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Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey Garlic Glaze

Restaurant-quality pan-seared salmon with a glossy honey garlic glaze, ready in under 20 minutes for an elegant weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 340
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon
  • 4 fillets salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Honey Garlic Glaze
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Method
 

  1. Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let sit at room temperature while preparing the glaze.
  2. Whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Place salmon fillets skin-side up (if using skin-on), leaving space between each piece. Don't move the fish for 4-5 minutes to develop a golden crust.
  4. When the bottom develops a golden crust and fish releases easily, flip carefully using a thin spatula. Pour the honey garlic mixture around the fillets, not directly on top.
  5. Add butter to the pan and let it melt into the bubbling glaze. Tilt the pan and baste salmon with the caramelized glaze using a spoon. Cook until fish flakes easily with a fork but remains slightly translucent in the center. Sprinkle fresh thyme over everything before serving.

Notes

Pat salmon completely dry before seasoning for the best crust. Let fish come to room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking for even results. Don't move the fish for 4-5 minutes to develop a golden crust. Salmon continues cooking after removal from heat, so err on the side of slightly underdone. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Freezing not recommended as it affects texture.