Baked Salmon with Honey Glaze

Twenty-five minutes. That's all this takes. And yet when you put this in front of guests, they genuinely think you've been cooking for an hour. The glaze — honey, soy, sesame, ginger, garlic — caramelises in the oven into something lacquered and gorgeous, coating the salmon in layer after layer of deep, complex flavour.

Salmon is one of those ingredients that does most of the work itself. It's naturally rich, naturally flavourful, and naturally forgiving. Even a slightly overcooked piece of salmon beats an undercooked chicken breast. But this recipe, cooked correctly, produces salmon that's just barely set in the very centre — silky, almost buttery, with that glaze providing contrast in every bite.

I make this on weeknights when I want something that feels special without the effort. Pair it with steamed rice and some broccoli and you have a complete, balanced dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

Mustafa

👨‍🍳 Founder · Dinner Ready

I started Dinner Ready because I love great food and believe every family deserves simple, delicious meals. I test every recipe in my own kitchen — if it doesn't work for real people, it doesn't go on the site.

Last tested & updated: May 2026

• ✅ 4 salmon fillets, about 180g each
• ✅ 3 tbsp honey
• ✅ 2 tbsp soy sauce
• ✅ 1 tbsp sesame oil
• ✅ 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• ✅ 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• ✅ 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• ✅ 2 spring onions, finely sliced
• ✅ Steamed rice and broccoli to serve

1. 1
   Preheat the oven

   Heat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Take salmon out of the fridge 10 minutes before cooking — room temperature fish cooks more evenly.
2. 2
   Make the glaze

   In a small bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until combined. Taste it — it should be intensely flavoured because it'll dilute slightly as it cooks.
3. 3
   Place salmon skin-side down

   Lay the salmon fillets on the lined tray with the skin facing down. This protects the flesh from the direct heat of the tray and helps it cook evenly.
4. 4
   Glaze generously

   Spoon the glaze over each fillet, making sure it coats the top and sides completely. Use every drop — don't hold any back.
5. 5
   Bake for 12-15 minutes

   Slide the tray into the oven. Bake for 12 minutes for medium (still slightly pink in the centre) or 15 minutes for fully cooked. Watch the edges — when they turn opaque white, you're close.
6. 6
   Rest and garnish

   Remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for 2 minutes. Scatter sesame seeds and spring onions across the top. Serve immediately with steamed rice and broccoli.