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Crispy Honey Garlic Baked Salmon: Best Spring Dinner

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This Crispy Honey Garlic Baked Salmon features a perfect crust, sweet and sticky with honey, and edges so crispy they shatter when you cut into them. The trick is all in how you prep the fish and the timing of the glaze, creating a restaurant-quality meal that’s quick enough for a weeknight.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional garnish: sesame seeds, sliced green onions, red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the rack in the upper third of the oven for better browning. While the oven heats, take your salmon out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is the most important step. Any moisture on the surface will steam instead of crisp. Use about three paper towels per fillet and press firmly until the fish feels dry to the touch.
  3. Season the salmon with salt and pepper on both sides. Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the skinless side (or both sides if your fillets are skinless). Rub it in gently so it disappears into the surface.
  4. Prepare the honey garlic glaze by whisking together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Set it aside.
  5. Place the salmon on your prepared baking sheet (lined with parchment or foil). If you have a cooling rack, set it inside the baking sheet and place the salmon on the rack for maximum crispiness.
  6. Bake the salmon for 6 minutes without any glaze. This initial bake starts the cooking process and begins to dry out the surface.
  7. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush the honey garlic glaze generously over each fillet. Use about half the glaze for this first coating.
  8. Return the salmon to the oven and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The glaze will bubble and caramelize.
  9. Remove the salmon from the oven and brush with the remaining glaze. Let it rest on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes.
  10. Check for doneness: The salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F (52°C to 54°C) at the thickest part. If it needs more time, return it to the oven in 1-minute increments.
  11. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately while the edges are still crispy.

Notes

For extra crispiness, dry brine the salmon by salting it 15-20 minutes before cooking, then pat dry before adding cornstarch. Do not overcrowd the pan; leave at least an inch of space between fillets. Let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes after the final glaze application to allow the caramelized coating to set. If your oven runs hot, reduce temperature to 375°F.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy salmon, honey garlic salmon, baked salmon, spring dinner, easy salmon recipe, healthy dinner, weeknight dinner

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