Baked Honey Garlic Salmon With Rice

Name: Baked Honey Garlic Salmon With Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional); 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish); 1 cup jasmine rice; 2 cups water; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Simple Healthy Meals Collection

I absolutely love how easy it is to prepare this Baked Honey Garlic Salmon with Rice. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful meal that’s great for weeknights or special occasions. The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a glaze that perfectly complements the salmon, while the rice serves as a comforting base. This dish not only tastes amazing but also looks beautiful on the plate, making it an impressive option for guests or family meals alike.

Created by

Rachel Green

Last updated on 2026-02-02T02:01:35.952Z

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed by how quickly it came together. With the salmon marinating in soy sauce and honey while the rice cooks, it really maximized my time in the kitchen. The intense flavor of the glaze is what makes this dish stand out, and it’s surprisingly simple to execute.

One tip I found helpful is to broil the salmon for a few minutes towards the end of cooking. This caramelizes the honey and adds an irresistible glaze that makes each bite heavenly. Trust me, your family will want this on repeat!

Reasons to Love This Recipe
Deliciously sweet and savory caramelized glaze
Perfectly flaky salmon cooked to perfection
Whole meal that's satisfying and healthy
Easy cleanup with minimal cooking tools needed

The Importance of Marinating

Marinating the salmon is a crucial step that infuses the fish with flavor and tenderness. The honey and soy sauce combination not only adds sweetness but also helps to create a luscious glaze when cooked. Aim for at least 15 minutes of marinating time; however, if you have more time, letting the salmon soak in the marinade for up to an hour will deepen the flavor. Be sure to flip the fillets halfway through to ensure even coverage.

Using fresh garlic in the marinade is essential for adding a robust, aromatic quality to the dish. If you're in a pinch, you might consider garlic powder; however, fresh garlic provides a vibrant kick that significantly enhances the final taste. The minced garlic breaks down during cooking, allowing its flavor to infuse the salmon beautifully.

About Cooking the Rice

When cooking jasmine rice, the key is to maintain the right water-to-rice ratio. This recipe calls for a 2:1 ratio, which helps achieve fluffy grains without becoming too sticky. Rinsing the rice is another important step; this removes excess starch that can weigh down the grains, ensuring each one cooks evenly. After boiling, be patient—let it simmer undisturbed for 15 minutes to fully absorb the water and flavor.

For a bit of versatility, consider cooking the rice in vegetable or chicken broth instead of water. This subtle change will give the rice an extra layer of depth that pairs wonderfully with the honey garlic salmon. You can also add a bay leaf or a few slices of ginger to the cooking water for even more aromatic complexity.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Once the salmon is perfectly baked, consider serving it with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. The fresh, bright flavors of the greens complement the sweetness of the salmon while adding a nice crunch to the meal. If you're entertaining, serve the dish in a beautiful platter with garnishes to impress your guests.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until heated through. If wanting to serve the dish cold, flake leftover salmon over a fresh salad with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing lunch option.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make a delightful meal.

For the Salmon

4 salmon fillets
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

For the Rice

1 cup jasmine rice
2 cups water
Salt to taste

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a quick and easy cooking experience.

Prepare the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and olive oil. Set aside.

Marinate the Salmon

Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Allow to marinate for 15 minutes.

Cook the Rice

While the salmon marinates, rinse the jasmine rice under cold water. Combine rice, water, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Bake the Salmon

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place marinated salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, basting with the leftover marinade halfway through.

Optional Broil

For a caramelized finish, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching closely to avoid burning.

Serve

Serve the baked salmon over a bed of jasmine rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Enjoy your delicious meal!

Pro Tips

For added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest to the marinade. Pair the dish with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your salmon is overcooked, it can become dry and tough. To avoid this, always keep an eye on the cooking time; 15-20 minutes should be adequate, depending on your oven. Checking for doneness can be done using a fork to see if the fish flakes easily. If you're unsure, taking the salmon out at the 15-minute mark for a visual inspection is always a good idea.

On the other hand, if the salmon is undercooked, simply return it to the oven and check every couple of minutes until it reaches the desired flakiness. If you find the glaze is becoming too dark before the fish is properly cooked, consider loosely covering it with aluminum foil to regulate the browning.

Variations for Flavor

Experimenting with the marinade can lead to exciting new flavor profiles. For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade. This heat beautifully balances the sweetness of the honey and can add a multi-dimensional taste that pairs nicely with the salmon.

If you prefer a citrusy twist, replace half of the honey with fresh orange juice. This substitution not only maintains sweetness but also brightens the dish, providing a refreshing zing. Adding a bit of grated orange zest can further enhance this citrus flavor, creating a delightful contrast to the savory notes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, this marinade works well with tilapia or trout as well!

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Can I prep the marinade in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day ahead and store it in the fridge.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari.