Caramelized on the outside and tender on the inside, this Honey-Lime Baked Salmon is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Made with honey, lime, garlic, and butter, this quick and easy recipe is a showstopper for dinner. Plus, it’s gluten-free and paleo-friendly, making it a healthy choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly flaky and flavorful salmon with a caramelized finish.
- Quick and easy to make in just 30 minutes.
- Made with simple, fresh ingredients.
- Naturally gluten-free and paleo-friendly.
- Great for a family dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lime, zest and juice separated
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Add the Marinade: Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish lined with foil or parchment paper. Pour the honey-lime mixture over the salmon, ensuring the fillets are evenly coated.
Step 3: Bake the Salmon
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake the salmon for 15–18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Step 4: Broil for a Caramelized Finish
- Optional Step: For a caramelized top, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Add Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle the baked salmon with fresh parsley.
- Serve Hot: Serve with lime wedges for an extra citrusy kick.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade.
- Herb Swap: Use fresh cilantro, dill, or thyme instead of parsley for a different flavor.
- Maple Option: Replace honey with maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.
- Grilled Version: Grill the salmon over medium-high heat for 4–6 minutes per side.
- Vegetarian Swap: Use the honey-lime sauce on roasted tofu or vegetables like zucchini or asparagus.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the salmon.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked salmon in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. What type of salmon is best for this recipe?
Atlantic, sockeye, or king salmon are all great options. Choose fresh, high-quality fillets for the best flavor.
2. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw the salmon completely before marinating and baking.
3. How do I know when the salmon is cooked?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
5. What sides pair well with this salmon?
Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.
6. Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the honey-lime mixture up to 1 day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
7. Can I cook this salmon on the stovetop?
Yes, sear the salmon in a hot skillet for 3–4 minutes per side, then spoon the sauce over before serving.
8. Can I use lemon instead of lime?
Yes, lemon is a great substitute for a slightly different citrus flavor.
9. What’s the best way to keep salmon moist while baking?
Baking the salmon with the honey-lime sauce ensures it stays moist. Covering the dish loosely with foil can also help.
10. Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?
Yes, asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes work well cooked alongside the salmon.
Conclusion
Tender Honey-Lime Baked Salmon is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its caramelized, buttery finish and vibrant citrus notes, this recipe is sure to impress. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Print
Tender Honey-Lime Baked Salmon
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Caramelized on the outside and flaky inside, this Honey-Lime Baked Salmon is a flavorful, show-stopping dish! Made with garlic, honey, fresh lime, and butter, this easy recipe is gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Seafood:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
Produce:
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 1 lime (about 1 tbsp)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Condiments:
- 2 tbsp honey
Baking & Spices:
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Dairy:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
Prepare the Salmon:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Season the Salmon:
- Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Make the Honey-Lime Sauce:
- Mix the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, lime zest, lime juice, and minced garlic. Whisk until well blended.
- Brush the Salmon:
- Generously brush the honey-lime sauce over the top of each salmon fillet. Reserve a small amount for basting later.
Bake the Salmon:
- Bake:
- Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Broil for Caramelization (Optional):
- For a caramelized finish, turn on the broiler during the last 2–3 minutes of baking. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Serve:
- Garnish and Plate:
- Remove the salmon from the oven and baste with the remaining honey-lime sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use wild-caught salmon for a richer flavor and better texture.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of heat.
- Pair with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American