Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon
Sweet, Tangy, and Savory – A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
This Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon is a simple yet elegant dish that brings together the richness of butter, the tang of lime, the sweetness of honey, and the depth of garlic. It’s pan-seared or baked to perfection, delivering flaky, moist salmon in under 30 minutes. Ideal for weeknight dinners, date nights, or impressing guests without the fuss.
⏱ Time & Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Servings: 4
✅ Ingredients:
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp honey
Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)
Zest of 1 lime
1 tbsp olive oil (for searing or baking)
Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
Pan-Seared Method:
Season:
Pat salmon dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Make Sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 min). Stir in honey, lime juice, and zest. Simmer for 1–2 minutes and set aside.
Sear Salmon:
Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Sear salmon skin-side down for 4–5 minutes, then flip and cook another 3–4 minutes.
Glaze:
Spoon the warm honey lime garlic butter over the salmon during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking.
Serve:
Garnish with herbs and extra lime wedges.
Oven-Baked Method:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place salmon on a lined baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper.
Drizzle or brush with sauce.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork. Broil for 1–2 minutes for a caramelized finish.
Tips for Success:
For even cooking: Let salmon come to room temp for 15 minutes before cooking.
Avoid overcooking: Salmon is done at 135–145°F internal temperature.
Add a spicy twist: Stir in a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne to the sauce.
Pair with: Steamed rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
❓ Quick Q&A:
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes, just thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking.
Q: What if I don’t have lime?
A: Lemon works well too, though lime offers a brighter, tangier flavor.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Refrigerate it for up to 3 days and reheat gently before use.
Q: Can I grill this instead?
A: Yes! Grill over medium-high heat and brush the sauce on in the last few minutes to avoid burning the honey.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, approx.):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~350 |
Protein | ~28g |
Carbohydrates | ~10g |
Fat | ~22g |
Sugar | ~8g |
Fiber | ~0g |
Sodium | ~180mg |
Note: May vary based on salmon size and exact sauce amounts.