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- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each) - 3 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed) - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon slices (for garnish) - Fresh parsley (for garnish) The main ingredients for honey lemon garlic salmon are simple yet flavorful. The star of the dish is fresh salmon. You want four fillets, each about six ounces. This ensures everyone gets a good serving. Honey brings a natural sweetness. You will need three tablespoons. Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright and tangy taste. You will need two tablespoons for the best flavor. Garlic is a must for depth. Use three cloves, minced finely. Soy sauce adds umami and saltiness. Just one tablespoon will do. Olive oil helps with cooking and adds richness. You only need one tablespoon. Finally, season with salt and pepper to your liking. Lemon slices and fresh parsley make for great garnishes. They add color and freshness to your dish. Using these ingredients, you can create a dish that is both tasty and eye-catching. It’s all about balance and freshness! {{ingredient_image_1}} In a mixing bowl, you will create the marinade. First, add 3 tablespoons of honey. Next, squeeze in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Then, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Follow this with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Finally, sprinkle in a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it blends well. This mix will give the salmon a bright and tasty flavor. Now, take your 4 salmon fillets. Place them in a shallow dish. Pour the honey lemon mixture over the salmon. Make sure each piece is coated well. Cover the dish and let the salmon sit for at least 30 minutes. This step is key! It helps the flavors soak in deep. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy. After marinating, place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet, skin side down. Bake the salmon for about 12 to 15 minutes. Baste the fillets with the marinade halfway through cooking. This adds even more flavor. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy your meal, garnished with fresh lemon slices and parsley! To cook salmon just right, you need the right time and heat. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the salmon for 12 to 15 minutes. If your fillets are thicker, add a few extra minutes. To check for doneness, look for the fish to flake easily with a fork. It should be opaque and not raw in the center. If it’s still shiny, give it more time. You can change the marinade for a new taste. Try using orange juice instead of lemon for a sweeter flavor. You can also add fresh herbs like dill or thyme for an extra layer. For a spicy kick, add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Mix and match to discover your favorite flavor profile! To make your dish look great, garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley. This adds color and makes the meal pop. Serve the salmon on a nice plate with your choice of sides. Try pairing it with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. The right sides can elevate your meal even more! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for a deeper flavor profile. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the salmon reaches 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness. Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and lemon juice to enhance the overall taste of the dish. Serve with Sides: Pair the salmon with steamed vegetables or a light salad to complete the meal and add nutritional balance. {{image_2}} You can cook honey lemon garlic salmon in two great ways: grilling or pan-searing. - Grilled honey lemon garlic salmon: This method adds a smoky flavor. Start by marinating the salmon as usual. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the salmon on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side. The fish should easily flake with a fork when done. - Pan-seared alternative: This method gives a nice crispy skin. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of olive oil. Once hot, place the salmon skin-side down in the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, then flip. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until done. You can change a few ingredients for new flavors. - Using maple syrup instead of honey: Maple syrup gives a rich sweetness. Just swap it in the same amount. It pairs well with the lemon and garlic. - Adding herbs or spices to the marinade: Try fresh herbs like dill or thyme. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Both choices will enhance the flavor. Pair your honey lemon garlic salmon with tasty sides. - Best sides to serve with honey lemon garlic salmon: Think about light and fresh sides. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables works well. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa. - Whole grain or vegetable suggestions: Whole grains like farro or barley add texture. For veggies, consider steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach. They complement the salmon nicely. To store cooked salmon, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or foil if you don't have a container. This keeps the fish fresh and prevents odors. For freezing, place the salmon in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can to avoid freezer burn. This way, you can store it for up to three months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking. Reheat salmon gently to keep it moist and tasty. The best methods include using the oven or stovetop. For the oven, set it to 275°F (135°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes. On the stovetop, use a non-stick pan on low heat. Add a splash of water or broth. Cover the pan and heat for about 5 minutes. This method helps keep the salmon from drying out. You can store honey lemon garlic salmon in the fridge for up to three days. After that, it may lose flavor and texture. If you freeze it, it lasts up to three months. Make sure to check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. Yes, you can use frozen salmon. First, thaw the salmon properly. Place it in the fridge overnight or submerge it in cold water for about an hour. Avoid using hot water as it can cook the fish unevenly. After thawing, pat the salmon dry to help the marinade stick better. This step also helps prevent excess moisture when baking. I recommend using wild salmon when possible. Wild salmon often has a richer flavor and better texture. It also tends to have more healthy fats. If wild salmon is not available, farmed salmon works too. Just look for responsibly farmed options. Always check labels to ensure quality. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. You can also check the color. It should change from a deep pink to a lighter shade. Use a meat thermometer for precision; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep it moist and flavorful. This blog post covered how to make honey lemon garlic salmon. We discussed the main ingredients and gave clear steps for marinating and baking. I shared tips for perfect cooking, flavor variations, and how to present your dish. We also explored storage and reheating methods. With these ideas, you can enjoy a tasty and healthy meal. Experiment with the recipe and make it your own! Happy cooking!

Honey Lemon Garlic Salmon

A delicious and healthy salmon dish with a sweet and tangy honey lemon garlic marinade.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets salmon (about 6 oz each)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • as needed lemon slices (for garnish)
  • as needed fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the honey lemon mixture over the top, ensuring each fillet is well-coated. Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • Once marinated, place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin side down.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Baste the fillets with the marinade halfway through the cooking time for added flavor.
  • Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
  • Serve the salmon garnished with fresh lemon slices and parsley. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the top if desired.

Notes

Marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.
Keyword garlic, honey, lemon, salmon