Honey Soy Salmon

This easy Honey Soy Salmon recipe is the perfect weeknight meal! All you need is 6 ingredients and 15 minutes to whip up this healthy, flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with rice and a vegetable. 

This honey soy salmon might just be my favorite salmon recipe. Bold claim, but it's true! 

See, I like salmon prepared in all ways, including but not limited to baked, roasted, flaked, and even in burger form. But what I really like is when a recipe--any recipe--can be prepared in under 15 minutes, and that's exactly what this salmon recipe is.

If you're someone like me and you're always trying to switch up your dinner rotation, you HAVE to add this salmon into the mix. It's perfectly flakey with just the right amount of flavor, and the sauce is sticky the way a honey-based sauce should be.

Why you'll love this recipe

• The whole recipe comes together in under 15 minutes
• You only need 6 ingredients!
• The honey soy sauce marinade is INSANELY flavorful
• It's cook in one skillet, meaning less dishes for you to clean up afterward

How to Make Honey Soy Salmon

There are many different ways to make glazed salmon, but this is my way. I like to pan-fry the salmon until it's completely cooked, then add the sauce. 

As much as I love a good store-bought sauce, nothing really beats homemade sauce. Plus, this sauce in particular is only four ingredients and super easy to whip up.

The Ingredients

• Salmon - Fresh or frozen; If you're using frozen, be sure to thaw it beforehand according to the package instructions. I also tend to prefer sockeye salmon (though I did use Atlantic salmon in this recipe and it was delicious). 

• Garlic - Helps to add flavor! I wouldn't use garlic powder -- fresh garlic is best. 

• Soy sauce - Can substitute tamari or coconut aminos if you prefer. If you use coconut aminos, half the amount of honey you use because coconut aminos is already somewhat sweet tasting.

• Honey - No substitutions! 

• Sesame oil - Make sure you use toasted sesame oil, which has a lot more flavor than regular sesame oil.

• Cornstarch - Or arrowroot, which will help thicken the marinade once it's added to the skillet.

• Green onion - For garnish. 

Step-by-step directions

Step 1: Thaw the salmon. The first step in any salmon recipe is to thaw the salmon. If you're using fresh salmon, you can skip this step. If you're using frozen salmon, I recommend thawing it according to the package instructions, then pat it dry to remove any excess moisture and sprinkle each fillet with salt and pepper. 

Step 2: Cook the salmon. Heat a large non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then place the salmon in the skillet skin side down. Place a lid on the skillet and cook the salmon for 4-5 minutes. 

Step 3: Make the marinade. While the salmon is cooking, whisk the soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch together in a small bowl.

Step 4: Add the garlic. Take the lid off, then add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute. 

Step 5: Combine. Remove the skillet from the heat, then pour in the marinade, stirring so that it coats the salmon. The sauce will thicken quickly, so you may need to spoon it over each salmon fillet. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and enjoy! 

Success tips

-ANY nonstick skillet works for this recipe. I tend to use my cast iron skillet because I love it, but any will work! Just make sure you use a skillet that has a lid.

-If you're using fresh salmon, simply use as-is. If you're using frozen salmon, make sure to follow the thawing instructions on the packaging. Sometimes I remember to thaw salmon in the refrigerator overnight, but often times I just quick thaw it.

-If the salmon fillets are on the larger size, use a sharp knife to cut them in half so you end up with three or four pieces of salmon instead of two. 

-Make sure the skillet and the oil are hot before adding the salmon. 

-Let the salmon cook undisturbed the entire time. There's no need to move it! 

-To check for doneness, flake the salmon with a fork. If it's done, it should flake very easily. If it takes a little work to bread off a piece, simply cook the salmon for 1-2 more minutes.

What vegetables pair well with salmon? 

I like serving salmon over rice with a side of broccoli. Other delicious options include my Instant Pot Fried Rice, Air Fryer Carrots or my favorite Weeknight Broccoli. Or, simply serve this salmon on top of your favorite salad recipe. 

How long should you marinate salmon? 

In this case, zero minutes! There's no need to marinate the salmon ahead of time, making this recipe super easy. 

Are there any marinade substitutions or additions?

Of course! You could try using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and adding freshly grated ginger to the sauce if you want it to be a little ginger-y as well.

Storage

Store leftover honey soy salmon in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until warmed through. 

More 15-minute recipes

• Air Fryer Tilapia
• Pan-Fried Chicken Tenders
• Teriyaki Noodles

Did you Make this Recipe? Tag me Today! Leave a comment below and tag @thealmondeater on Instagram!

UPDATE NOTE: This post was originally published in April 2014. It was updated with new text in February 2022.