Let’s be honest, the words “slow cooker” and “salmon” don’t usually find themselves in the same sentence. We often think of salmon as a quick, pan-seared weeknight hero, not something that simmers for hours. But what if I told you that your crockpot could create the most unbelievably tender, flavor-infused salmon you’ve ever tasted?

This method is a game-changer. It takes the iconic sticky, sweet, and savory flavors of honey garlic glaze and lets them slowly and gently penetrate every single flake of fish. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will absolutely make you rethink what your slow cooker can do.

Why You’ll Adore This Method

This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a revelation in convenience and flavor. Imagine throwing a few simple ingredients into your pot in the morning and coming home to a gourmet-quality seafood dinner that’s ready to go. The slow, low heat works magic, making it impossible to overcook the salmon and creating a sauce that’s deeply rich and complex.

It’s perfect for those days when you want a healthy, impressive meal without any of the last-minute fuss or frantic stovetop activity. If you’ve been hesitant about cooking fish, this forgiving method is your new best friend. It practically guarantees perfection.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this effortless feast. Here’s what you’ll need to create this slow-cooked masterpiece.

• Salmon Filets: Aim for 4 filets, about 6 ounces each. Using thicker, center-cut filets works best here as they hold up beautifully to the longer cooking time.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: These essentials build a simple foundation of seasoning, enhancing the natural flavor of the salmon.
• Smoked Paprika: Just a half teaspoon adds a subtle, smoky depth that complements the sweetness of the honey wonderfully.
• Butter: The base of our luxurious sauce, providing richness and helping to meld all the other flavors together seamlessly.
• Fresh Garlic: Minced finely is key! Six cloves might sound like a lot, but slow cooking mellows the sharp bite into a sweet, aromatic goodness.
• Honey: The star of the sweet component, creating that iconic sticky glaze we all love. It caramelizes slightly as it cooks.
• Soy Sauce: This is our salty, umami powerhouse. It provides the savory counterpoint to the honey, creating that perfect balance.
• Sriracha Sauce: Don’t worry, it’s not for major heat. A tablespoon just adds a gentle, warm backbone that keeps the sauce from being too one-dimensional.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is always best! Its bright acidity cuts through the richness of the butter and honey, lightening up the whole dish.
• Water: A few tablespoons are just enough to give the sauce the right consistency to simmer and reduce into a glaze.

How to make Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon?

The process could not be simpler. It’s about layering flavors and letting time do the heavy lifting for you.

Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker

Start by lightly greasing the inner pot of your slow cooker with a little butter or oil. This simple step prevents any sticking and makes cleanup an absolute breeze later on.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Pat your salmon filets completely dry with a paper towel. This is crucial for helping the seasonings stick. Then, generously season both sides with the salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 3: Create the Magic Sauce

In a small bowl or a measuring cup, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, sriracha, lemon juice, and water. Give it a good whisk until it’s completely combined and smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Cook

Place your seasoned salmon filets in the bottom of the prepared slow cooker. Pour that beautiful honey garlic sauce evenly over the top of each filet, making sure they’re all well-coated.

Step 5: Let Time Work Its Magic

Cover and cook on the LOW setting for about 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your filets. It’s done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork but is still incredibly moist.

Step 6: The Finishing Touch

Carefully remove the salmon from the pot. The sauce will be thin. For a thicker, glossier glaze, pour the sauce into a small saucepan and simmer for 5-10 minutes until it reduces. Drizzle it over the salmon to serve.

Tips for Slow Cooker Salmon Success

• This method is forgiving, but a few expert tips will ensure your dish is nothing short of spectacular every single time.
• Always opt for fresh, not frozen, salmon for this recipe if you can. Thicker filets are your friend here, as thin tails can overcook quickly. Resist the urge to peek under the lid! Every time you do, you let out heat and extend the cooking time.
• If your slow cooker tends to run hot, check for doneness a little earlier. The salmon is perfect when it’s opaque and flakes easily but is still tender. Remember, it will continue to cook a bit even after it’s out of the pot.

Ingredient Substitutions

No soy sauce? No problem. You can easily use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative. They provide a very similar salty, umami flavor profile that works perfectly in the glaze.

If you’re out of fresh lemons, a tablespoon of bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch, though the fresh flavor is always superior. For a different citrus twist, try lime juice instead for a slightly more tropical vibe.

Don’t have sriracha? A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can provide that gentle kick. The goal is just a hint of warmth, not overwhelming spice.

How to Store and Reheat

Any leftover salmon is a treasure! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 2 days.

