This honey lime garlic butter salmon is a tasty treat! The fish gets a sweet and zesty kick from honey and lime, plus a buttery, garlicky glaze that makes it super yummy.
You’ll love how quickly it comes together—perfect for busy weeknights! Just cook it in one pan and enjoy a delicious meal in no time. Who knew healthy could taste this good? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Salmon fillets are fantastic for this recipe. You can also substitute with trout or any firm white fish if you prefer. Just ensure they are roughly similar in thickness for even cooking.
Honey: Honey adds a unique sweetness. If you’re looking for a substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar work well too, but they will change the flavor slightly.
Lime Juice and Zest: Lime really brightens up the dish! Lemon juice is a good substitute if limes aren’t available, though the flavor will be a bit different.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best here for controlling salt. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a plant-based butter can replace it, adding a different taste.
How Do You Sear Salmon Perfectly?
The key to getting that perfect seared salmon is all about the skillet and cooking temperature. Start with a hot skillet, and don’t rush the flipping! Here’s how:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the oil. It should shimmer a bit.
- Pat the salmon dry—this helps it get that nice crust.
- Place the fillets skin-side down and resist moving them for the first few minutes. This allows the skin to get crispy.
- Flip carefully using a spatula, and then cook the other side until it’s just done. All salmon is different, so keep an eye on it!
How to Make Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on or off as preferred
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- For Serving:
- Lemon slices, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 10-15 minutes to cook, making for a total of about 25-30 minutes. Perfect for a quick yet impressive meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps create a nice sear! Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance the flavor of the fish.
2. Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it starts to shimmer. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil is hot enough to sizzle upon contact with the salmon.
3. Cook the Salmon Fillets
Carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if you are using skin-on fillets. Cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving them. This allows the skin to get crispy and the salmon to cook halfway through.
4. Flip and Finish Cooking
Once the first side is nicely cooked, carefully flip the salmon fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through but still moist inside. Remove the salmon from the skillet and place it on a plate, tenting it with foil to keep it warm.
5. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and the butter begins to foam. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
6. Add Honey and Lime
Stir in the honey, lime juice, and lime zest. Let this simmer gently for 1-2 minutes, stirring often until it thickens slightly.
7. Combine Salmon and Sauce
Return the salmon fillets to the pan, spooning the honey lime garlic butter sauce over the top of each fillet. Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the salmon for a fresh touch. Serve immediately with lemon slices on the side and your favorite fresh vegetables or salad. Enjoy your delicious, buttery, sweet and tangy salmon!
FAQ for Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon
Can I Substitute Different Types of Fish?
Absolutely! While salmon is the star of this dish, you can also use firm white fish like trout or halibut. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as thinner fillets might cook more quickly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce, or drizzle some sriracha or hot sauce on top before serving. Enjoy the added kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the fish.
Can I Use Maple Syrup Instead of Honey?
Yes, maple syrup can be a great substitute if you prefer that flavor. Just keep in mind it will slightly alter the sweet profile of the sauce, but it will still taste delicious!
