Mediterranean Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe
This Mediterranean Honey Garlic Salmon is a flavorful and elegant dish that brings together sweet, savory, and zesty notes in perfect harmony. The salmon is pan-seared until golden and flaky, then coated with a rich honey-garlic glaze infused with lemon for a bright Mediterranean touch. It’s simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests. Serve it with roasted vegetables, couscous, or a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
4 salmon fillets (about 5–6 oz each)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1–2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
For the Honey Garlic Glaze:
3 tbsp honey
2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice or lime juice
2 tbsp water
1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for extra caramelization)
1 tsp Sriracha or other chili sauce (optional, for mild heat)
Instructions
Prepare the Salmon:
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Sear the Salmon:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the salmon skin-side down (if using skin-on) and cook for 4–5 minutes, until golden and crisp.
Flip and cook the other side for 2–3 minutes, depending on thickness.
Remove salmon from the pan and set aside.
Make the Honey Garlic Glaze:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low.
Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant (don’t burn it).
Stir in honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, water, and brown sugar (if using).
Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Coat the Salmon:
Return the cooked salmon to the skillet and spoon the glaze over the fillets.
Let it simmer in the sauce for another 1–2 minutes so the flavors meld and the salmon absorbs the glaze.
Serve:
Plate the salmon and drizzle any remaining sauce over the top.
Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon slices, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.
Tips & Variations
Cooking Tips
Don’t overcook the salmon: Remove it from heat just as it becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork (internal temp ~125–130°F for medium).
Use fresh garlic: It makes a big difference in the glaze’s aroma and depth.
For crisp edges: Let the honey glaze caramelize slightly before removing from the pan.
Ingredient Variations
Soy sauce substitute: Use coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free option.
Add herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill give the glaze a Mediterranean flair.
Citrus twist: Replace lemon juice with orange juice for a sweeter, brighter glaze.
Extra richness: Add a small knob of butter at the end to make the glaze glossy and silky.
Serving Ideas
Serve over orzo, couscous, or quinoa for a Mediterranean-style bowl.
Pair with grilled vegetables, Greek salad, or roasted potatoes.
For a light lunch, flake the salmon over mixed greens with a drizzle of leftover glaze as dressing.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-ahead: Prepare the glaze ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Warm before using.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat.
Q&A
Q: Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing it?
Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, then brush with the honey garlic glaze during the last 5 minutes or broil for 1–2 minutes for a caramelized finish.
Q: What type of salmon works best?
Both Atlantic and wild-caught sockeye work well. Wild salmon tends to be leaner, so reduce cook time slightly to avoid drying it out.
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure a good sear.
Q: How can I make it spicier?
Increase the amount of Sriracha or add a pinch of chili flakes to the glaze.
Q: Can I double the glaze?
Absolutely. It’s delicious drizzled over vegetables or grains, so making extra is a great idea.
Nutrition
(Per Serving, approx.)
Calories: 380
Protein: 35 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Sugar: 16 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sodium: 580 mg
(Values may vary based on the type of salmon and glaze ingredients used.)
Conclusion:
This Mediterranean Honey Garlic Salmon is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and citrusy flavors that highlight the natural richness of salmon. It’s quick to prepare, beautifully caramelized, and full of Mediterranean freshness. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.