Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each, about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Honey Glaze:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Lemon wedges
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon: Remove salmon from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking. Pat fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Set aside half for basting.
- Sear the salmon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add oil and swirl to coat. Place salmon fillets in pan and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip and glaze: Carefully flip each fillet. Brush the cooked side generously with reserved glaze. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 3 minutes.
- Final glaze: Brush another layer of glaze over the salmon. Add butter to the pan and baste the salmon with the melted butter-glaze mixture. Cook for 1 more minute.
- Rest and serve: Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Transfer to plates, drizzle with pan sauce, and garnish with parsley, sesame seeds, and green onions. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Salmon temperature: Remove from heat at 125-130°F for perfectly moist fish. It will continue cooking during the rest period.
- Gluten-free option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Thickness matters: Recipe is designed for 1-inch thick fillets. Adjust cooking time for thicker or thinner pieces.
- Skin-on salmon: If using skin-on fillets, start cooking skin-side up, then flip to skin-side down.
- Make ahead: Glaze can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Pan-Seared, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free