Baked Honey Garlic Salmon With Rice

Name: Baked Honey Garlic Salmon With Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon minced ginger; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 cup jasmine rice; 2 cups water; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Favorite Baking Recipes

I absolutely love preparing Baked Honey Garlic Salmon with Rice because it combines delicious flavors with incredible ease. The sweet and savory glaze complements the tenderness of the salmon, while the fluffy rice soaks up all the delightful sauce. It’s a fantastic weeknight meal that feels gourmet without any fuss. I always keep the ingredients on hand, making it my go-to recipe for busy evenings. The aroma that fills my kitchen as it bakes is simply irresistible, making this dish a favorite for my family and friends alike.

Created by

Lavinia Moore

Last updated on 2026-02-01T22:57:37.084Z

When experimenting with different recipes, I stumbled upon the perfect combination of honey and garlic for salmon. Baking it enhances the flavors while ensuring the fish remains moist and flaky. I tried adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness, and it made all the difference, taking the dish to a whole new level. Now, it’s never just dinner; it’s an event that my family looks forward to.

To ensure that the salmon bakes evenly, I let it marinate for about 10 minutes before placing it in the oven. This allows the flavors to really penetrate the fish. I’ve found that serving the salmon with a side of fluffy rice not only balances the meal but also absorbs the luscious sauce, making each bite a delight. I’m sure you’ll appreciate how simple yet satisfying this recipe is!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Sweet and sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully
Tender salmon that practically melts in your mouth
Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights

Mastering the Marinade

The marinade for this Baked Honey Garlic Salmon is what truly elevates the dish. Honey adds a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, while soy sauce introduces a savory depth that enhances the salmon's flavor. When whisking the marinade together, make sure to blend until it's completely smooth, allowing the garlic and ginger to infuse their aromas evenly. For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade.

Allowing the salmon to marinate for at least 10 minutes is crucial, as it ensures that the flavors penetrate the fish. If you have more time, marinating for up to an hour in the refrigerator will yield an even richer taste. Just be cautious not to marinate too long, as the soy sauce can make the salmon too salty. When you’re ready to bake, the marinade will have glazed the salmon, creating a stunning glossy finish.

Cooking the Rice Perfectly

Rice is the perfect companion to this flavorful salmon, soaking up the delicious honey garlic sauce. When cooking jasmine rice, make sure to rinse it under cold water before boiling. This step removes excess starch, ensuring fluffiness and preventing the rice from being gummy. Once the water is boiling, add the rice, cover it tightly, and reduce the heat to low. A gentle simmer for 15 minutes is ideal—don’t uncover it during this time, or you’ll lose steam.

After the cooking time, let the rice sit for an additional 5 minutes off the heat. This period allows it to fully steam and develop a light, airy texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can cook the rice in vegetable or chicken broth instead of water for an added layer of flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile of your meal.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Once your salmon is baked and the rice is fluffy, consider enhancing the dish's presentation. A drizzle of the leftover glaze over the salmon and rice not only amplifies the flavor but also adds visual appeal. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, which not only provide a burst of color but also introduce a crisp freshness that contrasts beautifully with the tender salmon.

To customize the dish, try adding steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas alongside the salmon for a complete meal. Alternatively, you can serve the salmon on top of a bed of quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. If you have leftovers, the salmon can easily be flaked and used in salads or wraps the next day, making it a versatile choice for meal prep.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Baked Honey Garlic Salmon:

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 cup jasmine rice
2 cups water
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish

Make sure to have everything prepped before starting the cooking process for best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious meal:

Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil until fully combined.

Marinate the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets in the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them marinate for 10 minutes.

Cook the Rice

In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add jasmine rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until fluffy.

Bake the Salmon

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated salmon on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.

Serve

Serve the baked salmon over jasmine rice, drizzling any remaining sauce on top, and garnish with chopped green onions.

Enjoy your delicious Baked Honey Garlic Salmon with Rice!

Pro Tips

For an added crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds over the salmon before baking. This not only enhances the flavor but adds a delightful texture.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftovers of Baked Honey Garlic Salmon, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps maintain the salmon's moisture; if you microwave, do so on low power to prevent the fish from drying out.

For longer storage, consider freezing the baked salmon. Wrap the fillets tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating from frozen, it's best to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming it in the oven. This ensures even reheating and preserves the texture of the salmon.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're out of honey, maple syrup makes an excellent substitute, providing a similar sweetness and consistency. This swap will give the salmon a slightly different flavor but will still yield a delightful glaze. For a soy sauce alternative, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos if you're looking for a soy-free choice.

For those who prefer milder flavors, you can reduce the amount of garlic or even use garlic powder as a less pungent option. Keep in mind that fresh ingredients, such as garlic and ginger, enhance the overall taste profile significantly, but dried versions can work in a pinch. Feel free to adjust the marinade ratios to suit your taste preferences; cooking is all about making the dish your own!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, trout or steelhead salmon are excellent alternatives that will work well with this marinade.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade and marinate the salmon a few hours before you plan to bake it for extra flavor.

→ What should I serve with salmon?

In addition to jasmine rice, you can serve it with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or even quinoa for a complete meal.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.