If you’re searching for a dish that is as effortless as it is delicious, look no further than this Easy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe. Imagine tender, flaky salmon infused with a beautifully balanced glaze that combines the deep savoriness of soy with the natural sweetness of honey, all brought together by a little zing from Dijon mustard and the warmth of garlic. This recipe is a fast, foolproof way to elevate your weeknight dinners or impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and flavor, making it a healthy and satisfying choice for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe plays a key role in delivering an unforgettable flavor experience. From the rich natural oils in the salmon to the sweet and tangy glaze components, these simple items come together to create something truly special.
- Salmon fillets, 6 ounces each, skin on: Choose fresh, high-quality fillets for the best texture and flavor, with the skin helping to keep the fish moist during baking.
- Low sodium soy sauce, 1 ½ tablespoons: Adds a deep umami flavor without overpowering the delicate salmon.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Helps meld all the glaze ingredients and keeps the salmon wonderfully tender.
- Honey, 1 tablespoon: Brings a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- Dijon mustard, 1 ½ teaspoons: Offers a subtle tanginess to balance the sweetness and soy sauce.
- Garlic cloves, minced, 2: Adds warmth and an aromatic depth that elevates the glaze to another level.
How to Make Easy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
Start by removing your salmon fillets from the refrigerator and letting them rest at room temperature. This helps the salmon cook evenly, avoiding that cold, tough center so you get a perfectly tender bite throughout.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Set your oven to 400°F to create the ideal cooking temperature for a crispy-yet-juicy finish. Line your baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil; this small step will save you from sticky cleanup later and helps keep the salmon intact when transferring it off the pan.
Step 3: Mix the Honey Soy Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Make sure everything is whisked until smooth and well combined—this glaze is the magic that turns simple salmon into a savory-sweet delight.
Step 4: Glaze and Place the Salmon
Arrange the salmon skin-side down in your prepared dish to help protect the delicate flesh and keep it moist. Reserve half of your glaze in a separate bowl—this will be brushed on again during baking. Brush or spoon the remaining glaze evenly over each fillet, making sure every piece is beautifully coated.
Step 5: Bake and Finish with Glaze
Bake the salmon for 12 minutes, then pull it out and generously brush the fillets with the reserved glaze. Return it to the oven for another 2 to 8 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and how you like your salmon cooked. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork, and if you’re checking temperature, it should reach 145°F for safety, although some prefer it a little less cooked and let it rest before serving.
How to Serve Easy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or even a handful of chopped fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and flavor that complements the honey soy glaze beautifully. These simple garnishes give the salmon an extra pop and freshness.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, steamed jasmine rice, or stir-fried vegetables for a balanced and vibrant meal. Roasted asparagus or sautéed bok choy also make excellent side dishes, soaking up any extra glaze and adding that satisfying crunch alongside the tender fish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, arrange your glazed salmon fillets atop a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa and drizzle some extra glaze around the plate for a restaurant-quality presentation. You can even serve it with pickled ginger and a wedge of lime for a little Asian-inspired flair and brightness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Easy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for a quick lunch or dinner the following days.
Freezing
While salmon is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked portions in airtight freezer bags or containers for up to 2 months. Just be sure to separate the fillets to avoid them sticking together. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To keep the salmon moist when reheating, warm it gently in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave on a low setting in short bursts. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the tender fish and losing that beautiful glaze flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon; just make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator and pat it dry before preparing the glaze and baking. This prevents excess moisture and helps the glaze stick beautifully.
Is it necessary to keep the skin on the salmon?
Keeping the skin on is recommended because it helps hold the fillet together during cooking and retains moisture, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful salmon. Plus, it’s crispy and delicious if you want to eat it!
Can I substitute the Dijon mustard with another type?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard or whole grain mustard can work, but keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different. Dijon offers a subtle tang that balances the glaze perfectly.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To keep this Easy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe gluten-free, simply swap the low sodium soy sauce for tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative without compromising any of the savory charm.
What’s the best way to tell when salmon is done?
The safest method is to check for an internal temperature of 145°F. However, salmon is also done when it flakes easily with a fork but still has a slightly translucent pink center if you like it a bit less cooked. Letting it rest for a few minutes after baking enhances juiciness.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe is truly one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. It combines ease, healthful ingredients, and irresistible flavors that come together in perfect harmony every time. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this salmon will impress with minimal effort. Give it a go—you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!
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Easy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy baked salmon recipe features tender, flaky salmon fillets glazed with a sweet and savory honey soy mixture. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, the salmon is baked to perfection with a flavorful glaze that balances honey, soy sauce, garlic, and Dijon mustard for a deliciously simple yet impressive main course.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets, 6 ounces each, skin on
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 for about 10 minutes. This step ensures more even cooking by preventing the salmon from being too cold going into the oven.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent 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 until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This glaze adds a sweet and savory flavor to the salmon.
- Apply Initial Glaze: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the prepared baking dish. Reserve half of the glaze in a clean bowl. Use the remaining glaze to brush or spoon evenly over the top of the salmon fillets.
- Bake and Glaze: Bake the salmon for 12 minutes at 400°F. After this initial baking time, brush the fillets with the reserved 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 and ideally reaches an internal temperature of 145°F as recommended by the FDA (or 125-130°F with a 3-minute resting time for medium doneness).
Notes
- Letting salmon sit at room temperature before cooking helps it cook more evenly.
- Using low sodium soy sauce keeps the salt level in check without compromising flavor.
- Adjust the final baking time based on the thickness of your fillets and preference for doneness.
- For food safety, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F, but some prefer it slightly less done followed by resting.
- Line the baking dish with parchment or foil for an easy cleanup process.
