Name: Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets, 6 ounces each, skin on; 1 ½ tablespoons low sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard; 2 cloves garlic, minced

There’s something so satisfying about that sweet-savory balance when you bite into a perfectly cooked salmon. This Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe really hits the spot with its glossy, sticky finish and tender, flaky fish underneath. It’s one of those dishes I come back to again and again for easy weeknights or when I want to impress without fuss.

The image shows four rectangular pieces of cooked salmon placed side by side in a clear glass baking dish, lined with light brown parchment paper. Each salmon piece is coated with a thick, shiny dark orange-brown sauce that looks sticky and has small bits of garlic or spices on the surface. Garnishes of finely chopped fresh green herbs are sprinkled on top of each piece, adding contrast to the warm tones of the salmon and sauce. The baking dish is resting on a surface with a white marbled texture, and the sauce has slightly pooled around the salmon inside the parchment paper, showing a glossy finish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I adore this Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe because it’s a simple way to transform humble salmon fillets into a dish with bold flavors. Plus, it’s quick to throw together and feels fancy enough for guests without the stress.

Flavor magic: The honey and soy combo creates this unbeatable glaze that’s sweet, salty, and just a little tangy.
Effortless cooking: No marinating for hours—just mix, brush, and bake for a perfectly glazed finish every time.
Customizable: Whether you like your salmon with skin on or off, a little extra garlic, or a touch of heat, this recipe handles it all beautifully.
Healthy and hearty: Salmon is packed with omega-3s, and the glaze adds flavor without tons of extra calories or fuss.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe plays a key role that turns simple salmon into a crowd-pleaser. Here are the staples you'll want and a little about why they shine together:

Flat lay of four fresh salmon fillets with skin on, a small white bowl of low sodium soy sauce, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of amber honey, a small white bowl of creamy Dijon mustard, two whole uncracked garlic bulbs with a few peeled cloves nearby, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salmon fillets: I recommend skin-on for crispy edges but feel free to use skinless if you prefer.
Low sodium soy sauce: Balances the sweetness and prevents the glaze from becoming overwhelmingly salty.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps the glaze stick to the salmon.
Honey: Brings just the right amount of natural sweetness and helps caramelize the glaze.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy depth that cuts through the sweetness for balance.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers a punch of aromatic warmth that pairs beautifully with the soy.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe is how easily it adapts to what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Don’t hesitate to tweak the glaze or try different add-ins to make it truly yours.

Variation: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick – it complements the sweetness perfectly and adds a little smoky warmth that I adore.
Seasonal twists: In warmer months, I might toss in some thinly sliced green onions or fresh ginger for brightness.
Dietary swap: For a lower-sodium option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce without losing flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a piece of cooked salmon with a shiny orange glaze and small green herb pieces on top. The salmon is partly sliced into several thick layers showing its soft, light pink inside. Next to the salmon is a pile of bright green broccoli florets, tightly clustered and textured. A silver fork is placed under some salmon pieces, lifting them slightly. Tiny drops of sauce and black pepper specks are scattered on the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Bring The Salmon To Room Temperature

Before you do anything else, pull your salmon out of the fridge and let it sit for about 15 minutes. This helps the fish cook evenly throughout, so the outside doesn’t dry out while waiting for the center to finish.

Step 2: Prepare Your Glaze

Whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a small bowl. I usually give it a quick taste to balance the sweetness and saltiness before moving on. If it’s too sweet, a splash more soy sauce fixes that nicely.

Step 3: Arrange The Salmon And Add The Glaze

Line your baking dish with parchment or foil for easy cleanup, then place the salmon skin-side down. Reserve half the glaze for later, and brush the other half generously over the fillets. This upfront glazing helps infuse the fish with flavor while it bakes.

Step 4: Bake And Glaze Again

Bake the salmon at 400°F for about 12 minutes, then pull it out to brush on the remaining glaze. Return it to the oven for another 2 to 8 minutes depending on thickness and how you like your salmon cooked. You want it to flake easily with a fork but still be moist and tender inside.

Top Tip

I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and a few small tricks really make a difference to get that perfect balance of caramelized glaze and tender salmon:

Pat dry the salmon before glazing: This helps the glaze stick instead of sliding off and ensures better caramelization.
Don’t overbake: Salmon continues cooking after you take it out of the oven, so check for doneness early and let it rest.
Use a meat thermometer: To nail your preferred doneness, I aim for 125-130°F internally, then rest for a few minutes before serving.
Reserve some glaze for finishing: The second brushing before final bake adds that luscious, glossy coating that makes this dish shine.

How to Serve Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling chopped fresh scallions or thinly sliced green onions on top—adds a fresh, grassy bite. Toasted sesame seeds are another favorite for a bit of texture and nuttiness. Sometimes I’ll even toss on some microgreens or a squeeze of fresh lime to brighten it all up.

Side Dishes

This salmon pairs beautifully with simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. A fluffy jasmine rice or garlic mashed potatoes soak up the extra glaze so well. On occasion, I’ll serve it with a crisp Asian slaw for a refreshing crunch contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like plating the salmon atop a bed of soba noodles tossed in sesame oil and soy sauce, then garnish with sliced avocado and pickled ginger. It feels fancy but remains easy and light. You can also serve individual salmon portions on small lettuce leaves with a drizzle of extra glaze for a playful appetizer twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to keep it from drying out.

Freezing

In my experience, salmon can be frozen after cooking, but the glaze texture changes a bit. I prefer freezing fresh fillets and then making the glaze fresh when ready to bake for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

When reheating, I gently warm the salmon in a low oven (around 275°F) for about 10 minutes, covered loosely with foil. This avoids drying out while freshening up the glaze’s shine. Microwave reheating tends to make it rubbery, so I avoid that when possible.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely in the fridge and pat it dry before applying the glaze to ensure it sticks and cooks evenly.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

Check for doneness by gently flaking the thickest part of the fillet with a fork; the flesh should flake easily but still be moist. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read about 125-130°F for medium, or up to 145°F if you prefer fully cooked.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely. The glaze keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Just whisk it again before brushing onto the salmon.

What if I don’t like honey?

You can substitute maple syrup or brown sugar for the honey. Both add sweetness and create that lovely caramelized glaze. Just be sure to adjust quantities to your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s so reliably delicious and straightforward. Whether you’re making a quick dinner or entertaining, it’s a winner that feels special without any drama. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) it as much as I do—there’s something so joyful about sharing that perfect glaze-coated bite with family or friends. Give it a try soon and let me know what twists you come up with!