Honey garlic butter salmon Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that combines rich, buttery flavors with a sweet and tangy punch, you will absolutely adore this Honey garlic butter salmon. This dish is a divine fusion of succulent salmon fillets seared to perfection and bathed in a luscious sauce made from garlic confit, creamy butter, honey, and a squeeze of fresh lemon. Each bite feels like a cozy, gourmet hug, with the garlic adding aromatic warmth while the honey brings just the right touch of sweetness. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply elevating your weeknight dinner, honey garlic butter salmon is bound to become your new go-to recipe that impresses every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To bring out the magic of honey garlic butter salmon, the ingredients are straightforward but essential. Every component adds its own flair, from the golden garlic confit that melts into the butter, to the freshness of lemon and parsley that brightens the rich sauce.

• 2 bulbs garlic: Whole cloves transform into mellow, buttery garlic confit that infuses the dish.
• 2 cups olive oil (extra virgin): Used for slow roasting the garlic to perfection without burning.
• 1 lb skinless salmon (500g): The star protein, fresh and tender for flawless cooking.
• 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin): For searing the salmon with a crisp golden crust.
• 4 tbsp butter (unsalted): Adds a rich creaminess that carries the garlic and honey.
• 20 garlic confit cloves (or 6 raw garlic cloves, finely sliced): Offering a mellow, caramelized garlic flavor.
• 1 tbsp honey: Brings a sweet balance to the savory and tangy elements.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Injects a bright, zesty lift to cut through the richness.
• 1 tbsp parsley (finely chopped): Adds a fresh herbal note and lovely color contrast.
• Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground for a subtle heat and depth.

How to Make Honey garlic butter salmon

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Confit

Start by gently coaxing the flavors from raw garlic to create the base of your sauce. Peel the garlic cloves by submerging them in boiling water for 5 minutes, which makes the skins slip away easily. Then, nestle the cloves into an ovenproof dish and pour the extra virgin olive oil over them, making sure the garlic is fully submerged to avoid burning. Slow-bake this at a low temperature for two hours until the cloves turn golden brown and become velvety soft, infusing the oil with deep, nutty aromas.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Salmon

While the garlic confit works its magic, pat your salmon dry and sprinkle it generously with sea salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, then gently lay the salmon skinless fillets into the hot pan. Cook for about 3 minutes undisturbed to form a beautifully golden crust. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional minute if you prefer medium-rare. This quick sear locks moisture inside, keeping the salmon tender and silky.

Step 3: Create the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce

After removing the salmon from the pan, immediately add the butter and spoon in your roasted garlic confit. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon, scraping along the pan’s surface to gather those flavorful browned bits left behind by the salmon. Once the butter melts and starts to foam, drizzle in the honey and lemon juice, stirring to blend. Let the sauce simmer gently for a couple of minutes to thicken and meld the sweet and tangy elements beautifully.

Step 4: Baste and Finish Cooking the Salmon

Reduce the heat to low and nestle the salmon fillets back into the pan. Tilt the pan so the garlic butter sauce pools on one side and use a spoon to baste the salmon generously. This technique ensures every bite is coated in silky sauce and infused with all those heavenly garlicky notes. Cook for about 1 1/2 minutes at this temperature, aiming for an internal temperature around 50°C/122°F for medium rare perfection. Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley over the top, then let the salmon rest for 3 minutes to lock in all those juicy flavors.

How to Serve Honey garlic butter salmon

Garnishes

To elevate this honey garlic butter salmon visually and flavor-wise, fresh parsley is essential for that vibrant green pop, but a few thin lemon slices or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds add delightful texture and brightness. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before serving can highlight the layers of flavor even more.

Side Dishes

This salmon pairs exquisitely with simple, comforting sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or a smooth cauliflower puree soak up the garlic butter sauce beautifully. Alternatively, green vegetables like steamed asparagus, sautéed spinach, or roasted Brussels sprouts bring both color and earthy balance to the plate. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette will complement the rich salmon fantastically.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, place your honey garlic butter salmon atop a bed of buttery risotto or herbed quinoa. Drizzle additional garlic butter sauce over the top and garnish creatively with edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch. For casual dining, flaky salmon with a crust of chopped toasted almonds or pistachios not only adds crunch but creates a show-stopping dish your guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store your honey garlic butter salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to two days. To keep the sauce’s integrity, try to cover the salmon with some of the reserved garlic butter before sealing the container.

Freezing

Freezing salmon after cooking can be a bit tricky, as the texture may soften. However, if you wish to freeze, make sure to cool the salmon completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it into a freezer-safe bag or container. Consume within one month for best flavor. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To gently reheat your honey garlic butter salmon and preserve its moistness, use a low oven temperature around 120°C/250°F. Cover the salmon loosely with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, a quick pan reheat with a splash of water and leftover sauce can refresh the flavors without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use salmon with skin on for this recipe?

Absolutely! Skin-on salmon works well too. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to get the skin crispy before flipping and continue with the recipe as usual.

What if I don’t have time to make garlic confit?

No worries! You can substitute with finely sliced raw garlic cloves sautéed gently in olive oil and butter, though it won’t be as mellow. Adjust the garlic quantity to your taste since raw garlic has a sharper profile.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, honey garlic butter salmon reheats nicely, making it ideal for meal prep. Store the salmon and sauce separately to keep textures perfect and reheat gently when ready to eat.

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Definitely! While salmon is ideal for its flavor and fat content, other firm fish like cod or sea bass could work with minimal adjustments in cooking time.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The ideal medium rare salmon is cooked to an internal temperature of 50°C/122°F. The flesh should flake easily but still be moist and delicate in texture. Overcooking will make it dry.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this honey garlic butter salmon enough—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a special occasion every time you make it, yet it’s simple enough to prepare on any night of the week. With its rich, comforting sauce and tender salmon fillets, it’s truly a recipe that wins hearts at the dinner table. So next time you want to dazzle your family or friends, dive into this flavorful adventure and enjoy every buttery, garlicky bite!

Print