High Protein Honey Garlic Salmon

Ingredients

• 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets, skin on or off
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup honey
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. 1

   Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels — the drier the surface, the better the sear and the easier the sauce will glaze. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. 2

   Whisk the honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Have it next to the stove.

3. 3

   Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick or stainless skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Add the salmon flesh-side down (skin-side up if using skin-on) and sear undisturbed 4 minutes until deeply golden.

4. 4

   Flip carefully, reduce heat to medium, and cook 2 more minutes. Transfer the salmon to a plate.

5. 5

   Add the butter and garlic to the same skillet. Cook 30 seconds — don't let the garlic burn or the sauce will turn bitter.

6. 6

   Pour in the honey-soy mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook 2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy syrup that coats the back of a spoon.

7. 7

   Return the salmon to the pan and spoon the sauce over each fillet 4–5 times to glaze. Cook 60 more seconds.

8. 8

   Plate the salmon, drizzle with extra sauce, and shower with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with lemon wedges, steamed rice, and a green vegetable.