The best way to reheat it is gently. Place it on a baking sheet in a 275°F (135°C) oven until just warmed through. You can also microwave it on a very low power setting for short bursts to avoid turning it rubbery.

Honestly, this salmon is also fantastic served cold the next day! Flake it over a bed of greens for an incredible salmon salad—no reheating required.

Best Time to Serve This Dish

This dish is incredibly versatile. It’s the ultimate “fancy but easy” weeknight dinner that will have your family thinking you spent all day in the kitchen.

It’s also a fantastic option for a relaxed weekend lunch or a small dinner party where you want to be present with your guests, not stuck over a hot stove. Because the slow cooker does all the work, you get to enjoy the party too.

It’s a light yet satisfying meal that feels special without being heavy, making it suitable for any season. Serve it in the summer with a crisp salad or in the winter with some creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the incredible sauce.

Flavor Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to get creative and make it your own! The honey garlic base is a wonderful canvas for other flavors.

For an herby twist, add a teaspoon of dried thyme or a few sprigs of fresh dill to the pot before cooking. The subtle herbal notes will infuse the salmon and the sauce beautifully.

Love ginger? Add a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger to the sauce mixture. It pairs phenomenally well with the garlic and soy, adding a warm, zesty note.

For a touch of earthy sweetness, a tablespoon of orange marmalade whisked into the sauce is a delightful surprise. It adds a lovely citrus bitterness that balances the honey.

Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Recipe

Author: katie Smith Cooking Method: Slow Cooking Cuisine: American Courses: Main Course

Difficulty: easy Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 20 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 12.00 Calories: 420

Best Season: all year

Description

This Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon is a weeknight dinner hero—ready in just 20 minutes and made in one pan! Succulent salmon fillets are bathed in a simple, mouthwatering sauce of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and lemon, then broiled until sticky and caramelized. It's sweet, savory, and incredibly addictive, with no pan-searing required.

Ingredients

Servings

Salmon

• 4 (6 oz each) salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• ¼ tsp blackening seasoning (optional)

Honey Garlic Sauce

• 3 Tbsp butter
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ cup honey
• 3 Tbsp water
• 3 Tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 Tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste for spice)
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

For Serving

• fresh parsley (minced, for garnish)
• cooked rice (for serving)
• steamed vegetables (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prep and Season Salmon

   Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and blackening seasoning (if using). Season the salmon on all sides with the spice mixture and set aside.
   Mark as complete

2. Preheat Broiler

   Adjust your oven rack to the middle position. Preheat the broiler on high.
   Broiling with the rack too high can cause the sauce to burn.
   Mark as complete

3. Make the Sauce

   Place a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and olive oil. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 15 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the honey, water, soy sauce, sriracha, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 30 seconds to heat through.
   Mark as complete

4. Cook the Salmon

   Place the seasoned salmon fillets into the skillet, skin-side down if they have skin. Cook for 3 minutes, basting the fillets frequently with the sauce using a spoon.
   Mark as complete

5. Broil to Finish

   Transfer the skillet to the preheated broiler. Broil for 5-6 minutes, basting once more halfway through, until the salmon is cooked through, flaky, and the sauce is bubbly and caramelized.
   The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
   Mark as complete

6. Serve

   Remove the salmon from the skillet. Garnish with minced fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately with rice and steamed vegetables.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Serving Size 1 salmon fillet with sauce

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 420kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 22gg34%

Saturated Fat 8gg40%

Trans Fat 0gg

Cholesterol 95mgmg32%

Sodium 980mgmg41%

Potassium 780mgmg23%

Total Carbohydrate 32gg11%

Dietary Fiber 1gg4%

Sugars 28gg

Protein 26gg52%

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Calcium 40mg mg

Iron 1.8mg mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• No flipping needed: This recipe is designed to avoid the hassle of flipping delicate salmon. The broiler finishes the cooking perfectly.
• Skin on or off: This recipe works with both skin-on and skinless fillets. Skin-on will get crispier in the broiler.
• Prevent a watery sauce: If the sauce seems too thin, reduce the water to 1 tbsp or simmer the sauce for 1-2 minutes before adding the salmon to thicken it.
• Variations: For a pan-seared version, sear the salmon in the skillet first, then remove it, make the sauce, and spoon it over the cooked salmon. Add lemon zest or slices for a brighter flavor.
• Serving suggestions: Serve over rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. Top with green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the fish.

Keywords: honey garlic salmon, glazed salmon, easy salmon recipe, one pan salmon, weeknight dinner, healthy dinner, salmon in honey sauce, broiled salmon