If you’re craving a dish that’s as dazzling in flavor as it is simple to prepare, you’ve got to try this Easy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe. It perfectly balances the rich, buttery texture of salmon with a sticky, sweet-savory glaze that sings with honey, soy, garlic, and a gentle mustard kick. Whether you’re cooking for a weekday dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe truly shines with minimal effort but maximum deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients come together in harmony to deliver that irresistible taste and inviting look of the Easy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from seasoning to texture and glaze consistency.
- Salmon fillets (4, 6 ounces each, skin on): Choose fresh, firm fillets with skin to lock in moisture and add crispiness when baked.
- Low sodium soy sauce (1 ½ tablespoons): The salty, umami backbone of the glaze that won’t overpower the salmon.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds smoothness to the glaze and helps keep the fish moist.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Perfect natural sweetness that caramelizes during baking for that irresistible finish.
- Dijon mustard (1 ½ teaspoons): Brings a subtle tang and depth to the glaze.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Provides a punch of savory aroma that’s not too overpowering but just right.
How to Make Easy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
First things first, let your salmon fillets sit at room temperature after removing them from the refrigerator. This simple step ensures they cook evenly through the center without any chilled spots that can disrupt the perfect texture you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Pan
Set your oven temperature to a warm 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking dish, about 9×13 inches, with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This preparation makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the fillets from sticking while baking.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Glaze
In a small bowl, combine the low sodium soy sauce, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Stir it until the mixture becomes a smooth, glossy glaze packed with flavor. This glaze is your salmon’s delicious coating, so make sure everything is well blended.
Step 4: Arrange and Glaze the Salmon
Lay the salmon fillets skin-side down in your prepared baking dish. To maximize flavor, reserve half of your glaze for later brushing, then generously brush or spoon the remaining half evenly over the fillets. This layering builds that beautiful sticky coating we love.
Step 5: Bake and Glaze Again
Bake your salmon for 12 minutes uncovered. Then, generously brush on the reserved glaze and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 2 to 8 minutes based on thickness and preferred doneness. The magic moment arrives when the salmon flakes easily with a fork. To keep things safe and tasty, aim for an internal temperature of about 145°F, or try a slightly lower temp with a rest period to keep it silky inside.
How to Serve Easy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten the presentation with a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or some toasted sesame seeds. These add a lovely crunch and pop of color that elevate the dish beautifully. A wedge of lemon on the side can also brighten every bite with a tangy burst.
Side Dishes
This glaze-loving salmon pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice or a delicate quinoa salad to soak up every bit of sauce. For a lighter option, try roasted or steamed asparagus or a crisp green salad. The simplicity of these sides lets the salmon’s flavor truly shine without competition.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve the salmon fillets over a bed of sautéed spinach or mix in some lightly toasted nuts for a textural contrast. You can even present the fish on an elegant platter garnished with edible flowers or fresh herbs, turning your dinner into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious meal, store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two days and retains most of its fantastic flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover cooked salmon by tightly wrapping it in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or placing it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen salmon lasts about one month without significant loss of flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the salmon in the oven at 275°F until just warmed through, or use a microwave on a low setting to avoid drying it out. Adding a splash of water or broth before reheating can help maintain moisture and glaze integrity.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before preparing. This ensures even cooking and the best texture for your Easy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe.
Is it necessary to keep the skin on the salmon fillets?
Keeping the skin on helps hold the fillet together during cooking and adds a lovely crisp texture if you want to enjoy it. If you prefer skinless, feel free to remove it, but handle the fillets gently to prevent breaking.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, the honey soy glaze can be made up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before brushing onto the salmon.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
You can substitute with whole grain mustard, yellow mustard, or even a small amount of prepared horseradish for a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile.
How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
Look for salmon that flakes easily with a fork but still looks moist and tender. Using a meat thermometer, an internal temperature of 145°F is recommended for safety and ideal doneness, but a slightly lower temperature with a resting period delivers a wonderfully tender texture.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to fall in love with this Easy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, salty, tangy, and savory that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights or special occasions. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever made salmon any other way. So go ahead, treat yourself and those you love to this deliciously simple dish—you won’t regret it!
Print
Easy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze is a quick and healthy dinner option, featuring tender salmon fillets baked to perfection with a deliciously sweet and savory honey soy glaze. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this recipe is simple to prepare yet full of flavor.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets, 6 ounces each, skin on
Honey Soy Glaze
- 1 ½ tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Bring Salmon to Room Temperature: Remove the salmon fillets from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature while you prepare the glaze and preheat the oven. This helps ensure even cooking throughout the fillets.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent the salmon from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Make the Honey Soy Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Stir until the glaze is smooth and fully combined, offering a balanced sweet and savory flavor.
- Apply Initial Glaze and Arrange Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the prepared baking dish. Reserve half of the glaze in a clean bowl, then brush or spoon the remaining half evenly over the top of the fillets to coat them well.
- Bake and Glaze: Bake the salmon for 12 minutes. Then, brush the fillets with the remaining glaze. Continue baking for an additional 2 to 8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your preferred level of doneness. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) as recommended by the FDA. Some prefer it cooked to 125-130°F followed by a 3-minute rest for optimal juiciness.
Notes
- Letting the salmon come to room temperature before cooking helps it cook evenly.
- Using low sodium soy sauce keeps the recipe lower in salt without sacrificing flavor.
- Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets; thicker pieces may need closer to the full 20 minutes.
- For safety, ensure salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F; however, some prefer a slightly lower temperature for a tender, moist interior.
- Leftover salmon with glaze can be refrigerated and eaten within 2 days.
