Salmon is one of those proteins that always feels elegant yet effortless. And when it’s baked in a glossy honey garlic glaze? Pure perfection.
This Honey Baked Salmon is sweet, savory, buttery, and packed with flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners or a special gathering.
With minimal prep, a short ingredient list, and big flavor payoff, this dish is a go-to in my kitchen when I want something quick but impressive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy – ready in about 25 minutes
Perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory
One bowl glaze, no marinating needed
Family-friendly and meal-prep friendly
Works great with fresh or frozen salmon fillets
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Salmon fillets – fresh or thawed, skin-on or skinless
Butter – melted for richness
Honey – the sweet star of the glaze
Garlic – fresh minced for bold aroma
Dijon mustard – adds tang and complexity
Lemon juice – brightens the flavors
Paprika, salt, pepper – simple seasonings to balance the glaze
Fresh parsley & lemon slices – garnish for freshness and color
Pro Tips Before You Start
Pat salmon dry before baking for better glaze adhesion
Use wild-caught salmon for firmer texture and deeper flavor
Don’t overbake—salmon should flake easily but stay moist
Add a 2–3 minute broil at the end for caramelized edges
Line your baking dish with foil or parchment for easy cleanup
How to Make Honey Baked Salmon
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with foil or parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
Step 3: Arrange the Salmon
Place salmon fillets in the prepared dish, skin-side down.
Spoon the glaze evenly over each fillet, making sure they’re well coated.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 15–18 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
For extra caramelization, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven and let rest for a couple of minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving.
What to Serve It With
Steamed rice or herbed quinoa
Roasted or sautéed green beans, asparagus, or broccoli
Garlic mashed potatoes or sweet potato mash
Crisp cucumber salad or arugula with vinaigrette
A glass of chilled white wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)
Variations / Substitutions
Swap maple syrup for honey for a different sweetness
Use whole grain or spicy mustard instead of Dijon
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Use lime juice instead of lemon for a tropical twist
Bake with sliced oranges or rosemary sprigs for extra fragrance
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days
Reheat gently in the microwave or oven at 300°F to prevent drying
Great flaked into salads, wraps, or rice bowls the next day
Not recommended for freezing if already cooked (texture may suffer)
If freezing raw salmon: freeze with glaze, then thaw and bake
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure it’s completely thawed and patted dry before glazing and baking.
How do I know when salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and be opaque in the center.
Internal temp should reach 145°F.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, depending on fillet size.
Broil or air fry last 1–2 minutes for crispy top.
What’s the best type of salmon to use?
Atlantic salmon is rich and buttery.
Wild-caught varieties like Sockeye have firmer texture and stronger flavor.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can whisk the glaze and prep the salmon in advance.
Bake right before serving for best results.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
You can use yellow mustard or a mix of vinegar and a pinch of sugar in a pinch, though flavor will vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Baked Salmon is one of those foolproof recipes that never fails to impress.
With its sweet and savory glaze, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and elegant presentation, it’s perfect for dinner parties, date nights, or weeknight meals that feel a little special.
Pair it with something green, something starchy, and something cold to drink—and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy meal in under 30 minutes.
Full Recipe Card (Ingredients + Instructions)
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Chopped parsley and lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking dish with foil.
In a bowl, mix melted butter, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Place salmon fillets in dish. Spoon glaze evenly over each.
Bake for 15–18 minutes or until salmon flakes with fork.
Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes for caramelized edges.
Garnish with parsley and lemon. Serve warm.
