Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare the Salmon
- First, gently pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps ensure a crisp sear. Season them generously with kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and the optional blackening seasoning. Set them aside while you prepare the sauce.
Preheat the Broiler
- IMPORTANT: Adjust your oven rack to the middle position, then preheat your broiler. This prevents the honey garlic sauce from burning, which is a common mistake and can happen very quickly if the rack is too high.
Start the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron works beautifully here) over medium-high heat, add the butter and olive oil. Once the butter is melted and slightly foaming, add the minced garlic, water, soy sauce, sriracha, honey, and lemon juice. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring, until the sauce is heated through and the garlic becomes fragrant, filling your kitchen with an amazing aroma.
Prepare the Glaze-Thickening Slurry
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the heated honey garlic sauce in the skillet, whisking continuously for 30-60 seconds until the sauce visibly thickens and achieves a glossy, sticky texture. This crucial step prevents a watery sauce!
Sear the Salmon
- Carefully add the salmon fillets to the skillet, skin side down if your salmon has skin. Cook for 3 minutes over medium-high heat. While the salmon cooks, frequently baste it with the sauce from the pan by spooning it generously over the top of the fillets. This helps build a rich, caramelized glaze.
Broil for Perfection
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated broiler. Broil the salmon for 5-6 minutes, basting with sauce once more during the broiling time. Watch closely as the salmon becomes beautifully caramelized and cooked to your desired doneness. The salmon will turn opaque throughout and flake easily with a fork, but still be moist in the center. An internal temperature of 145°F is ideal.
Garnish and Serve
- If desired, garnish your stunning Honey Garlic Salmon with fresh minced parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition
Notes
Mastering this Honey Garlic Salmon means never settling for watery sauce again, thanks to our secret cornstarch slurry. Remember to pat salmon dry and baste frequently for the best caramelization. It's a versatile dish, delicious with various sides, and great for meal prep! Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.