides like quinoa or brown rice instead of white rice to add more fiber and nutrients
Editor's Thoughts on This Delicious Salmon Dish
This honey garlic salmon recipe is a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. The use of wild-caught salmon ensures a rich, natural taste, while the combination of butter, honey, and garlic creates a luscious glaze. The fresh lemon juice adds a zesty brightness that complements the dish perfectly. Broiling the salmon at the end gives it a beautiful char and enhances the overall texture. Serving it with steamed vegetables, rice, or a salad makes for a well-rounded, nutritious meal. This recipe is straightforward yet sophisticated, making it suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
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Why trust this Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe:
This honey garlic salmon recipe is a must-try for any seafood lover. The combination of butter, honey, and garlic creates a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the wild caught salmon. The addition of lemon juice adds a refreshing tang, while broiling ensures a beautifully charred finish. This recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a restaurant-quality dish right at home. Trust in the simplicity and quality of these ingredients to deliver an unforgettable meal.
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