1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Honey Garlic Salmon

Honey Garlic Salmon

Featured in Nutritious Recipes That Don't Sacrifice Flavor.

Pan-fried salmon bites with honey garlic glaze in 25 minutes. Great for quick meals or with rice.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Ranah
Updated on Mon, 26 May 2025 21:42:15 GMT
Sticky honey garlic salmon bites cooked in under 25 minutes for a fast, tasty dish. Pin it
Sticky honey garlic salmon bites cooked in under 25 minutes for a fast, tasty dish. | tastycoock.com

These juicy salmon chunks coated in a gooey honey garlic glaze make an amazing dinner you can whip up super fast. The fish stays soft and moist inside while getting a gorgeous golden outer layer, all wrapped in a sauce that perfectly balances sweet and savory notes.

I threw this together for some friends who dropped by unexpectedly last week. Everyone was so impressed and couldn't stop dipping bread into the leftover sauce to get every last bit.

Key Components

  • Salmon Fillets: Go for middle cuts that cook more evenly
  • Nearby Honey: Adds deeper flavor notes to your sauce
  • Garlic Cloves: Chop them right before use for strongest kick
  • Reduced-salt Soy Sauce: Adds rich flavor without too much salt
  • Rice Vinegar: Brings a light tang that cuts through the sweetness

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Ready Your Fish
Use paper towels to completely dry the fillets
- Pull skin off in one go with a good knife
- Slice into same-sized 1-inch blocks for even cooking
2. Add Flavor and Cook
Sprinkle seasoning all over until fully covered
- Get your pan super hot before adding any oil
- Cook in small batches so pieces aren't crowded
3. Whip Up Your Glaze
Turn down the heat so garlic won't burn
- Keep stirring as sauce thickens up
- It's ready when it sticks to your spoon
4. Bring It Together
Put salmon back in pan carefully
- Mix around to cover all pieces with sauce
- Add fresh toppings right before you serve
Tasty honey garlic fish chunks ready in 25 minutes—you'll want seconds. Pin it
Tasty honey garlic fish chunks ready in 25 minutes—you'll want seconds. | tastycoock.com

I spent my childhood fishing around the Northwest, and I learned that good salmon doesn't need much fuss. Just a touch of the right seasonings lets its rich natural flavor come through.

Prep-Ahead Tricks

Cut your salmon and mix your sauce stuff separately. Don't combine them until cooking time so everything stays the right texture.

Fixing Common Problems

If you're using frozen salmon, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and dry it really well before cooking. You can make the sauce up to 3 days early.

Fast Swaps

Don't have rice vinegar? Try apple cider vinegar instead. You can swap maple syrup for honey if you want a different kind of sweetness.

Delicious honey-glazed fish bites ready in 25 minutes, great for busy nights. Pin it
Delicious honey-glazed fish bites ready in 25 minutes, great for busy nights. | tastycoock.com

After cooking salmon for twenty years, I've found that showing respect to your ingredients - using fresh fish, real honey, and properly heated cookware - turns good meals into unforgettable ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can frozen salmon be used?
Sure! Just defrost completely and make sure to dry it well before cooking.
→ How do I check if it's cooked?
The salmon should look opaque and fall apart easily when poked with a fork.
→ Is this good in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook it at 390°F for about 7-9 minutes, making sure to flip halfway.
→ What pairs well on the side?
It’s great with steamed veggies, rice, or even noodles with Asian flavors.
→ Not a fan of sweet? Can I adjust?
Of course. Use less honey and add more soy sauce for balance.

Honey Garlic Salmon

Tender salmon bites coated in sticky honey garlic sauce—on your table in 25 minutes.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Healthy Eating

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Salmon Prep

01 1 teaspoon black pepper, finely ground
02 ¾ teaspoon salt
03 1 teaspoon onion powder
04 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 3 tablespoons olive oil, split into two portions
07 1 ½ lb salmon, cubed into 1-inch pieces, no skin

→ Sauce Mix

08 3 tablespoons soy sauce
09 ¼ cup honey
10 2 teaspoons minced garlic
11 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
12 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

→ Toppings

13 Chopped chives, 2 teaspoons
14 Sesame seeds, 2 teaspoons

Instructions

Step 01

Pat the salmon pieces dry, then sprinkle on garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub with 1 tablespoon of oil to coat evenly.

Step 02

Warm some oil in a skillet. Fry the salmon in smaller batches, flipping often, until golden and crisp, about 4-5 minutes per batch.

Step 03

Using the same pan, cook ginger and garlic with the leftover oil. Stir in soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Let it bubble for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 04

Mix the salmon back into the pan with the sauce, gently coating each piece. Top with sesame seeds and chives, then plate with rice if desired.

Notes

  1. An air fryer works too—cook at 390°F for 7-9 minutes.
  2. Drying the salmon keeps it from steaming, which helps it brown better.
  3. If you’ve got time, let the salmon sit in the seasoning mix for 30–60 minutes to lock in flavor.

Tools You'll Need

  • Skillet, large size
  • Paper towels for drying
  • Spoons to measure ingredients

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes fish
  • Soy is present

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~