Easy Browned Butter Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe

Easy Browned Butter Honey Garlic Salmon

Any salmon lovers?! This easy browned butter garlic salmon recipe is simple and delicious. Perfect for a weekday dinner! 

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Easy Browned Butter Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe

This Easy Browned Butter Honey Garlic Salmon is quick and flavorful salmon recipe made with simple ingredients. The salmon is pan-seared until tender and flaky, then coated in a rich browned butter sauce with honey and garlic.

The browned butter adds a nutty depth, while the honey brings light sweetness that balances the savory garlic. The result is a soft, juicy salmon with a smooth, flavorful glaze.

This easy salmon recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and pairs well with rice, vegetables, or salad.

Check out other Fish recipes on the blog!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy: Ready in just 20–30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Packed with flavor: Rich browned butter, sweet honey, and savory garlic create the perfect balance.
  • Restaurant quality at home: A simple recipe that tastes elegant and impressive.
  • Family friendly: Easy to customize and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Easy Browned Butter Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe

Substitutions & Variations

  • Fish Options: You can use trout, cod, or tilapia instead of salmon. Shrimp also works well for a lighter version.
  • Butter Alternative: Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter version.
  • Sweetener Swap: Replace honey with maple syrup or brown sugar for a different sweetness.
  • Garlic Flavor: Use garlic powder if fresh garlic is not available.
  • Add Citrus Twist: Add lemon or lime juice for a fresh and tangy flavor.
  • Spice Level: Add chili flakes or hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
  • Herb Variation: Try parsley, thyme, or cilantro for a fresh herbal touch.
  • Creamy Version: Add a splash of cream to make the sauce richer and smoother.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Steamed Rice: Serve the salmon over warm steamed rice to soak up the rich, buttery garlic sauce.
  • With Roasted Vegetables: Pair it with roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus for a healthy and colorful plate.
  • With Fresh Salad: Add a light green salad on the side to balance the richness of the salmon.
  • With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes work perfectly with the smooth honey garlic sauce.
  • With Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to enjoy every bit of the delicious sauce.
  • With Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon on top adds brightness and enhances the flavor of the fish.
Easy Browned Butter Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe

Pro Tips for Cooking the Perfect Salmon

  • Don’t Overcook: Salmon is ready when the color changes to a lighter shade but still looks slightly pink in the center.

  • Properly Prep Your Fish: Always rinse salmon fillets and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before seasoning.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Make sure to thaw it fully and dry it before cooking so it cooks properly.

2. How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque in the center.

3. Can I use something instead of honey?

Yes, you can use maple syrup or brown sugar for a similar sweet taste.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It is best to cook salmon fresh, but you can prepare the sauce earlier and cook the fish when ready to serve.

5. What can I serve with this salmon?

You can serve it with rice, vegetables, pasta, or salad. It goes well with many simple side dishes.

Easy Browned Butter Honey Garlic Salmon

By Tiffany Boakye-Korsah
Prep time: 5-10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 3

Ingredients

  • - 1.3 pound fillet or three medium-size salmon fillets, with skin
  • - 1 tsp Lawry's Garlic Salt, adjust to taste
  • - ¼ tsp black pepper, adjust to taste
  • - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • - 4 cloves garlic, grated then minced
  • - 5 tablespoons honey
  • - 1 ½ Lemon (1 cut into wedges, ½ juiced)
  • - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • - Parsley flakes

Instructions

Prep the salmon: Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water, then pat completely dry with a paper towel (dry fish browns better). Season both sides with garlic salt and black pepper. Set aside while you make the sauce.

Set up the oven: Set your oven to Broil on high and move the rack to the top position. This gives you the direct, intense heat needed for that golden-brown finish.

Make the browned butter honey garlic sauce: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and let it melt, stirring occasionally, until light brown specks form at the bottom. This is brown butter and it adds a deep, nutty flavor. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in the honey and fresh lemon juice, then add the Worcestershire sauce. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add the salmon to the pan: Place the fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Spoon the browned butter honey garlic sauce generously over each fillet.

Broil the salmon: Add the lemon wedges to the skillet, then carefully transfer the entire pan to a preheated 400°F oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes, removing halfway through to baste each fillet generously with the pan sauce. Once the salmon is nearly cooked through, switch the oven to high broil and broil for the last 2 minutes until the tops are deep golden brown and caramelized. Tip: Basting halfway through the bake keeps the glaze building. The 2-minute broil at the end is what locks in that glossy, caramelized finish.

Finish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with parsley flakes. Serve immediately with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus.

Notes

NUTRITION FACTS:
- Calories: ~384 kcal
- Protein: ~23 g
- Fat: ~ 22 g
- Carbohydrate: ~ 24 g
- Sodium: ~185 mg
- Cholesterol: ~102 mg
- Potassium: ~588 mg
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