Fish & Seafood

Apple Cider and Honey Glazed Salmon

Pan-seared salmon fillets with a sticky apple cider and honey glaze. Quick to make, full of sweet and savoury flavour, and impressive enough for guests.

4 (1 review)
By Ricky Robinson Updated October 20, 2026

This glazed salmon is one of those recipes that looks and tastes like you've put in a lot more effort than you actually have. Two salmon fillets, a handful of store cupboard ingredients, and about 30 minutes is all it takes. The glaze is built from apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and a pinch of cinnamon, and it gets reduced down in a small saucepan until it's thick, sticky, and glossy.

The combination of sweet and savoury is what makes this work so well. The honey brings warmth and richness, the mustard adds a gentle sharpness, and the soy sauce gives it a salty depth that stops the glaze from being one-dimensional. Apple cider might seem like an unusual base, but it brings a subtle fruitiness that pairs naturally with salmon without overpowering it.

Reducing the glaze properly is key. Give it the full 8 to 10 minutes on medium-low heat and you'll get a syrupy consistency that clings to the fish rather than running straight off it.
Apple Cider and Honey Glazed Salmon recipe image
Apple Cider and Honey Glazed Salmon

When it comes to cooking the salmon, the method is straightforward. Pat the fillets dry before they go into the pan as this is what gives you a proper golden crust rather than steaming. A hot non-stick pan with a little olive oil is all you need. Sear the first side for 3 to 4 minutes without moving the fish, then flip and pour half the glaze over the top. Baste regularly for the remaining few minutes of cooking.

Salmon is done when it's opaque all the way through and flakes easily when pressed gently with a fork. Once it comes off the heat, drizzle over the remaining fresh glaze from the saucepan. This gives the dish two layers of flavour: the caramelised glaze that's cooked into the fish and the fresher, brighter version poured over at the end. It's a small thing but it makes a noticeable difference to the finished result.

Apple Cider and Honey Glazed Salmon

Apple cider Glaze Honey Mustard Salmon
Total Time 28 min
Servings 2 servings
Calories 470 cal
Protein 36g

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Knife
  • Non-stick Frying Pan
  • Small Saucepan
  • Chopping Board

Instructions

  1. 1
    In a small saucepan, mix the apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, garlic powder, thyme, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until it reduces by about half and becomes thick and syrupy. Set aside.
  2. 2
    Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. 3
    Heat the olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Place the salmon in the pan. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes until a golden crust forms.
  4. 4
    Flip the fillets. Pour about half of the cider reduction over the fish. Continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes, basting the salmon frequently with the glaze from the pan.
  5. 5
    Remove from the heat once the salmon is opaque and flakes easily. Drizzle the remaining fresh glaze from the saucepan over the top before serving.
Ricky Robinson - Recipe Author
Ricky Robinson

Home cook sharing delicious recipes with a focus on flavour and simplicity.

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Good to know

Tips &
Extras

Keep it fresh

Storage

Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to avoid overcooking the fish, or enjoy cold, flaked over a salad.

Plate it up

Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed basmati rice or buttered new potatoes and a side of wilted spinach or green beans. A wedge of lemon alongside cuts through the sweetness of the glaze nicely.

Rate & Review

4 • 1 review

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