Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

1. Season the Salmon:

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the fillets sear properly and achieve a nice crispy crust. Season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Heat the Oil:

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. You want the pan to be hot before adding the salmon, so the skin or surface gets a good sear.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

1. Sear the Skin-Side First:

If your salmon fillets have skin, place them in the pan skin-side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving the salmon. This will allow the skin to get crispy while the flesh cooks gently. If your fillets are skinless, just place them directly on the hot pan.

2. Flip and Cook the Other Side:

After 4-5 minutes, carefully flip the salmon using a spatula. Cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C), and the salmon should flake easily with a fork. Remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze

1. Sauté the Garlic:

In the same pan (with the salmon removed), reduce the heat to medium and add a little more oil if necessary. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

2. Add the Glaze Ingredients:

Add the honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pan. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.

3. Simmer the Sauce:

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes. If you prefer a thicker glaze, stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water). This will help thicken the sauce as it simmers.

Step 4: Glaze the Salmon

1. Return the Salmon to the Pan:

Once the glaze has thickened slightly, return the cooked salmon fillets to the pan. Spoon the honey garlic glaze over the salmon, making sure each fillet is well-coated with the sauce.

2. Simmer in the Glaze:

Let the salmon cook in the glaze for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Baste the salmon with the glaze as it cooks to ensure maximum flavor.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the salmon is coated in the glaze and heated through, remove it from the pan and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon immediately with your choice of sides.

Step 6: Enjoy Your Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

This salmon dish is best served hot, with the sticky, flavorful glaze coating every bite. The combination of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and tangy lemon is incredibly satisfying, and the tender, flaky salmon makes for the perfect protein-packed meal.