This balsamic glazed salmon is restaurant quality made easily right at home! Tender salmon is seared and then topped with a balsamic glaze for an elegant dinner ready in 15 minutes!
Love fish recipes? Try this baked tilapia recipe, sheet pan salmon dinner and crispy lemon baked fish.
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An Easy Balsamic Salmon
This balsamic glazed salmon recipe is a simple, no fuss, healthy dinner idea around here that takes no more than 15 minutes to prepare. My kids’ only request when making any type of fish is that it tastes yummy, and this balsamic salmon is now one of their favorites.
We take our delicious pan seared salmon and serve it with a drizzle of an easy and delicious homemade balsamic glaze. You could also do this with my baked salmon for just as delicious results.
I usually serve it with a bed of rice and grilled veggies, but honestly, you could serve it with anything from cooked pasta, to coconut rice, roasted broccoli and cauliflower or on top of a simple chopped salad!
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and easy. Prep your balsamic glaze beforehand and this balsamic glaze salmon is ready in less than 15 minutes!
- Flavorful. Buttery salmon pairs perfectly with the balsamic glaze which is tangy with sweet notes of honey.
- Perfect for dinner. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or lazy weekend, this balsamic glazed salmon is even fancy enough for guests.
- Versatile. Serve this balsamic salmon with just about anything! Some favorites include mashed potatoes and green beans.
Recipe Ingredients
The beauty of this balsamic glazed salmon recipe is the simplicity of ingredients making it a great choice for an anytime dinner!
- Salmon: Two fresh salmon fillets that are about 6 oz each. Skinless or skin on. If you use frozen salmon, be sure that it is thawed first.
- Oil: Avocado oil or olive oil both have high smoke points which work when searing the salmon.
- Butter: While this is optional, it adds the best rich taste.
- Salt and pepper: To season and taste.
- Balsamic glaze: My recipe for the glaze is simple with just balsamic vinegar and honey that reduced on the stovetop. It’s ready in about 10 minutes and can be stored up to a month.
- Fresh parsley: Optional, for a garnish.
Balsamic Glaze
Making my homemade balsamic glaze couldn’t be easier, but you can also use a store-bought pre-made version. My favorite bottle is from Trader Joe’s. DeLallo also makes a yummy glaze as well.
How to Make Balsamic Glazed Salmon
To make this easy salmon recipe even easier, make your balsamic reduction ahead of time and store in the fridge. Then just follow these directions for how to cook salmon in the skillet!
- Prep salmon: Remove your salmon from the refrigerator about 10 minutes before you cook it. Pat dry with a paper towel then drizzle a small amount of oil onto the salmon fillets then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Cook skin side up: In a a heavy bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, heat your butter and oil then once the pan is hot, add the fillets, skin sides up. Cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes.
- Flip and continue to cook: Flip then cook the opposite side for an additional 3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F. Brush the balsamic glaze on the last couple minutes of cooking for best taste, then remove to a plate and let rest.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze: Just before serving drizzle with additional glaze and garnish with parsley.
Cooking Tips
- Room temperature salmon. Remove salmon fillets from the fridge and bring them to room temperature at least 10 minutes before preparing.
- Pat dry. Pat salmon dry so that it crisps up nicely.
- Hot oil. Heat oil first and then place salmon on the hot surface.
- Reduce heat. After flipping your salmon, reduce heat to medium if it is burning.
- Extra flavor. For a little extra added flavor, brush the salmon with the reduced balsamic vinegar while it’s cooking. Then use the remaining glaze to drizzle on top before serving.
What to Serve With Balsamic Glazed Salmon
This balsamic glazed salmon pairs well with so many sides it’s hard to pick a favorite. Try any of these:
- Rice pilaf
- Oven roasted veggies
- Grilled asparagus
- Roasted zucchini and squash
- Parmesan roasted broccoli
- Garlic mashed red potatoes
- Mediterranean quinoa salad
- Quinoa
FAQ’s
There are a couple of ways to tell when your salmon is ready to eat. When your salmon is lighter in color and the flesh flakes when pulled at with a fork, those are both usually good signs. However, the most accurate way to know is to use a kitchen thermometer. FDA guidelines indicate salmon should be 145 degrees F, although since it will continue to cook I recommend removing from the pan at 130 degrees F.
If you want to add a little more seasoning or even switch up the balsamic glaze to something else, feel free. Salmon is a great vessel for all kinds of ingredients.
Dijon mustard and honey make great honey mustard with a kick. A maple syrup glaze is always popular. A simple lemon drizzle with some herbs like rosemary and garlic would also be nice.
Yes! Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place salmon fillets on top. Cook in a 400-degree oven for 14 minutes, flipping halfway. Brush the salmon with a bit of the glaze towards the end.
Absolutely! We love grilled salmon! Grill salmon on over direct heat, 450 degrees – 550 degrees F, for 4 minutes on each side. Remove from grill then brush with glaze before serving.
Storage
- To Store: Keep any leftovers stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: Use the microwave or the stovetop on low. It’s also great enjoyed cold.
- Meal prep: This is a great make ahead and meal prep dish. Once everything is cooked and cooled, I like to portion it out in individual containers (as pictured above) and keep it for a quick healthy lunch that I can pop in the microwave to heat up throughout the week.
More healthy dinner ideas we love include one pan balsamic chicken and veggies, pesto chicken and lettuce wrap burger.
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Balsamic Glazed Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets , about 6 ounces each
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil , or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon butter , optional
- Salt and Pepper
- chopped parsley , optional
- 2 Tablespoons balsamic glaze , more if desired
Instructions
- Remove the salmon from the refrigerator and let rest for about 10 minutes before preparing. Do not use frozen salmon, it must be thawed. Then pat the fillets dry with a paper towel. Drizzle a little olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper over top.
- Heat the butter and oil in a heavy bottom skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the fillets, skin sides up. Let this side cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes. Turn the heat to medium if it's burning.
- Flip the salmon and then cook the opposite side for an additional 3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F. You can brush the balsamic glaze on the last couple minutes of cooking if desired. Remove to a plate and let rest a few minutes before serving.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top just before serving and add fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 30 Minute Meals, 30 Minute Meals, 5 Ingredients Or Less, 5 Ingredients Or Less, American, Dairy-Free, Dinner, Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Meal Prep, Nut-Free, Stovetop, Whole 30
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.
Every recipe of yours that I tried, has all been awesome so far! I made this recipe today and it turned out very tasty and delicious. The process is simple, made it in less than 15 minutes as it says in the recipe!
So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Natasha :) Thanks for your comment and review!
One of my favorite salmon dinner recipes! It’s so easy, elegant and delicious!
The glaze on this salmon is everything! Can’t wait to make this again.
So glad you enjoyed it, Doris :)