Name: Oven-Baked Honey Soy Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets, 6 ounces each, skin on; 1 ½ tablespoons low sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard; 2 cloves garlic, minced

There’s something magical about how sweet honey perfectly balances salty soy in the Oven-Baked Honey Soy Salmon Recipe. This dish is a quick, simple way to create tender, juicy salmon with a beautiful shiny glaze that feels effortlessly fancy—yet it’s so easy to pull off on any weeknight.

Four long rectangular pieces of cooked salmon with a shiny, thick, brown sauce covering all around them, placed side by side in a clear glass rectangular dish lined with light brown parchment paper. Small green herb bits are sprinkled on top of the salmon. The sauce has a slightly sticky texture with visible bits of garlic or seeds. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Oven-Baked Honey Soy Salmon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Oven-Baked Honey Soy Salmon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Oven-Baked Honey Soy Salmon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times this Oven-Baked Honey Soy Salmon Recipe has saved dinner and wowed guests. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy that just melts in your mouth. Plus, it’s unbelievably quick, requiring minimal prep—ideal for busy days or when you just want something tasty without fuss.

Simplicity: The recipe uses just a handful of ingredients, all easy to find, but together they create big flavors.
Speed: From prep to table in under 30 minutes, this is perfect for weeknight meals without compromising on taste.
Juicy Salmon Every Time: Baking with the honey-soy glaze keeps the salmon moist, tender, and incredibly flavorful.
Versatile: Whether you want to serve it with rice, veggies, or noodles, it pairs beautifully and easily becomes your go-to salmon dinner.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a starring role in this recipe. I always emphasize quality when it comes to the salmon and opting for fresh garlic really makes the glaze sing. Here’s a quick rundown of the key players and why they’re so great together.

Flat lay of four fresh salmon fillets with skin on arranged in a square, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of rich amber honey, a small white ceramic bowl of dark brown low sodium soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth pale yellow Dijon mustard, two whole garlic bulbs and two peeled garlic cloves, all placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salmon fillets: Skin on keeps moisture locked in and gives you that lovely crispy texture if you like to serve the skin side up after baking.
Low sodium soy sauce: Adds that essential salty umami note without overpowering the dish or making it too salty.
Olive oil: A neutral, smooth base that helps mix the glaze ingredients and adds richness.
Honey: Brings natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven and balances the saltiness of soy sauce.
Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth, cutting through the sweetness so the flavor doesn’t feel flat.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides that punchy aroma and flavor, awakening the whole dish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Oven-Baked Honey Soy Salmon Recipe is. I often tweak the glaze or swap out ingredients depending on what I have in the pantry or my mood. You should feel free to make it your own—play with flavors and see what clicks for you.

Variation: For a spicy kick, I sometimes add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the glaze—it gives the salmon a subtle heat that complements the sweet soy perfectly.
Gluten-Free Version: Just swap in tamari sauce for soy sauce, and you’re good to go—same delicious taste, no gluten.
Herbs Twist: Try sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro or green onions on top after baking for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Cooking Method: If you prefer a crispier skin, broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Oven-Baked Honey Soy Salmon Recipe

The dish shows a piece of cooked salmon with a shiny, orange-brown sauce on top, garnished with small green herbs. The salmon is placed on the right side of a white plate with a thin, light brown rim. The salmon is partially sliced into thick pieces with a silver fork near the bottom center of the plate. On the left side of the plate, there is a bunch of bright green broccoli with a rough texture. The plate rests on a white marbled surface that reflects a soft light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Bring the salmon to room temperature

Before you start, take the salmon out of the fridge and let it rest on the counter for about 15 minutes. This simple step helps it cook evenly and keeps it from getting tough on the edges. Trust me, I learned this the hard way after overcooking cold salmon too many times!

Step 2: Preheat and prep your pan

Set your oven to 400°F and line your baking dish with parchment paper or foil. It makes cleanup so much easier, especially with honey in the glaze, which can stick and caramelize on the pan.

Step 3: Whisk together the magical glaze

Mix the soy sauce, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a bowl until smooth. This combo creates a glaze that’s sticky, sweet, and salty all at once—your salmon will soak up all that yumminess.

Step 4: Apply glaze and start baking

Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in your prepared dish. Save half the glaze for later, and brush the other half over the top of the salmon. This first layer starts locking in the flavor while the fish begins to cook.

Step 5: Bake and baste for best results

Bake for 12 minutes, then pull the salmon out and brush on the reserved glaze. Pop it back in for another 2 to 8 minutes depending on thickness and how done you like your fish. When it flakes easily with a fork, it’s ready to eat.

Top Tip

I’ve found a few little tricks over time that make this Oven-Baked Honey Soy Salmon Recipe extra foolproof and delicious every time. These tips are the kinds of things you wish someone told you upfront—so here they are, from my kitchen to yours.

Don’t skip room temperature: Taking the chill off the salmon before baking really helps prevent dry edges.
Keep an eye on the glaze: Honey can burn quickly, so if your salmon looks like it’s browning too fast, tent loosely with foil.
Use a thermometer: A quick internal temp check hitting 125-130°F ensures perfectly cooked salmon that’s still juicy—then let it rest a few minutes to finish cooking.
Brush the glaze twice: Applying glaze midway makes the flavor richer and the texture more charmingly sticky.

How to Serve Oven-Baked Honey Soy Salmon Recipe

Garnishes

I almost always top my salmon with a scattering of freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. It adds a wonderful crunch and a burst of color that makes the dish feel restaurant-worthy. Sometimes, I toss a little fresh cilantro on top because I love that herbal brightness cutting through the richness.

Side Dishes

This salmon shines alongside steamed jasmine rice or fluffy cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans with garlic work beautifully, too. When I’m craving comfort, some creamy mashed potatoes or a simple soba noodle salad with sesame dressing rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I've served this salmon on a bed of wilted baby spinach with a drizzle of extra glaze around the plate. Another favorite is plating the fillets with thin lemon slices and edible flowers for a bright, elegant touch that impresses guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftover salmon to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you can resist eating it right away, it makes a fantastic protein-packed lunch option during the week.

Freezing

I’ve frozen baked salmon successfully by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before popping into the freezer. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Be aware, the texture may be slightly more delicate after freezing, but it’s still delicious for meal prep.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the salmon in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. This slow reheating preserves moisture better than the microwave, keeping it close to freshly baked quality.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure the salmon is fully thawed and patted dry before you start. This helps the glaze stick better and the fish cooks more evenly.

Can I make this Oven-Baked Honey Soy Salmon Recipe spicy?

Definitely! I love adding a little chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the glaze for some heat. It pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory notes to create a balanced spicy-sweet flavor.

What’s the best way to tell when the salmon is cooked?

The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of about 125-130°F for medium-rare or 145°F if you prefer it fully cooked according to FDA guidelines. Using a meat thermometer takes the guesswork out.

Can I use this glaze for other types of fish?

Yes! This honey soy glaze works wonderfully on other firm fish like cod, halibut, or trout. Just adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the fish to avoid overcooking.

Final Thoughts

This Oven-Baked Honey Soy Salmon Recipe is truly one of my favorites because it’s approachable, quick, and full of flavor that feels like a treat. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner with friends, this recipe never fails to impress. I’m excited for you to try it and make it your own—it might just become your new favorite salmon dish, too!