Baked Honey Garlic Salmon With Rice

Name: Baked Honey Garlic Salmon With Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 1/4 cup honey; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish); 1 cup jasmine rice; 2 cups water; 1 tablespoon butter; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Simple Baking Collection

I love making Baked Honey Garlic Salmon with Rice for its incredible balance of sweet and savory flavors. The salmon comes out so tender and moist, paired perfectly with fluffy rice that absorbs the delightful honey garlic sauce. This dish is a family favorite and is quick to prepare on busy weeknights or for a special occasion. The aroma that fills the kitchen is irresistible, making everyone eager to sit down and enjoy this delicious meal together.

Created by

Matilda Rowe

Last updated on 2026-02-01T19:21:35.497Z

When I first made this Baked Honey Garlic Salmon, I realized how simple ingredients can transform a meal. Baking the salmon seals in moisture while the honey and garlic create a glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. I learned that letting the salmon marinate while the rice cooks enhances the flavors even more!

A tip that I found essential is to broil the salmon for the last few minutes. This creates a beautiful crispy top while the inside remains juicy. It’s this method that truly elevates the dish to something extraordinary.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Deliciously sweet and savory glaze that complements the salmon perfectly
A quick one-pan dish that makes cleanup a breeze
Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy meal choice

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to achieving the perfect Baked Honey Garlic Salmon lies in the quality of your ingredients. Fresh salmon fillets will not only enhance the dish's flavor but also ensure optimal texture, yielding a moist and flaky result. As for the marinade, using high-quality honey and fresh garlic can significantly elevate the taste, creating a sweet and savory profile that balances beautifully with the salmon's natural richness. Consider using wild-caught salmon for a deeper flavor profile and better omega-3 content.

When selecting jasmine rice, choose a premium variety for the best aroma and stickiness. This rice complements the honey garlic sauce by absorbing its flavors, creating a cohesive meal. The addition of butter enhances the rice's creaminess, making it an excellent side that doesn't overpower the salmon. If you're looking for alternatives, basmati rice or even cauliflower rice can work well, though cooking times may vary slightly.

Perfecting the Cooking Technique

Marinating the salmon is crucial for infusing flavor, and 15 minutes is generally sufficient to soak up the marinade. Ensure the salmon is fully coated, and if you have extra time, feel free to marinate it for up to an hour in the refrigerator for a more intense flavor. During the baking process, keep an eye on the salmon; it should be light pink and flake easily with a fork when done. If you prefer a slightly more charred top, broiling for the last few minutes adds both texture and a hint of caramelization.

While the recipe calls for a specific baking temperature of 375°F (190°C), each oven varies slightly, so use visual cues as your guide. The salmon should look glossy and opaque when it's properly cooked. Should you find yourself with leftover marinade, consider boiling it for a few minutes to use as a drizzle over the finished dish for added flavor.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:

For the Salmon

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

For the Rice

1 cup jasmine rice
2 cups water
1 tablespoon butter
Salt to taste

Make sure all ingredients are fresh to enhance the flavor of your dish!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Baked Honey Garlic Salmon:

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, mix honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined. Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated. Allow them to marinate for about 15 minutes while you prepare the rice.

Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, combine the jasmine rice, water, butter, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork after cooking.

Bake the Salmon

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the marinated salmon in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until cooked through and flaky.

Broil for Extra Crisp

For the last 3-5 minutes, switch to broil mode to give the salmon a crispy top. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the baked salmon over a bed of fluffy rice and drizzle with any remaining glaze. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Make sure to serve your salmon hot for the best flavor experience!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for some heat.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

You can easily prepare the honey garlic marinade a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it. For cooked salmon, cool it to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly refrigerated, the leftovers will last for up to three days, retaining their flavor and moisture well. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at a low temperature to prevent drying out.

Jasmine rice can also be made ahead of time. Once cooked, allow it to cool completely and store it in a sealed container in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore its fluffy texture. This makes it easy to whip up a quick meal for busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy this scrumptious dish with minimal effort.

Creative Serving Suggestions

While this dish is delightful on its own, you can elevate it by serving it with steamed vegetables such as broccoli or snap peas to add color and crunch. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or a squeeze of fresh lime juice can also brighten the dish, providing an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. If you want to incorporate a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or garnish.

Another creative variation is to serve the salmon over a bed of quinoa or couscous instead of rice. These substitutes not only offer different textures but also add their own flavor profile, which pairs wonderfully with the honey garlic glaze. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your family's favorite!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, just ensure to thaw it completely before marinating and baking.

→ What can I serve with the salmon?

Steamed vegetables or a fresh salad pair wonderfully with this dish.

→ Can I use another type of fish?

Absolutely! This marinade also works well with trout or tilapia.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven.