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Honey Lemon Glazed Salmon with Caramelized Citrus

honey lemon glazed salmon - featured image

This easy honey lemon glazed salmon recipe features oven-roasted salmon fillets topped with a sticky, sweet-tangy glaze and caramelized citrus slices. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a show-stopping dinner that’s both comforting and impressive.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the pan and salmon)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about half a large lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (or ghee for dairy-free)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds (remove seeds if possible)
  • 1 orange, sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 tablespoon honey (for drizzling over the citrus)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). For crisp citrus edges, finish under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes.
  2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly brush with olive oil.
  3. Slice the lemon and orange into thin rounds (about 1/8-inch thick), removing any seeds. Arrange the slices in a single layer on the baking sheet, mostly in the center. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon honey.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. The glaze should be glossy and pourable.
  5. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Lay the fillets skin-side down directly on top of the citrus slices.
  6. Brush or spoon about half the honey lemon glaze over the tops and sides of the salmon. Reserve the rest for basting later.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, depending on thickness (thicker fillets may need up to 15 minutes). Salmon should flake easily with a fork and look opaque in the center. At the 6-minute mark, brush the salmon with the remaining glaze.
  8. For extra caramelization, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Watch closely until citrus edges bubble and brown.
  9. Let the salmon rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before serving.
  10. Transfer salmon and caramelized citrus to plates. Spoon any pan juices over the top and garnish with extra lemon zest, chopped parsley, or flaky sea salt if desired.

Notes

For best results, use wild-caught salmon and fresh citrus. Maple syrup can substitute for honey. Glaze can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. For dairy-free, use olive oil or ghee instead of butter. Watch closely when broiling to avoid burning the glaze or citrus. Leftovers keep well for up to 2 days and are great cold or reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, honey lemon glaze, caramelized citrus, easy dinner, oven roasted, healthy, gluten-free, dairy-free option, weeknight meal, seafood