Tender Honey-Lime Baked Salmon

Tender Honey-Lime Baked Salmon is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner that’s perfect for any occasion. With a caramelized honey glaze, zesty lime, and buttery garlic flavor, this salmon is both tender and bursting with deliciousness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or a dinner party that needs a show-stopping main course.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: From prep to table in just 30 minutes.
• Flavor-Packed: A perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
• Healthy: High in protein, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly.
• Perfect Texture: Caramelized on the outside and flaky on the inside.
• Versatile: Pairs beautifully with rice, veggies, or salad.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 salmon fillets
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• Zest of 1 lime
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lime wedges (for serving)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, lime juice, lime zest, and minced garlic. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly season the fillets with salt and pepper.
4. Add the Sauce: Spoon the honey-lime garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon fillets, ensuring they are well-coated.
5. Bake the Salmon: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
6. Optional Broiling: For extra caramelization, turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
7. Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley and lime wedges. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Option: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the honey-lime mixture for a spicy kick.
• Herb Swap: Replace parsley with cilantro or dill for a different flavor profile.
• Grilled Version: Cook the salmon on a preheated grill for 4–6 minutes per side instead of baking.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Use the honey-lime garlic butter as a glaze for roasted veggies or tofu.
• Low-Carb Side: Pair with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly meal.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes or in the microwave in short intervals to avoid drying out.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before baking.

2. What sides pair well with this dish?

Rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad complement this salmon beautifully.

3. How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F.

4. Can I use bottled lime juice?

Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch.

5. Is this recipe suitable for grilling?

Yes, the honey-lime garlic butter works wonderfully as a marinade or glaze for grilled salmon.

6. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative, like vegan butter or olive oil.

7. Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?

Maple syrup or agave nectar are excellent substitutes for honey.

8. What type of salmon works best?

Atlantic or sockeye salmon fillets are great options for this recipe.

9. Can I cook this salmon in foil packets?

Yes, wrap the fillets in foil with the sauce to seal in moisture and bake for the same amount of time.

10. How do I avoid overcooking the salmon?

Keep an eye on the salmon after 12 minutes of baking and remove it as soon as it flakes easily with a fork.

Conclusion

Honey-Lime Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is an easy, flavorful recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties. With its sweet, tangy glaze and buttery garlic richness, this salmon dish is sure to impress. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal that’s as healthy as it is delicious!

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