Easy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe
If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful dinner that feels a little special, this Easy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe is an absolute winner. The way the honey and soy sauce marry together with garlic and a hint of mustard creates a glaze that’s sweet, savory, and just slightly tangy—trust me, it’s one of those combos you’ll crave again and again. Plus, baking the salmon locks in moisture and flavor without any fuss, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights or even when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
What I really love about this Easy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re cooking for the family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, it always hits the spot. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, giving the salmon a gorgeous finish that’s as pretty as it is delicious. Once you try it, you’ll see why I keep making this over and over when I want a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I love how just a handful of simple ingredients come together in this Easy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe. All the flavors balance perfectly, and you probably have most of them sitting in your kitchen right now!
- Salmon fillets: Choosing skin-on fillets helps keep the fish moist and adds a nice texture if you like crisp skin.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Using low sodium keeps the glaze from getting too salty while still giving you that umami punch.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the glaze caramelize without burning.
- Honey: The sweet component that balances the soy’s saltiness and turns into a sticky glaze on the salmon.
- Dijon mustard: A touch of tang that cuts through the sweetness for complexity.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic brings a warm, aromatic depth.
Variations
I like to switch things up depending on what I’m in the mood for or what’s in season. Making this Easy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe your own is part of the fun—don’t hesitate to tweak it!
- Add fresh ginger: I’ve added freshly grated ginger many times for a little zing that pairs beautifully with the soy and honey.
- Swap honey for maple syrup: This works especially well if you want a slightly earthier sweetness.
- Use sesame oil instead of olive oil: For a nuttier flavor that’s a bit more Asian-inspired.
- Spicy twist: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the glaze gives it a lovely heat.
- Serving on a bed of greens: Sometimes I toss the glaze with steamed broccoli or snap peas right before serving for extra freshness.
How to Make Easy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Salmon and Glaze
Start by patting your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel—this step is key because it helps the glaze stick better and encourages caramelization. Then, mix together the soy sauce, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a small bowl until it’s smooth. This simple glaze is where all the magic happens.
Step 2: Glaze and Arrange
Lay the salmon fillets skin-side down on a foil-lined baking sheet or a roasting pan—this makes for easy cleanup later. Brush a generous layer of the glaze all over the tops of each fillet. Don’t be shy here; the honey soy glaze is the star, so you want each bite to have that beautiful flavor.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pop the salmon into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness. You’re looking for the fish to flake easily with a fork but still be moist inside. Avoid overbaking; the glaze should be sticky and just starting to caramelize without burning.
How to Serve Easy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe

Garnishes
I love adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and some finely sliced green onions on top—it adds crunch and freshness that contrast the rich, sticky glaze perfectly. A wedge of lemon on the side is also great if you want a little citrus brightness to cut through the sweetness.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are steamed jasmine rice and sautéed garlic green beans. The mild rice soaks up the glaze wonderfully, and the crisp veggies give a nice texture to round out the meal. You could also pair this salmon with roasted sweet potatoes or a simple mixed greens salad for something lighter.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes plate the salmon over a swirl of creamy coconut rice with a drizzle of extra glaze around the plate. Adding edible flowers or microgreens on top instantly elevates the look. It’s a simple way to make dinner feel like a celebration without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Salmon leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always let it cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess. When stored properly, the flavor of the honey soy glaze remains delicious and the texture stays fairly tender.
Freezing
I have frozen leftover baked salmon before with good results. Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind the glaze can lose some of its vibrant texture after freezing, but the flavors still hold up well.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer gently warming the salmon in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This helps keep the glaze from drying out. Microwaving works too but can make the fish a little less tender if you’re not careful—heat in short bursts and check often.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen salmon for this Easy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely before baking to ensure even cooking. Pat it dry really well to help the glaze stick and to get that nice caramelization.
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How do I know when the salmon is done baking?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but is still moist inside. Internal temperature should reach about 145°F (63°C). Overcooking can dry it out, so start checking at the 12-minute mark.
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Can I make the honey soy glaze ahead of time?
You sure can! The glaze can be mixed up to a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before using, as ingredients might separate a bit.
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Is this recipe healthy?
Definitely. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, and this glaze uses wholesome ingredients without added preservatives. Baking instead of frying keeps it light and nutritious.
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Can I use other types of fish with this glaze?
Yes! This honey soy glaze works wonderfully with other firm fish like cod, halibut, or even mahi-mahi. Just adjust baking times based on thickness.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something that’s both comforting and a little bit fancy without spending forever in the kitchen. The balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors keeps it exciting every single time. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes a staple in your recipe collection too—there’s just something about that sticky, caramelized glaze on tender salmon that feels like a little celebration on a plate.
PrintEasy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe
This Easy Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze recipe features tender, flaky salmon fillets baked to perfection and coated with a flavorful glaze made from low sodium soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and minced garlic. It’s a quick and healthy dish perfect for weeknight dinners, combining sweet and savory flavors that complement the rich taste of salmon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 22-25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets, 6 ounces each, skin on
Glaze
- 1 ½ tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot enough to bake the salmon evenly, creating a nice tender texture and caramelized glaze.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until well combined. This glaze will give the salmon a balanced, sweet, and savory flavor.
- Coat the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Brush the glaze generously over the top of each fillet, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for about 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your fillets.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a minute before serving. Optionally, garnish with additional minced garlic or fresh herbs for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use skin-on salmon fillets for better moisture retention while baking.
- To check doneness, the salmon should flake easily but still be moist inside.
- Adjust the honey amount if you prefer a sweeter glaze.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Low sodium soy sauce keeps the dish healthier but still flavorful.
Keywords: baked salmon, honey soy glaze, easy salmon recipe, healthy salmon dinner, quick salmon bake, low sodium soy sauce salmon
