Honey Soy Glazed Salmon

This Honey Soy Glazed Salmon is simple, yet so delicious. Fresh grilled, pan seared, baked, or air fried salmon fillets are topped with a flavorful glaze that you'll want to eat on repeat. Perfect to make for the holidays too!

This post was first published on June 11, 2020. It was updated on November 27, 2023.

Why you'll love this honey soy glazed salmon

This salmon is the perfect combo of sweet and savory. We've made it hundreds of times and it's always a crowd pleaser. Plus, the ease of switching up cooking methods - be it grilling, pan-searing, baking, or air frying - means this salmon recipe will work for any kitchen setup.

What are the health benefits of salmon?

Salmon is an incredible source of healthy fats, specifically a type called omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats have been proven to be heart healthy as they can help reduce risk for heart disease and stroke. 

Salmon is also a great source of lean protein and vitamin D-which can be hard to find in food sources. Overall, we should aim to eat fish at least twice a week.

How do I cook salmon fillets?

For this recipe, you can cook the salmon fillets several different ways. Buying salmon fillets pre-cut makes for easy portions and plating. Alternatively, you can also buy one pound of salmon whole.

Cooking salmon in a pan

First, add olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then, add your salmon fillets, skin side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet, then flip. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Cooking salmon on the grill

Here's how to make honey soy grilled salmon.

First, make sure your salmon and grill is well oiled. Then, add your salmon fillets skinless side down on the grill-this ensures you get those delicious grill marks on top. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet, then carefully flip onto the skin side. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork. You can also simply wrap the salmon in foil and cook for 10-12 minutes until done. 

Cooking salmon in the oven

You can bake salmon too. Cook salmon fillets or whole salmon in the oven at 425 degrees. I usually bake salmon for about 8-12 minutes depending on the thickness on your fillet. You'll know it's done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Cooking salmon in the air fryer

Air frying is perfect during the summertime when you don't want to heat up your oven. Cook salmon fillets or whole salmon in the air fryer at 400 degrees. I usually air fry salmon for about 7-10 minutes depending on the thickness on your fillet. You'll know it's done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

How do I make the honey soy glaze?

The honey soy glaze comes together in no time. Simply add all glaze ingredients to a small saucepan and stir over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until glaze is slightly thickened. Don't leave the glaze on the heat for too long or it will become overly thick. 

The key to this glaze is the fresh ginger and fresh garlic which add that savory, umami flavor. You want to make sure the ginger and garlic are very finely grated. They should be almost into a paste-like consistency so they mix easily with the other liquid ingredients. To save time, you can buy pre-made ginger and garlic paste in the produce section.

For extra flavor, we're also marinating the salmon in half of the sauce for 15 minutes.

Can you double the recipe?

If you're serving a crowd for a dinner party or holiday gathering, you can easily double the recipe.

What else should I serve with this honey soy glazed salmon?

Serve with jasmine rice and grilled or sautéed vegetables of your choice to create a balanced meal. Vegetables that pair well with this dish are bok choy, broccoli, asparagus, or summer squash. You can also try different protein options like chicken, tofu, or edamame. 

Customize it your way

Like all of my other recipes, this honey soy glazed salmon is completely customizable. You get to choose what sauce you want to use.

• Sauce of your choice - Use soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos depending on what you already enjoy or your dietary preferences. Tamari and coconut aminos are both gluten-free. Coconut aminos is also soy-free.
• Honey or maple syrup - Even though this recipe calls for honey, we've also tested it with maple syrup and it works great too! Feel free to sub it 1:1 with honey.

How do I store leftovers?

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Need more help with recipes for your busy schedule?

In my coaching + cooking program, I help busy people with beginner cooking knowledge become confident in the kitchen so that they can enjoy nourishing foods they love and stress less about mealtime. Click here to learn more about this virtual program led by a dietitian.

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Check out these other healthy salmon recipes:

• Nut Crusted Salmon
• Salmon with Pineapple Salsa
• Grilled Mediterranean Bruschetta Salmon
• Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Bang Bang Sauce