Honey-Dill Glazed Salmon: A Sweet & Savory Delight

 

 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!