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 just so irresistible about the sweet, savory shine of a homemade glaze on perfectly baked fish. This Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe is one of those dishes I reach for when I want dinner to feel a little special without fussing for hours. The balance of flavors is simply magical.

Four long rectangular pieces of cooked salmon with a shiny, thick, brown sauce covering all around them, placed side by side in a clear glass rectangular dish lined with light brown parchment paper. Small green herb bits are sprinkled on top of the salmon. The sauce has a slightly sticky texture with visible bits of garlic or seeds. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. 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 turns a simple salmon fillet into something show-stopping in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or an effortless dinner party main.

Deliciously balanced glaze: The combo of honey and soy creates that perfect sweet and salty harmony that keeps me coming back for more.
Easy prep: Minimal ingredients and a quick marinade mean you can whip this up fast, even when time is tight.
Juicy, flaky salmon every time: Baking with the glaze keeps the fish tender while full of flavor.
Versatile and crowd-pleasing: It’s fancy enough for guests but simple enough for a family meal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe really comes from the way each ingredient complements the others — sweet honey balancing salty soy sauce, bright Dijon tang, and garlicky depth. Choosing fresh, good-quality salmon and real honey is your ticket to success here.

Flat lay of four fresh salmon fillets with skin on arranged in a square, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of rich amber honey, a small white ceramic bowl of dark brown low sodium soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth pale yellow Dijon mustard, two whole garlic bulbs and two peeled garlic cloves, all placed 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 always buy fresh, skin-on fillets. The skin helps keep the fish moist and adds flavor when baked.
Soy sauce (low sodium): Opting for low sodium lets the sweetness of the honey shine without the glaze becoming overpoweringly salty.
Olive oil: This brings a subtle richness and helps the glaze adhere to the salmon.
Honey: Real honey adds that beautiful natural sweetness and a glossy finish.
Dijon mustard: Adds a slight tang and depth that lifts the overall flavor.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is key — it brings a savory punch that makes the glaze unforgettable.

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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

I love playing with this glaze depending on what I have on hand or the vibe of the meal. Feel free to tweak the sweetness or tanginess, or add your own twists to make this salmon uniquely yours.

Variation: Sometimes I swap honey for maple syrup — it adds a lovely earthiness that’s a nice change of pace.
Spicy kick: Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the glaze for a subtle heat that livens things up.
Herbal freshness: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or green onions on top just before serving to brighten the dish.
Diet-friendly tip: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce.

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

The dish shows a piece of cooked salmon with a shiny, orange-brown sauce on top, garnished with small green herbs. The salmon is placed on the right side of a white plate with a thin, light brown rim. The salmon is partially sliced into thick pieces with a silver fork near the bottom center of the plate. On the left side of the plate, there is a bunch of bright green broccoli with a rough texture. The plate rests on a white marbled surface that reflects a soft light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Bring salmon to room temperature

Before anything else, I pull the salmon out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 15–20 minutes. This little step helps the fish cook evenly and prevents the outside from drying out while the center catches up.

Step 2: Whisk together the glaze

In a small bowl, I mix the soy sauce, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Whisking it until smooth creates a silky glaze that clings perfectly to the salmon.

Step 3: Prep the baking dish and coat the salmon

I line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper — trust me, it saves you from scrubbing later! Then I place the salmon fillets skin-side down and brush half of the glaze over them. I always reserve the other half for basting later on.

Step 4: Bake and baste the salmon

Into the 400°F oven the salmon goes for 12 minutes. At this point, I pull it out and spread the remaining glaze across the fillets. Then back in the oven for another 2–8 minutes depending on thickness and how done you prefer your fish. The moment your salmon flakes easily with a fork, it’s ready!

Top Tip

From trial and error, I’ve learned a few small tweaks that really make a difference with this Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe. These tips have saved me from overcooked fish more times than I can count.

Room temperature salmon: Allow your salmon to sit out before baking for even cooking and a juicy texture.
Don't skip basting: Brushing on the glaze halfway through baking keeps flavors fresh and the fish moist.
Watch your oven: Thickness varies so start checking the salmon a few minutes before time’s up to avoid drying out.
Rest before serving: Let your salmon rest a few minutes post-baking; it helps juices redistribute and flavors settle.

How to Serve Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

One of my favorite garnishes for this salmon is a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds—they add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. I also love fresh chopped scallions or a handful of cilantro for a vibrant color pop and fresh bite.

Side Dishes

This baked salmon pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa, and a side of roasted asparagus or sautéed bok choy. A crisp cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing touch to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like plating the fillets atop a bed of coconut rice and drizzling extra glaze around the edges. Adding edible flowers or microgreens instantly elevates the look if you’re aiming to impress without fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To keep it from drying out, I put a piece of parchment paper over the top before sealing, which helps retain moisture.

Freezing

While I don’t often freeze cooked salmon, this recipe does freeze well. I wrap individual fillets tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing to prevent freezer burn. When thawed overnight, the glaze still tastes fantastic.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftover salmon in a low oven (around 275°F) or microwave it at half power to avoid overcooking. Adding a splash of water or a light brush of olive oil before reheating helps keep it nice and moist.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen salmon for this Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe?

Yes! You can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge before baking. This helps the glaze soak in and ensures the salmon cooks evenly.

How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F. If you prefer it medium, aim for about 125-130°F and let it rest before serving.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The honey soy glaze can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just whisk it again before brushing onto the salmon.

What can I substitute for Dijon mustard if I don’t have any?

If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or a small squeeze of prepared horseradish to keep that tangy note in the glaze.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes for any occasion because it feels special yet is incredibly simple to pull off. I hope you’ll try it soon and experience the same joy of sinking your fork into tender, flavorful salmon. It’s one of those recipes that gets easier and better each time you make it—so consider me in your kitchen, cheering you on every delicious step of the way.