Skillet-Glazed Salmon is made with simple kitchen staples: honey, soy sauce and olive oil. It's ready to eat in less than 15 minutes-that's all it takes to create a delicious and elegant salmon meal. It's the perfect combination of savory and sweet. This recipe turns regular salmon into mouthwatering, restaurant-quality salmon. Enjoy it with Elegant Green Bean Casserole or Mixed Bean Salad for a wonderful meal.
I first published this recipe in 2020 and have since adjusted it to include more detailed instructions.
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🍯 Ingredients to have on hand
Grab your favorite (affiliate link) skillet, I prefer cast iron - and enjoy a fancy seafood meal that's super easy to prepare. If your family enjoys recipes like Old Fashioned Salmon Patties this too is a recipe you'll want in your regular rotation.
- Fresh Salmon: Any variety of salmon will work great with this recipe, I've made this using various types and have never been disappointed.
- Honey: This adds a touch of sweetness and blends beautifully with the cooked salmon. Delicious!
- Soy Sauce: Such a versatile ingredient in so many recipes but once you've blended it with honey on salmon, you'll always want to keep this on hand.
- Olive Oil: It's best to use refined olive oil or light olive oil rather than extra virgin olive oil, both can withstand higher heat without burning.
👩🏻🍳 Why Melinda Loves Skillet-Glazed Salmon
It's an elegant way to enjoy salmon and might remind you of a restaurant entree. It's delicious with freshly baked Potato Rolls served with homemade honey butter!
Your family and guests will be impressed! It's a recipe that takes mere minutes to prepare but it's easy enough to enjoy on a busy weeknight.
💬 Recipe FAQs
Any variety of fresh salmon or steelhead will work great with this recipe
Look for fillets that appear moist, not dried out or rubbery. The moisture content is a great indicator of freshness and how carefully the fish was handled.
Yes, that's how my Dad makes it. The only adjustment, you don't need to flip the fillet. Just place it skin-side down on a non-stick baking sheet, or one lined with parchment paper. Bake in a 450° F oven for about 10 minutes. The glaze isn't quite as thick using this technique, but it is still delicious.
There's no need to do that. The USDA cautions: "Washing or rinsing meat or poultry increases the risk for cross-contamination in the kitchen, which can cause foodborne illness. It's time to leave this habit in the past."
🥘 How to Make Skillet-Glazed Salmon
You'll want the skillet to be piping hot, medium-high. I prefer using a cast iron skillet but any type of skillet will work fine. I love the way a heavy cast iron skillet holds the heat.
Place the fillets skin side down in the hot olive oil and season the fillet with a little salt and pepper.
Next, top each fillet with about 1 teaspoon of soy sauce and honey. There's no need for precise measurements and you may want to increase the honey and soy sauce if the fillets are large.
Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pan and cook for 4 minutes.
Pro Tip: Perfectly cooked, skillet-glazed salmon will have a moist, firm texture that flakes. Use a food thermometer and watch for a reading of 145° F at the thickest part of the fillet. Undercooked salmon will feel slightly mushy, while overcooked salmon will be dry and crumbly.
Remove the lid and carefully flip over each fillet, cook for another minute or two uncovered.
This is the point where the fillet will finish cooking and the honey and soy sauce will create a beautiful and delicious glaze.
Pro Tip: Don't worry about the blackened skin after you flip the salmon fillets. (See photo above.) I know it looks a little shocking, but don't worry. You didn't ruin anything. This is all a part of the glazing process. When you remove the fillets from the pan they will be glazed and perfect.
🍽 What to Serve with Skillet-Glazed Salmon
Salmon is incredibly versatile and after it's been cooked and glazed, it goes well with everything from classic sides like Double-Baked Mashed Potatoes or Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese to crunchy salad greens topped with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette.
🍴More Seafood Recipes
Here are more recipes that I think you'll enjoy, from chowder to classic and nostalgic recipes, these are tried and true ways to enjoy food from the sea!
If you make Skillet-Glazed Salmon I'd love to hear how it turned out. Please leave a 🌟 star rating and a comment below. I'm looking forward to hearing from you!
Recipe
nancy says
this salmon recipe was tasty - we used honey and it worked perfectly
Kayla DiMaggio says
This skillet salmon looks so delicious! I am loving how easy the recipe was!
Nora says
This is so delicious and easy to make! Turned out perfectly! Thank you!
The Sudden Cook says
My kids absoluely LOVE salmon so bookmarking this recipe for sure:)
Jean says
I sub honey with maple syrup and still turn out great! Thanks for the recipe.
Tami says
This recipe was the worst! I had to though $20.00 worth of salmon in the garbage! No one in my family would eat it! It was terrible!
I followed the instructions to the T.
Gross, disgusting, never again!
Melinda O'Malley Keckler says
Shoot, I'm sorry to hear this. So many folks have told me how much they’ve enjoyed this recipe. Please feel free to email me directly Tami. I’m happy to troubleshoot with you to figure out what went wrong.
Jerika says
This Easy Skillet-Glazed salmon looks so delish! I'm hungry already. Can't wait to cook this tonight. Thanks!
Cheryl Sandoval says
Tried this Salmon recipe for Mother's Day. So easy and such great flavor. Everyone loved it!
Melinda O'Malley Keckler says
I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the salmon recipe Cheryl!! Thank you!! Hugs to you and the family. 🙂