Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon is not only a delicious dish but also offers several health and nutritional benefits. Here are some of them:
1. High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These healthy fats are essential for brain health, reducing inflammation, and promoting heart health.
2. Rich in Protein: Salmon is a high-quality source of protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails.
3. Essential Vitamins and Minerals: Salmon contains various essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, selenium, and potassium. Vitamin B12 is important for red blood cell production and nervous system function, while vitamin D is essential for bone health. Selenium is an antioxidant that supports the immune system, and potassium helps regulate blood pressure and heart function.
4. Antioxidant Properties: Honey, one of the main ingredients in the glaze, contains antioxidants that help protect the body from damage caused by harmful free radicals. Antioxidants contribute to reducing the risk of chronic diseases and supporting overall health.
5. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Garlic, another key ingredient in the glaze, possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It contains sulfur compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body and potentially lower the risk of chronic diseases.
6. Blood Sugar Regulation: The combination of honey and garlic in the glaze may help regulate blood sugar levels. Garlic has been shown to enhance insulin sensitivity, while honey has a lower glycemic index compared to refined sugar, meaning it causes a slower rise in blood sugar levels.
When preparing Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon, it’s essential to choose high-quality ingredients and avoid excessive use of added sugars or unhealthy fats. Additionally, cooking methods like baking or grilling can help preserve the nutritional benefits of the salmon and minimize the addition of unhealthy fats.
Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon
Sticky sweet and garlicky, this glazed salmon recipe comes together in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
SALMON
4 (6 oz each) salmon filets
1/4 tsp blackening seasoning (optional)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
SAUCE
6 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbsp butter
2 tsp olive oil
1/2 cup honey
3 Tbsp water
3 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp sriracha sauce
2 Tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
Pat salmon dry, then season with salt, pepper, paprika and blackening seasoning (if using). Set aside. Adjust oven rack to middle position, then preheat broiler.
Add butter and oil to a large, oven-safe skillet over MED-HIGH heat. Once butter is melted, add garlic, water, soy sauce, sriracha, honey and lemon juice and cook 30 seconds or so, until sauce is heated through.
Add salmon, skin side down (if using salmon with skin), and cook 3 minutes. While salmon cooks, baste frequently with sauce from the pan by spooning it over the top of the salmon.
Broil salmon for 5-6 minutes, basting with sauce once during the broil, until salmon is caramelized and cooked to desired doneness.
Garnish with minced parsley if desired.
Notes:
If you’d prefer, season salmon as directed, then pan sear in the pan. Flip over and sear on the other side, then remove to a plate. Add sauce ingredients to pan and cook until warmed through. Add salmon back to pan and spoon sauce over the salmon.
A couple of readers have reported having a watery sauce, which I’ve never personally encountered during all the testing for this recipe. If you feel the sauce is a bit watery, you could reduce the amount of water used, or simmer the sauce a bit before adding the salmon.
Certainly! Here are some tips to make delicious Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon:
1. Choose fresh salmon: Select high-quality, fresh salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture. Look for salmon that is firm, moist, and has a vibrant color.
2. Prepare the glaze in advance: Mix the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, and any other desired seasonings to make the glaze ahead of time. Allowing the flavors to meld together will enhance the taste.
3. Marinate the salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable bag and pour the glaze over them. Let the salmon marinate for at least 15-30 minutes, or even overnight in the refrigerator. This will infuse the salmon with the flavors and make it more tender.
4. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or the appropriate temperature mentioned in the recipe. This ensures even cooking and a nicely caramelized glaze.
5. Line the baking sheet: To prevent the salmon from sticking to the baking sheet, line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil lightly greased with oil. This makes cleanup easier too.
6. Brush the salmon with glaze: Before placing the salmon in the oven, brush some additional glaze on top. This will create a shiny and flavorful coating on the salmon.
7. Bake to perfection: Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on the salmon to avoid overcooking.
8. Broil for a caramelized finish (optional): If you prefer a slightly caramelized glaze, switch the oven to broil mode for the last couple of minutes. This will give the salmon a beautiful golden color.
9. Garnish and serve: Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, sesame seeds, or sliced green onions. Serve it hot with your favorite side dishes like steamed vegetables, rice, or quinoa.
Remember to adjust cooking times and temperatures based on the thickness of the salmon fillets and your oven’s characteristics. Enjoy your delicious Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon!