Ready in: 45 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Quick Answer
A delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors makes Honey Balsamic Glazed Salmon a perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.
As the vibrant leaves begin to carpet New York City's sidewalks and the air takes on that crisp autumn chill, I find myself drawn to recipes that bring warmth and comfort to the dinner table. With Thanksgiving and the holidays just around the corner, I'm excited to share a perfect centerpiece for any festive dinner: Honey Balsamic Glazed Salmon. This dish is not only visually stunning but also bursts with flavor thanks to the sweet and tangy glaze that pairs beautifully with the rich, tender salmon.
A Festive Favorite
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously sweet and tangy flavors that enhance the rich taste of salmon.
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings.
- Visually stunning dish that is sure to impress your family and guests.
- Healthy and packed with omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart health.
- Versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides, from salads to roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to prepare your Honey Balsamic Glazed Salmon:
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each, skin on)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Marinade
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How to Make Honey Balsamic Glazed Salmon (Step-by-Step)
This recipe is straightforward and allows the natural flavors to shine. Follow these steps to create a delicious dish.
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. The mixture should have that intoxicating balance of sweetness and acidity. The aroma of garlic wafting through the kitchen will get you excited for the dish ahead.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish, pouring the marinade over the fish to ensure each piece is well-coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, consider letting it sit for a couple of hours.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as it prepares the environment for evenly cooked salmon.
Step 4: Bake the Salmon
Remove the salmon from the marinade and place it skin-side down on a lined baking sheet. Save some of the marinade to brush over the fish halfway through cooking. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Step 5: Glaze the Salmon
During the last few minutes of baking, brush the reserved marinade over the salmon for that glossy finish. If you'd like a caramelized top, broil the salmon for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the salmon from the oven, let it rest, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Pair it with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a beautiful and balanced meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't skip the marinating time: Allowing the salmon to soak up the flavors makes all the difference in taste.
- Overcooking the salmon: Keep an eye on the baking time; salmon cooks quickly and should remain slightly undercooked in the center for the best texture.
- Using low-quality balsamic: Opt for a good balsamic vinegar to achieve that deep, complex flavor.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For an added depth of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the marinade.
- If you prefer a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the glaze.
- Leftover salmon can be flaked into salads or pasta the next day for an easy, delicious meal.
Variations
- Substitute maple syrup for honey for a different sweet flavor.
- Use white wine vinegar in place of balsamic vinegar for a lighter taste.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade.
How to Serve
- Pair with roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.
- Serve over a bed of quinoa or rice for added texture.
- Complement with a crisp salad to balance the richness of the salmon.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: The marinade can be prepared a day in advance.
- Storage: Leftover honey balsamic glazed salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven or enjoy it cold atop a salad.
- Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze after baking for best texture.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Testing this recipe reminded me how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. I always appreciate the balance of flavors, especially during the hustle of the holiday season, where quick yet impressive dishes can be a real lifesaver.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~350 calories · 25g protein · 15g carbs · 20g fat
Recipe by:
Honey Balsamic Glazed Salmon
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour marinade over the fish. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove salmon from marinade and place skin-side down on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until flaky, brushing with reserved marinade halfway through.
- During the last few minutes, brush reserved marinade over salmon and broil if desired for caramelization.
- Remove from oven, let rest, and garnish with parsley. Serve with vegetables or salad.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Yes, while salmon works best due to its rich flavor, you can substitute with other firm fish like trout or halibut. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. How long should I marinate the salmon?
For the best flavor, marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes, but letting it sit for a couple of hours in the refrigerator is even better.
3. Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to give it a good stir before use.
4. What can I serve with Honey Balsamic Glazed Salmon?
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even a side of quinoa or rice for a comforting meal.
5. How do I store leftover salmon?
Leftover honey balsamic glazed salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or enjoy cold in a salad.
