Honey Glazed Salmon with Browned Butter Lime Sauce

This Honey Glazed Salmon with Browned Butter Lime Sauce is the perfect recipe for a quick, elegant dinner that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant. Ready in just 20 minutes, this salmon is pan-seared to perfection, giving it a crispy golden crust while staying tender and flaky inside. The sweet honey glaze pairs beautifully with the nutty, citrusy browned butter lime sauce, creating a mouthwatering harmony of flavors.

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
• 8 teaspoons flour, divided
• 8 teaspoons honey, divided
• Zest of 2 limes
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

For the Browned Butter Lime Sauce:

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of flour evenly over each fillet, then drizzle 2 teaspoons of honey on top.
2. Pan-Sear the Salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 3–5 minutes on each side, or until the fish is browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Browned Butter Lime Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, increase the heat slightly and stir constantly. The butter will begin to foam, then turn golden brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
4. Add Flavor: Whisk in lime juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and fragrant.
5. Finish and Serve: Pour the browned butter lime sauce over the cooked salmon fillets. Sprinkle with lime zest for a bright, zesty finish and serve immediately.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: This honey glazed salmon pairs beautifully with sides like jasmine rice, roasted asparagus, or mashed potatoes. The browned butter lime sauce adds richness that complements light, fresh vegetables.
• Make It a Meal: Add a green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or a side of garlic butter noodles for a balanced dinner.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the oven at 300°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the fish.
• Freezing: Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations

1. Spicy Honey Glazed Salmon: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the honey glaze for a spicy-sweet flavor.
2. Garlic Herb Salmon: Mix fresh parsley, dill, or thyme into the browned butter sauce for an herby twist.
3. Maple Lime Salmon: Replace honey with maple syrup for a deeper caramelized flavor.
4. Coconut Lime Salmon: Stir 2 tablespoons of coconut milk into the browned butter sauce for a tropical touch.
5. Asian-Style Glaze: Add 1 teaspoon of soy sauce and a pinch of ginger to the sauce for an Asian-inspired profile.
6. Citrus Medley: Substitute half the lime juice with orange juice for a sweeter, fruitier glaze.
7. Oven-Baked Version: Bake the prepared salmon at 400°F for 12–15 minutes and drizzle the sauce on top before serving.
8. Brown Sugar Butter Sauce: Replace honey in the sauce with brown sugar for a caramelized glaze that’s slightly smoky.
9. Grilled Honey Salmon: Grill the salmon for 3–4 minutes per side, then top with the browned butter lime sauce.
10. Honey Garlic Salmon: Add an extra clove of garlic and reduce the lime juice slightly for a bold honey-garlic flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon fillets? Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking for best texture.
2. What’s the best type of salmon for this recipe? Wild-caught salmon like sockeye or coho works best, but Atlantic salmon also works well.
3. Can I bake instead of pan-searing? Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, then drizzle with the sauce.
4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, prepare it up to a day ahead and reheat gently before serving.
5. What sides go best with this salmon? Steamed broccoli, jasmine rice, couscous, or garlic mashed potatoes are great options.
6. How do I know when the salmon is done? It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
7. Can I use bottled lime juice? Fresh lime juice gives the best flavor, but bottled will work if needed.
8. Can I substitute butter with oil? You can use ghee or olive oil, but you’ll lose the nutty richness of browned butter.
9. How can I make it less sweet? Reduce the honey by half or skip the drizzle before cooking.
10. Can I meal prep this dish? Yes! Cook the salmon and sauce separately, then combine right before serving for best results.

This Honey Glazed Salmon with Browned Butter Lime Sauce is a quick and easy recipe that delivers gourmet flavor in just 20 minutes. The combination of sweet honey, zesty lime, and rich browned butter creates an unforgettable dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this salmon recipe proves that simple ingredients can make a truly impressive meal.

Print