Looking for something healthy and delicious? Say hello to Paleo Honey Garlic Salmon. It’s a simple dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but here’s the kicker—it’s ready in just 20 minutes! Picture this: tender salmon fillets coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic glaze, caramelized to perfection.
The best part? You don’t need to be a pro chef to nail this. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special dinner, this recipe fits the bill. Let’s dive in!
Quick Recipe Snapshot
The Basics
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Prep: 5 minutes
- Cook: 15 minutes
- Serves: About 5-6 fillets
Skill Level
Beginner-friendly, with an easy searing-and-broiling combo anyone can master.
What You’ll Need
- Oven-proof skillet (or a baking dish if you don’t plan to broil)
- Small bowl and whisk for the sauce
- Tongs or spatula for flipping salmon
Pro Tip for Meal Prep
Make the honey garlic sauce in advance—it keeps for up to 3 days in the fridge. Trust me, this is a time-saver when you’re in a pinch.
Ingredient List
For the Salmon
- 5–6 wild-caught salmon fillets (~1.5 lbs)
- A pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp ghee, avocado oil, or olive oil
Why Wild-Caught? Better flavor. More nutrients. Enough said.
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp water
- ¼ cup honey (heat it up if it’s solid)
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos (or gluten-free soy sauce)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Bonus Substitution: No honey? No problem. Use maple syrup—it’s a slightly different vibe but still tasty.
Optional Garnishes
- Lemon wedges
- Minced parsley
- Add sesame seeds or green onions for a little crunch.
How to Make It
Step 1: Season Your Salmon
First, pat the salmon dry. This helps it sear perfectly. Then, sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. That little hit of paprika? It’s pure magic for flavor.
Step 2: Sear It Like a Pro
Heat up your skillet over medium-high heat and add some ghee or oil. Once it’s hot, place the salmon skin-side down. Let it sizzle for about 3 minutes, or until the edges turn opaque and the skin is golden-brown.
Don’t Overcrowd! Give each fillet space to cook evenly.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the salmon cooks, whisk together the sauce ingredients—garlic, water, honey, coconut aminos, and lemon juice. It should be smooth, with no clumps.
Pro Tip: If the honey’s being stubborn, warm it a bit so it blends easily.
Step 4: Combine and Broil
Pour the sauce over your seared salmon and spoon it over the top to coat. Pop the skillet under a broiler on high heat for 3–4 minutes. Watch it closely! That honey glaze can go from caramelized to burnt pretty fast.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Take the skillet out and drizzle any extra sauce over the fillets. Finish with lemon wedges and parsley. Done!
The Result: Perfectly flaky salmon that’s juicy, flavorful, and just plain wow.
Ways to Make It Yours
Dietary Tweaks
- Keto? Use sugar-free honey substitutes.
- Vegan? Swap the salmon for cauliflower steaks or firm tofu and the honey for maple syrup.
Amp Up the Spice
Love heat? Add red chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
Fancy It Up
Hosting guests? Serve your salmon over sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Weeknight dinner? Keep it simple with steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice.
Serving, Storing & Leftovers
How to Plate It
Serve hot with your favorite sides. My go-to combo? Cauliflower rice and roasted Brussels sprouts. Sprinkle on sesame seeds for a crunchy, Instagram-worthy finish.
Storing Leftovers
Got extras? Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Reheating Tips
Warm it gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or leftover sauce—this keeps it from drying out.
Pro Tip: Freeze extra sauce in ice cube trays so you always have a quick flavor boost on hand!
And there you have it! This Paleo Honey Garlic Salmon is simple, satisfying, and versatile enough to fit your lifestyle. Whether you’re cooking for the family or whipping up a date-night meal, this dish is bound to be a hit. Ready to give it a try? You’ve got this!
PrintPaleo Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe
This Paleo Honey Garlic Salmon is a total weeknight hero. It’s quick, healthy, and packed with flavor. Think tender, seared salmon fillets coated in a sticky-sweet honey garlic glaze that’s broiled to perfection. And the best part? It all comes together in just 20 minutes using one skillet.
Perfect for busy weekdays or when you want to impress without breaking a sweat. Plus, it’s Paleo-friendly, gluten-free, and loaded with nutrients. Let’s get cooking!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 5–6 salmon fillets (~1.5 lbs) 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Gluten-free, Paleo
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 5–6 wild-caught salmon fillets (~1.5 lbs total)
- Sea salt and black pepper (to taste)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp ghee, avocado oil, or olive oil
For the Sauce
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp water
- ¼ cup raw honey (melt if solid)
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos (or gluten-free soy sauce)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For the Garnish
- Lemon wedges
- Minced parsley
Optional: Sprinkle on sesame seeds or sliced green onions for extra flair.
Instructions
First things first, pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps get that perfect sear. Then season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. The paprika gives it a subtle smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the glaze.
Heat a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat and add your ghee or oil. Once it’s hot, place the fillets skin-side down. Let them cook for about 3 minutes, or until the edges turn opaque and the skin looks golden and crisp.
Pro Tip: Don’t crowd the skillet—cook in batches if needed.
While your salmon sears, grab a small bowl and mix together the minced garlic, water, honey, coconut aminos, and lemon juice. Make sure everything’s nice and smooth.
Shortcut: If your honey is too thick, give it a quick zap in the microwave to loosen it up.
Pour the sauce over the salmon in the skillet. Use a spoon to coat each fillet evenly. Transfer the skillet to your broiler (set to high) and broil for 3–4 minutes. Keep a close eye on it—honey caramelizes fast, and you don’t want it to burn.
Take the skillet out of the oven and spoon some of that amazing sticky sauce over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Done!
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Pair your salmon with:
- Sautéed cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or asparagus.
- A crisp side salad for something light and fresh.
Leftovers? No Problem!
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or leftover sauce to keep it moist. Avoid using the microwave—it can dry out the salmon.
Tips to Make It Your Own
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or cayenne for a little heat.
- Make It Keto: Swap the honey for a sugar-free alternative.
- Vegan Twist: Replace the salmon with cauliflower steaks or firm tofu and sub honey for maple syrup.
