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- 4 salmon fillets - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon slices for garnish - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) To make Honey Lemon Garlic Salmon, gather these simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building flavor. Salmon fillets are the star, offering rich taste and healthy fats. Honey adds sweetness that balances the tangy lemon. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and gives it a zesty kick. Minced garlic brings warmth and depth, enhancing the overall flavor. Olive oil helps the salmon cook evenly and adds a nice finish. Fresh thyme leaves provide an earthy note, but dried thyme works too. Don't forget salt and pepper; they are essential for seasoning. For a lovely touch, you can garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley. This list makes it easy to shop and prepare. Each ingredient is easy to find, making the recipe accessible for everyone. Now that you have your ingredients ready, you're on your way to a tasty meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature for salmon. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and keeps the fish from sticking. 2. Whisk together the marinade ingredients In a small bowl, add the honey, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to mix until everything blends well. This marinade gives the salmon its sweet and tangy flavor. 3. Coat the salmon fillets Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on your lined baking sheet. Take the marinade and brush it generously over each fillet. Make sure they are well coated. This step is key to getting that delicious flavor. 4. Reserve marinade for basting Set aside some of the marinade for later. You will use this to baste the salmon halfway through the baking. Basting helps keep the fish moist and adds more flavor. 5. Baking process and checking for doneness Bake the salmon in the oven for about 12-15 minutes. Halfway through, baste the salmon with the reserved marinade. This adds an extra layer of taste and ensures a nice glaze. Check if the salmon flakes easily with a fork. If it does, it’s done! Let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps keep it juicy. - Optimal baking temperature and time: I recommend preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes. This temperature cooks the fish well without drying it out. - Importance of marinating salmon: Marinating the salmon adds flavor and moisture. The honey, lemon, and garlic soak in, making the fish taste great. Aim for at least 30 minutes of marinating time. - Tips for achieving a crispy exterior: To get a crispy skin, place the salmon skin-side down on a hot baking sheet. Brush it with the marinade. Basting halfway through baking helps too. - Alternative sweeteners: If you want a different sweetener, try maple syrup or agave nectar. Both provide a nice flavor and sweetness. - Garlic options: Fresh garlic gives a great taste, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Just use less, as it’s stronger. - Thyme substitutes: If you don't have fresh thyme, use dried thyme. Use half the amount since dried herbs are more potent. Oregano or basil can also work in a pinch. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and minced garlic instead of bottled alternatives. Check for Doneness: Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking to maintain moisture. Marinade Time: If you have time, marinate the salmon for 30 minutes before baking to enhance the flavor. Garnishing: Adding fresh herbs like parsley not only enhances the presentation but also adds a fresh taste to the dish. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your honey lemon garlic salmon in fun ways. Start by adding herbs or spices. Fresh dill or rosemary can make a big difference. You could also try a bit of chili powder for some heat. Each herb brings its own unique flavor, making every meal special. Another way to mix it up is by using other citrus fruits. Instead of only lemon, try lime or orange juice. These fruits add their own twist. They can brighten the dish and give it a fresh taste. Imagine the sweet and tangy flavor of orange paired with honey—so good! Now, let’s talk about what to serve with your salmon. Simple side dishes work well. Steamed broccoli or asparagus adds a nice crunch. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. These sides soak up any extra sauce, making every bite tasty. Don’t forget about drinks! A chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs nicely. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, try sparkling water with a splash of lemon. This keeps the meal light and refreshing. Enjoying your honey lemon garlic salmon with these sides and drinks will make your meal delightful! After you enjoy your honey lemon garlic salmon, you may have leftovers. To keep them fresh, place the salmon in an airtight container. This helps prevent any strong smells from other foods. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the salmon. Wrap each fillet in plastic wrap or foil. Then, put the wrapped salmon in a freezer bag. This way, it can stay fresh for up to three months. Just make sure to label the bag with the date. When it's time to reheat your salmon, there are a few great methods. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the salmon moist. You can also use the microwave. Place the salmon on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check often to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your meal just like it was fresh! You can tell when salmon is done by checking its color and texture. The fish should change from a bright pink to a lighter shade. Use a fork to flake the fish gently. If it flakes easily, it is ready. A good rule is to cook it for 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Yes, you can make Honey Lemon Garlic Salmon in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Place the salmon fillets in the basket without overcrowding. Cook for about 10-12 minutes. Check for doneness at the halfway mark. Baste with the marinade for extra flavor if desired. You have many options to pair with this dish. Some great sides include: - Steamed broccoli - Roasted asparagus - Quinoa or rice - Mashed potatoes - A fresh green salad These sides add balance and flavor to your meal. Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it first. Place it in the fridge overnight or run it under cold water until thawed. Once thawed, pat it dry. This helps the marinade stick better and keeps the fish from getting soggy. This post covered how to make Honey Lemon Garlic Salmon. We discussed important ingredients, like fresh salmon and garlic. I shared simple steps for preparation and cooking. You learned helpful tips to enhance flavor and texture. I also gave you storage info and answered common questions. Now, you can turn this recipe into a quick, tasty meal. Enjoy it with your favorite sides. With practice, you’ll make perfect salmon every time. Cooking should be fun and rewarding!

Honey Lemon Garlic Salmon

A delicious and easy salmon recipe with a sweet and tangy honey lemon garlic glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets salmon
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 to taste salt
  • 1 to taste pepper
  • 1 slices lemon for garnish
  • 1 optional fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush generously with the honey lemon garlic mixture, ensuring they’re well coated.
  • Reserve some of the marinade for basting later.
  • Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  • Halfway through baking, baste the salmon with the reserved honey lemon garlic mixture for extra flavor and a nice glaze.
  • Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
  • Serve the salmon garnished with fresh lemon slices and parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, use fresh salmon fillets.
Keyword easy recipe, garlic, honey, lemon, salmon