Craving a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy dinner? Look no further! This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Yes, you read that right – salmon in a slow cooker! This recipe simplifies the cooking process, ensuring perfectly cooked, flaky salmon every time, bathed in a savory-sweet honey garlic glaze. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is destined to become a weeknight favorite.
What is Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon?
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon is a simplified and convenient way to prepare salmon, achieving tender and flavorful results with the help of a slow cooker. Instead of baking, pan-frying, or grilling, the salmon fillets are gently cooked in a delicious honey garlic glaze, allowing the flavors to infuse deeply and create a moist and flaky texture. The slow cooker’s low and consistent heat ensures that the salmon doesn’t dry out, resulting in a restaurant-quality dish without the fuss.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a nutritious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also a great option for meal prepping, as the salmon reheats beautifully. So, ditch the takeout and embrace the ease and deliciousness of slow-cooked salmon. Give this effortless recipe a try and prepare to be amazed by the results!
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon:
- Salmon Fillets: 4 (6-8 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off (your preference). I recommend skin off for easier serving.
- Honey: 1/4 cup. Provides sweetness and helps create a beautiful glaze.
- Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup. Adds savory umami flavor and helps balance the sweetness. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt level.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Adds pungent and aromatic flavor. Freshly minced garlic is best for the brightest flavor.
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated. Adds a warm, slightly spicy flavor that complements the honey and garlic. Fresh ginger is highly recommended.
- Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons. Adds acidity and brightness to the glaze, balancing the sweetness and savory notes.
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon. Adds a nutty and aromatic flavor. A little goes a long way.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste). Adds a touch of heat. Omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Green Onions: 2, thinly sliced. For garnish, adding a fresh and vibrant finish.
- Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon. For garnish, adding a nutty flavor and visual appeal.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon:
Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of sweet and savory salmon, ready to be served. This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon recipe makes that a reality! It’s incredibly easy, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal prep time. The flavorful honey garlic glaze infuses the salmon with mouthwatering goodness, resulting in a tender and flaky dish that everyone will love. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and the slow cooking process takes approximately 1.5-2 hours.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure all of ingredients are well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. I sometimes add a pinch of salt and pepper if the soy sauce used is very low sodium.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the bottom of your slow cooker with cooking spray. This prevents the salmon from sticking. Alternatively, you can use parchment paper to line the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place Salmon in Slow Cooker: Place the salmon fillets in the slow cooker in a single layer. If the fillets don’t quite fit, you can slightly overlap them.
- Pour Glaze Over Salmon: Pour the honey garlic glaze evenly over the salmon fillets, ensuring each fillet is well coated.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 1.5-2 hours, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon fillets and your slow cooker. Begin checking for doneness after 1.5 hours. You can also adjust the cooking time by using high heat for about 45-60 minutes but keep an eye to prevent overcooking it.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the salmon is cooked, carefully remove the fillets from the slow cooker using a slotted spatula. Place them on a serving platter. Spoon some of the remaining glaze from the slow cooker over the salmon. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon immediately with your favorite sides.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon:
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon offers a symphony of flavors in every bite, making it a standout dish. The main highlight is the perfectly cooked salmon, achieving a flaky and tender texture that’s both healthy and indulgent. Making this recipe at home saves you money compared to ordering it at a restaurant, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet meal without breaking the bank.
The honey garlic glaze, with its balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes, elevates the salmon to a new level of deliciousness. It is an irresistible combination that will keep you coming back for more. The addition of fresh green onions and sesame seeds provides a delightful textural contrast and visual appeal.
If you enjoy salmon recipes, you might also like something like baked teriyaki salmon. However, this slow cooker version offers a different take, providing a hands-off approach with equally impressive results. You can even prepare it faster by baking ot inside the oven. Try this recipe and you’ll be hooked on the effortless and flavorful experience of slow-cooked salmon!
What to Serve Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon With:
- Steamed Rice: A classic pairing, rice absorbs the delicious honey garlic glaze perfectly.
- Quinoa: A healthy and protein-packed alternative to rice. Use seasoned or plain quinoa, depending on your preferences.
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts are excellent choices. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness and complements the savory salmon.
- Garlic Noodles: Prepare garlic butter, with some soy sauce, and toss in cooked noodles. A classic combination to pair with the glazed salmon.
- Sesame Ginger Salad: A refreshing salad with Asian-inspired flavors that complements the salmon perfectly.
Top Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon:
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked salmon can become dry and rubbery. Keep a close eye on the cooking time and check for doneness after 1.5 hours. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of honey. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
- Spice it Up: For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha sauce to the glaze.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger will provide the best flavor.
- Try Different Liquids: For a different flavor profile, experiment with adding chicken broth or vegetable broth. This will add moisture and impart a subtle savory flavor.
- Thick Fillets: If your salmon fillets are thick, consider adding a little extra time, or cutting to smaller and equally thickness pieces.
5 Facts about Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon:
- Healthy Choice: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function. This recipe offers a nutritious and delicious way to incorporate more salmon into your diet.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: The salmon reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping. Cook a batch on Sunday and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
- Easy Clean-Up: Using a slow cooker minimizes the mess and makes clean-up a breeze.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or available ingredients. For example, use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.
- Kid-Friendly: The sweet and savory flavor combination is often a hit with kids, making this a family-friendly meal option.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Allow the salmon to cool completely before storing it. Place the cooked salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: You can reheat the salmon in the microwave, oven, or skillet. For the microwave, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook it. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For the skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat and cook the salmon for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked salmon for longer storage. Allow the salmon to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s a simple, delicious, and healthy way to enjoy perfectly cooked salmon with minimal effort. Give it a try and experience the joys of slow-cooked seafood!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon FAQs:
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels before adding it to the slow cooker to remove excess moisture.
Can I use skin-on salmon?
Yes, you can use skin-on salmon. However, the skin may become soft during the slow cooking process. If you prefer crispy skin, you can remove the skin before cooking or broil the salmon for a few minutes after it’s cooked.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, you can add vegetables to the slow cooker along with the salmon. Broccoli florets, asparagus spears, or sliced bell peppers are good options. Add them during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking time.
What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use Gluten-free soy sauce so it can suite gluten-free