Easy Honey Soy-Glazed Salmon Recipe
Salmon is one of those versatile fish that pair well with a variety of flavors, and one of the simplest and tastiest ways to prepare it is with a honey soy glaze. Not only does it bring out the natural sweetness of the fish, but it also adds a savory note. If you're new to cooking or just looking for a quick and delicious meal, this recipe is perfect for you. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll have a restaurant-quality dish on the table for weeknight dinners in no time.
Flavor in Just Minutes
This recipe is all about creating a sweet and savory balance. The honey glaze complements the richness of the salmon beautifully, while the soy sauce adds a touch of umami. The best part? It only takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook, making it ideal for those nights when you're short on time.
My Tips for Success
Before we dive into the recipe, let's chat about a few key things to ensure your salmon comes out restaurant-worthy:
Choosing the Right Salmon: Opt for wild-caught salmon whenever possible. Look for vibrant pink flesh and minimal odor. Your local grocery Sprouts or Whole Foods should have great options!
Patting is Key: This might seem like a minor detail, but it's crucial! Patting your salmon fillets dry with paper towels removes excess moisture, allowing the marinade to adhere better and create a beautiful sear.
Embrace the Marinade: The longer your salmon marinades in the delicious honey soy sauce, the more flavorful it will be. Ideally, aim for 24 hours in the fridge for maximum flavor absorption. But I know we all get busy – 10 minutes will still do the trick!
Work in Batches: To ensure proper airflow and even cooking, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook the salmon in batches rather than trying to fit too much in at once.
Temperature Talk: The best way to ensure perfectly cooked salmon is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the fillet and aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Alternatively, you can gently press the salmon with a fork – it should flake easily and appear opaque when done.
Which Air Fryer Should You Use?
Finding the right air fryer can greatly enhance your cooking experience. Here's how to pick the perfect one for you:
Educate Yourself: Learn everything you need to know about air fryers to make an informed decision. Check out this comprehensive guide: Everything to Know About Air Fryers.
Budget-Friendly Options: If you're looking for affordable air fryers, here's a list of options under $50: Air Fryers Under $50.
Personal Recommendations: Discover some of my favorite air fryers that I love to use: My Favorite Air Fryers. These picks may align with your preferences and needs.
Honey Soy-Glazed Salmon Recipe
Alright, enough chit-chat, let's get cooking! Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
2 salmon fillets
1/3 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 lime, juiced
Instructions:
Prep Time: Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the marinade coats the salmon evenly. Marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the fridge for maximum flavor.
4. Cooking Time: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, carefully arrange the salmon fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overcrowd (cook in batches if necessary for proper airflow). Cook for 10 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Alternatively, to cook in a pan: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the salmon fillets in the pan, salmon skin-side down (if using skin-on salmon). Sear for 3-4 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Serving Up Perfection: Once cooked, remove the salmon from the air fryer or pan and drizzle with fresh lemon juice.
The Perfect Side Dishes for Honey Soy Salmon
Now that you have this amazing honey soy-glazed salmon recipe under your belt, let's talk about creating a complete meal! Here are some perfect side dishes to complement your flavorful salmon:
Classic Comfort: Can't go wrong with a bed of fluffy rice. It absorbs the delicious glaze drippings and provides a comforting base for the salmon.
Veggie Powerhouse: Roasted or steamed vegetables are a healthy and colorful addition to any plate. Broccoli, asparagus, brussels sprouts and cauliflower are all great options. You can even use your air fryer to whip up some perfectly tender air-fried veggies from my Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables Roundup blog post!
Asian-Inspired Sides: Want to keep the Asian flavor profile going? Try some steamed edamame or a side of kimchi.
Fresh and Light: A simple salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing accompaniment to the rich salmon.
Storage and Reheating:
Leftover honey soy-glazed salmon is always delicious! Store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the salmon in the air fryer or oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) to prevent it from drying out. You can also use leftover salmon in various dishes like salmon salad sandwiches or flaky salmon tacos.
Honey Soy-Glazed Salmon: A Crowd-Pleaser
This honey soy-glazed salmon recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. It's perfect for busy weeknights, easy enough for beginner cooks, and flavorful enough to impress your guests. Whether you serve it with classic rice and veggies or get creative with Asian-inspired sides, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner repertoire.
Bonus Tips:
Don't Toss the Marinade! The leftover marinade from the salmon can be used as a delicious sauce for other dishes like rice or roasted vegetables. Just be sure to simmer it for a few minutes to cook off any bacteria from the raw fish.
Love Salmon Skin? If you're using skin-on salmon fillets, be sure to cook them skin side down first over medium heat to achieve that beautiful crispy skin everyone loves.
Salmon for Everyone: While this recipe uses fresh salmon, you can also use frozen salmon filets in a pinch. Just thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking.
FAQ
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Cooking salmon can be done in various ways, but one of the easiest and most flavorful methods is pan-searing it in a hot pan. For this recipe, you'll want to heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down, and cook for a few minutes until the skin is crispy. Then, flip the salmon and cook for another few minutes on the second side until it's cooked through.
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Absolutely! Brown rice is a nutritious and flavorful option to accompany your honey-glazed salmon. Simply cook the brown rice according to package instructions in a medium bowl. It's a good idea to add some fresh ginger or chopped green onions to enhance the flavor. Serve the salmon on a bed of fluffy brown rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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The best way to ensure your salmon is cooked perfectly is by using an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the fillet; it should register 145°F (63°C) when done. Alternatively, you can gently press the salmon with a fork; it should flake easily and appear opaque. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the cooking method used.
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There are endless possibilities when it comes to serving honey-glazed salmon! You can try baking it in the oven on a lined baking tray for a hands-off approach, or grill it on a cast iron skillet for a smoky flavor. For a refreshing twist, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top before serving. Whether you're a fan of crispy skin or prefer a sweeter glaze, honey-soy glazed salmon is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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If you're cooking for picky eaters, you can easily customize this recipe to suit their preferences. For those who prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish. Additionally, serving the salmon with familiar side dishes like white rice or roasted vegetables can make it more appealing to picky eaters.
Easy Honey Soy-Glazed Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 salmon filets
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 lime, juiced
Instructions
- Pat the salmon dry on both sides.
- Into a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Drizzle the sauce over the salmon, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Let this sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors!
- Air fry at 350F for 10 minutes until the salmon has reached an internal temperature of 145F.
- Once cooked, serve with fresh lime juice!
Hey, I’m Jazz
I’m a nutritional therapist practitioner and spent 3 years as a personal chef to NBA athletes. Follow along for easy, attainable and healthy recipes in under 30 minutes!
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