Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey and Garlic
A quick weeknight favorite with a sweet-savory glaze that caramelizes perfectly on pan-seared salmon fillets. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 33 minutes pairs (6 oz), skin-on Salmon fillet, Honey, minced Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz), skin-on Salmon fillet
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1/2, juiced Lemon
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Remove the 2 (6 oz) skin-on salmon fillets from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Step 3: While cooking, whisk together 2 tbsp honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. After flipping the salmon, pour the sauce over the fillets and cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats the salmon.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey and Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 33 minutes (25 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey and Garlic?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz), skin-on salmon fillet from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey and Garlic?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey and Garlic for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey and Garlic?
American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple yet impressive. Served with lemon wedges and quinoa—my partner said it's now our go-to salmon recipe.
- ★★★★★
This was the best salmon I've ever made! The honey-garlic glaze caramelized perfectly and my family devoured it with roasted asparagus.
- ★★★★☆
Delicious salmon, but the honey burned slightly on the edges. Still a great weeknight dinner with steamed rice.
