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Perfect Sticky Honey Garlic Salmon with Lemon Butter

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This sticky honey garlic salmon with lemon butter is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 20 minutes. The salmon is perfectly seared and coated in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce that clings to every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skin-off
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (optional, for thicker sauce)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon slices or wedges (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set near the stove.
  3. Place a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  4. Place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down (if using skin-on). Press gently with a spatula. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them, until the skin is golden and crispy.
  5. Carefully flip each fillet using tongs and a spatula. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the second side, then transfer the salmon to a plate (it will not be fully cooked).
  6. Reduce heat to medium. Add the butter to the pan and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Pour the honey-soy-lemon mixture into the pan. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. If using cornstarch slurry, whisk it in now and cook for another minute.
  8. Return the salmon fillets to the pan, spooning the sauce over them. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, basting constantly, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily (internal temperature 145°F / 63°C).
  9. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and sesame seeds. Squeeze extra lemon juice on top if desired. Serve immediately with the pan sauce spooned over each fillet.

Notes

Pat the salmon dry for a golden crust. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Let the salmon rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even cooking. Baste the salmon with sauce while it finishes cooking for a glossy glaze. For a thicker sauce, use the cornstarch slurry. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: sticky honey garlic salmon, lemon butter salmon, easy salmon recipe, quick salmon dinner, honey garlic salmon

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/perfect-sticky-honey-garlic-salmon-with-lemon-butter/