Published May 30, 2024 Updated Nov 03, 2024 What makes my honey garlic salmon recipe special is how easy it is, just like my baked cod recipe; it is one of the quickest salmon recipes to make at home. In just 15 minutes, from prep to plate, you can make this masterpiece in your own kitchen. This shows that you don’t need fancy stuff for great food; sometimes, the simplest ingredients are the best. So, if you want something tasty and easy to cook, try this wild salmon recipe for dinner. It has an average rating of 4.5 with over 1500 votes, so you’re sure to enjoy a moist and flavorful salmon every time! Plus, you can customize it to your liking whether you pan sear, grilling salmon, or baked salmon. It’s a favorite among many for its consistently delicious results. As a result, there are many types of salmon available in the market. To get the freshest and best salmon, here are my buying tips:
Wild caught salmon. If you find wild salmon in your market, buy it. Wild salmon comes from the pristine waters of Pacific Northwest and Alaska and packed full of omega 3 fatty acids. Farmed salmon. If you are buying farmed salmon, choose those imported from Norway. Avoid the ones from China. Chinese farms use potentially carcinogenic (cancer-causing) chemicals to raise the fish. For the freshest fish, shop on the day when your grocery stores restock their fish. Wild salmon looks orange in color whereas farmed salmon is pale orange in color. Avoid salmon color that is bright orange or red. It means food dye has been added to the fish.
Wild Salmon Vs. Farmed Salmon
I chose wild salmon for my honey garlic salmon because it has a richer flavor, is healthier, and supports sustainable fishing practices.
Wild caught salmon nutrition. Compared to its farmed counterpart, wild salmon provides a more robust base for the sweet and savory notes of the honey garlic glaze. Here are the nutrition facts of raw, wild Atlantic Salmon, provided by USDA. Lower in fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids. Wild salmon is a healthy choice for you and your family. Sustainable. Wild salmon is environmentally friendly. Salmon farming is notorious for its unhealthy and unnatural living conditions.
The diagram above summarizes the difference between wild salmon and farmed salmon. To learn more, read Bon Appetit article.
Salmon fillet. Minced garlic. Honey. Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice – add lemon wedges during the cooking process to jazz up the citrusy note. Salt and pepper.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.
Sear for Crispy Skin: When cooking the salmon, start by pan searing it skin-side down; use a hot cast-iron skillet with a little olive oil. This will crisp up the skin and create a delicious texture contrast with the tender flesh of the salmon fish. Olive oil. Olive oil is the best choice for achieving crispy salmon skin due to its relatively high smoke point and unique flavor profile. Cast-iron skillet. A cast-iron skillet is great for cooking salmon because it heats evenly, retains heat well, and is versatile. It cooks salmon consistently and helps achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. Plus, with its natural non-stick surface and patina, you will make the best salmon ever!
Pro Tip: Scraping the salmon skin against the direction of the scales can help make it crispy. This action helps to remove excess moisture and roughen the surface, which promotes better crisping during cooking. It also allows the heat to penetrate more evenly, resulting in a uniformly crispy texture that you just can’t stop eating. I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
