Balsamic Glazed Salmon Recipe

Whether one of your New Year’s resolutions is to eat healthier or if you are simply looking for a delicious seafood recipe, you are going to love Balsamic Glazed Salmon. Thick salmon filets coated in a dark, glossy sauce that is full of flavor and cooked until tender and flaky.

It is the perfect recipe to make on a busy weeknight because it is ready to eat in only 20 minutes. Not to mention that it is a lifesaver recipe on Fridays during the Lenten season when you can’t eat meat and are tired of deep fried fish or cheese pizza.

Regardless of the reason that you are looking for a salmon recipe, this is one that you will want to make over and over again. The sweet and salty, bold sauce flavors compliment the light and delicate flavor and texture of the fish perfectly.

What Type of Salmon To Buy

However, before making this recipe you must first determine what type of salmon to purchase. And you basically have two choices, wild-caught or farm-raised. The one that you buy will be most often be based on a couple of factors such as availability and cost.

Wild-caught salmon offers a richer and natural intense flavor. Compared to farmed salmon, it has a firmer and leaner texture and has more vibrant color.

In addition, wild-caught salmon is considered healthier, particularly for its higher omega-3 fatty acid content. Also because of their natural diet, there are no worries of the fish being fed chemicals or antibiotics.

On the other hand, farmed salmon is more readily available and is a significantly cheaper alternative than wild-caught varieties. You can easily find it at both small and large grocery stores.

Although wild-caught salmon is always the best choice, if you are searching for a balance between quality and cost, look for farm-raised fish that has the ASC symbol of approval. This seal of approval is the world’s most credible, science-based standards for sustainable, responsible and therefore healthier farm raised seafood. 

Easy Balsamic Glaze

Once you have your filets, it is time to add flavor to the fish. Although this glaze recipe is simple and straight forward be sure to follow the two tips listed below to get the best tasting balsamic glaze for your salmon.

1. Use a High-Quality Balsamic Vinegar – Because the vinegar is the main ingredient of the glaze, be sure to use a high quality vinegar. Choose one in the mid price range at the grocery store.
2. Local Honey – Whenever possible purchase local honey. It contains the most flavor and it is a much better quality and texture than the Teddy Bear honey at the supermarket.

To make the glaze, all you need is to mix the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Then in a skillet sauté the garlic and whisk in the glaze and let it thicken. Now you are ready to add the salmon to the pan.

Cooking Method for Balsamic Glazed Salmon for Two

When it comes to this meal, there are mainly two ways of preparing the salmon, in the oven or by pan-searing it. Although I prefer to it cook both Honey Mustard Salmon and this salmon recipe in the oven, I have included both cooking methods below.

Oven Baked Balsamic Salmon

Place the salmon filets, skin-side down on a lined baking sheet. Brush half of the glaze generously over the top of the fish.

• Then put the pan in the oven and let the salmon bake for 5 minutes. Then bast the salmon in the remaining glaze. Continue baking for 5 to 10 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. 
• Sprinkle chopped parsley or sesame seeds over the glazed salmon before serving, and enjoy the meal!

Pan Searing Salmon

• Instead of cooking Balsamic Glazed Salmon in the oven, you can cook it in a skillet. Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat.
• Then add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Cook salmon, skin side down with half of the glaze poured on top.
• Flip once the side the salmon is opaque halfway up the sides. Cook until the salmon is light and flaky. Flip and pour the remaining glaze on top before serving.
• Remove the salmon from the pan, garnish with chopped parsley and/or sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

What To Serve With Balsamic Glazed Salmon

Now that you have this easy salmon recipe, it is time to determine what to serve alongside the fish. Here are my favorite side dishes to serve with salmon:

Roasted vegetables – Asparagus, potatoes, garlic and green beans are all great choices that compliment the flavor of the fish.

Mashed potatoes – You can never go wrong with mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes. They both are a classic side dish that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.

Rice – Keep your dinner light and serve the salmon with a side of brown, white or Jasmine rice.

Balsamic Glazed Salmon Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 wild-caught salmon fillets (5 ounces each)
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, then spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray.

In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant about 1 minute, watching carefully so that it does not burn.

Add the balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper to the pan and whisk. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens, about 4 minutes.

Place the salmon filets, skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the glaze generously over the top of the fish.

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes.

Remove the pan from the oven and baste the salmon again with the glaze. Then place the pan bake in the oven and continue to bake for another 5 to 10 additional minutes until cooked through. The fish should easily flake with a fork when done.

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and/or sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Pan Searing Instructions For Balsamic Glazed Salmon

If you prefer, pan-sear the salmon by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Then add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.

Cook salmon, skin side down with half of the glaze poured on top. Flip once the sides of the salmon is opaque half way up.

Cook until the salmon is light and flaky. Flip and pour the remaining glaze on top before serving.

Enjoy! Mary

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