When it comes to quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meals, salmon is often a go-to. But how do you take it from simple to sensational without a lot of fuss? The answer lies in the magical combination of honey and dill!
This
Honey-Dill Glazed Salmon recipe pairs the rich, buttery taste of salmon
with a vibrant, fresh glaze that hits all the right notes: a touch of sweetness
from the honey, bright herbaceousness from the fresh dill, and a tangy kick
from Dijon mustard. It's a harmonious blend that creates a beautifully
caramelized crust and a moist, flaky interior.
This
dish is elegant enough for a dinner party, yet simple enough for a weeknight
meal. It comes together in under 30 minutes and will quickly become a favorite
in your rotation!
Ingredients
You'll Need:
- 4 (6-ounce)
salmon fillets, skin on or off (your preference)
- 1 tablespoon
olive oil
- Salt and freshly
ground black pepper to taste
- For the
Honey-Dill Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons
honey
- 1 tablespoon
fresh dill, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon
Dijon mustard (whole grain or smooth)
- 1 tablespoon
fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic,
minced (optional)
- Pinch of red
pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
Instructions:
1.
Prepare the Salmon:
- Pat the salmon
fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels. This helps ensure a crispy skin
(if leaving it on) and better searing.
- Season both
sides of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
2.
Make the Honey-Dill Glaze:
- In a small bowl,
whisk together the honey, chopped fresh dill, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon
juice, minced garlic (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Set
aside.
3.
Cook the Salmon:
- Heat the olive
oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is
shimmering, add the salmon fillets to the skillet, skin-side down first if
leaving the skin on. Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and
golden brown (if skin-on) and the salmon is cooked about halfway up the
side.
- Flip the salmon
fillets. Immediately brush about half of the honey-dill glaze generously
over the top of the salmon.
- Continue to cook
for another 3-6 minutes, or until the salmon reaches your desired doneness
(it should flake easily with a fork). During the last minute or two of
cooking, brush the remaining glaze over the salmon.
- Cooking Tip: For perfect
doneness, the internal temperature of salmon should be 145°F (63°C).
4.
Rest and Serve:
- Carefully remove
the salmon from the skillet and transfer to serving plates.
- Let the salmon
rest for a minute or two.
- Garnish with a
sprinkle of extra fresh dill and a lemon wedge, if desired.
- Serve
immediately with your favorite side dishes, such as fluffy white rice,
roasted asparagus, or steamed green beans. The pan juices are also
delicious drizzled over the salmon!
Pro
Tip:
If you're short on fresh dill, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried dill, but the
fresh herb truly elevates the flavor of this dish.
This
Honey-Dill Glazed Salmon is a testament to how simple ingredients can create
extraordinary flavors. It's truly a sweet and savory delight! What are your
favorite quick salmon preparations? Share them in the comments below!