Name: Oven-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 truly comforting about this **Oven-Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe**—it’s sweet, savory, and oh-so-simple to pull off. Whenever I make it, my kitchen fills with that irresistible glaze aroma that promises a delicious dinner ahead. Trust me, it's totally worth making any night of the week.

The image shows four rectangular pieces of cooked salmon placed side by side in a clear glass baking dish, lined with light brown parchment paper. Each salmon piece is coated with a thick, shiny dark orange-brown sauce that looks sticky and has small bits of garlic or spices on the surface. Garnishes of finely chopped fresh green herbs are sprinkled on top of each piece, adding contrast to the warm tones of the salmon and sauce. The baking dish is resting on a surface with a white marbled texture, and the sauce has slightly pooled around the salmon inside the parchment paper, showing a glossy finish. 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 Oven-Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Oven-Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Oven-Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I get so excited sharing this Oven-Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy yet takes just minutes to make. Plus, the balance of sweet honey and salty soy glaze is absolutely addictive!

Effortless yet impressive: You can whip this up on a busy weeknight but it tastes like you spent hours on it.
Perfectly balanced flavors: The honey and soy sauce combine for a glaze that’s sweet, salty, and savory all at once.
Juicy, flaky salmon every time: Baking it gently keeps the fish tender and moist without drying it out.
Simple ingredients, big impact: Pantry staples come together to create a gourmet-style salmon that's great for any occasion.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is a beautiful little symphony of flavors. Each ingredient plays a key role—from the umami boost of soy sauce to the sticky sweetness of honey and the zing of Dijon mustard. Here’s why I choose these:

Flat lay of four fresh salmon fillets with skin on, a small white bowl of low sodium soy sauce, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of amber honey, a small white bowl of creamy Dijon mustard, two whole uncracked garlic bulbs with a few peeled cloves nearby, all arranged 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: The star of the show—I always go for skin-on fillets because the skin crisps up nicely and keeps the fish moist.
Low sodium soy sauce: This lets you control the salt level so the glaze isn’t overpowering.
Olive oil: Adds smoothness and helps the glaze stick to the salmon.
Honey: Provides a naturally sweet balance and caramelizes beautifully while baking.
Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang that brightens the glaze.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds a punch of savory depth, making the glaze more complex.

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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 switching things up depending on my mood or what’s in the pantry. This recipe is a great base, and you can make it your own with just a few tweaks.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap out the honey and soy for a maple glaze if I want a richer sweetness—it’s amazing! You can also add a sprinkle of chili flakes if you want a little heat.

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

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a piece of cooked salmon with a shiny orange glaze and small green herb pieces on top. The salmon is partly sliced into several thick layers showing its soft, light pink inside. Next to the salmon is a pile of bright green broccoli florets, tightly clustered and textured. A silver fork is placed under some salmon pieces, lifting them slightly. Tiny drops of sauce and black pepper specks are scattered on the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Let the Salmon Come to Room Temp

I always take the salmon out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps it bake more evenly and prevents the center from being cold while the outside cooks. Just leave it on the counter while you prep your glaze.

Step 2: Whisk the Honey Soy Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and the minced garlic. Don’t rush this—it’s the flavor powerhouse of the dish. You want a nice smooth glaze that will coat the salmon evenly.

Step 3: Prep and Bake the Salmon

Line your baking dish with parchment or foil for easy cleanup, then place the salmon fillets skin side down. Brush half of the glaze over the top—make sure you don’t skip this part, it seals in the flavor and moisture. Pop it in a 400° F (200° C) oven for 12 minutes.

Step 4: Add More Glaze and Finish Baking

After 12 minutes, pull the salmon out and brush on the remaining glaze. Then bake for another 2 to 8 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and your preferred doneness. Look for that beautiful flake when you gently test with a fork—they should be tender yet juicy.

Top Tip

From my experience, mastering this recipe is all about timing and glaze application. Here are the golden rules I’ve learned that help me consistently nail it:

Room Temperature Fish: Leaving the salmon out before baking ensures it cooks evenly and stays moist—that chill directly from the fridge can make the center tough.
Double Glazing: Brushing on the glaze twice—before and halfway through baking—layers the flavor beautifully and gives the salmon a glossy, caramelized finish.
Don’t Overcook: Keep a close eye in the final minutes; overbaking dries out the fish. It’s perfectly done when it flakes easily with a fork but still looks moist inside.
Use Parchment Paper or Foil: This saves you from scrubbing sticky, sweet glazed bits off your baking dish—a total time saver!

How to Serve Oven-Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for a fresh crunch and a lovely nutty flavor. A wedge of lemon on the side adds just the right zing when squeezed over before eating.

Side Dishes

One of my favorite pairings is fluffy jasmine rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the extra glaze. Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli bring a nice balance and color to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to arrange the salmon fillets on a bed of sautéed spinach with thinly sliced radishes on top—they add a peppery crunch and look gorgeous. Drizzling some extra glaze around the plate finishes it off with a restaurant-style touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and usually enjoy them within 2 days. The glaze keeps the salmon moist, but it’s best eaten sooner rather than later for optimal flavor and texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked salmon wrapped tightly in foil and then sealed in a freezer bag. While freezing slightly changes the texture, it still tastes great reheated—just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To keep the salmon from drying out when reheating, I pop it in a low oven (around 275° F) for 10-15 minutes, loosely covered with foil. This gentle warming keeps it tender and delicious without overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

You can use frozen salmon, but be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight and pat it dry to remove excess moisture before glazing and baking. This helps ensure even cooking and a better glaze adhesion.

How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the flesh is opaque. Using a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 125-130°F for medium doneness or 145°F if you prefer fully cooked. Remember the salmon will continue to cook a bit while resting.

Can I make the honey soy glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The glaze can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Just give it a good whisk before brushing it on the salmon to recombine any separated ingredients.

What sides go best with Oven-Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe?

I recommend simple sides like steamed jasmine rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad to balance the rich flavors of the salmon. These lighter sides complement the glaze without overpowering it.

Final Thoughts

This Oven-Baked Salmon with Honey Soy Glaze Recipe holds a special spot in my weeknight rotation because it’s quick, tasty, and never fails to impress anyone who tries it. I hope you’ll give this a go and enjoy the beautiful mix of flavors and textures as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—it’s a wonderfully forgiving recipe ready to shine in your kitchen.