DinnerHoney Garlic Salmon Skewers
Dinner

Honey Garlic Salmon Skewers

These honey garlic salmon skewers are such an easy and flavorful dinner. The salmon gets seasoned, baked until tender, and coated in a rich honey garlic butter that makes every bite so good. Paired with cilantro lime rice, it’s the perfect meal when you want something simple that still feels special.

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20m
Prep
20m
Cook
40m
Total
4
Serves
easy
Level
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Instructions

  1. Prep the salmon
    Remove the skin from the salmon, then cut it into cubes.
  2. Season the salmon
    In a bowl, toss the salmon with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, and chili powder until evenly coated.
  3. Skewer the salmon
    Thread the salmon pieces onto skewers, about 4 to 5 pieces per skewer.
  4. Make the honey garlic butter
    In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, honey, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Stir until combined and warmed through.
  5. Bake the salmon
    Place the skewers on a baking tray and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
  6. Finish with the honey garlic butter
    Brush or spoon the honey garlic butter over the cooked salmon skewers.
  7. Serve
    Serve warm with cilantro lime rice if desired.

About this recipe

These honey garlic salmon skewers are one of those meals that look impressive but are actually so easy to make. The salmon gets cubed, seasoned, skewered, and baked, then finished with a rich honey garlic butter that gives it the best sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavor. It’s a simple recipe, but the end result feels like something a little more special, which makes it perfect for both easy weeknight dinners and meals you want to serve when you have people over.

What makes this recipe so good is the combination of flavors. The smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder give the salmon a warm, savory base, while the honey garlic butter adds richness and just the right amount of sweetness. The salmon stays tender and flaky in the oven, and the butter brushed over top gives it that glossy finish that makes it even more delicious. Paired with cilantro lime rice, it turns into such a satisfying meal.

I also love that this recipe is easy to customize. You can make it a little sweeter with more honey, add more red pepper flakes for heat, or serve it with rice, salad, or roasted vegetables depending on what you’re in the mood for. If you’re looking for an easy salmon skewer recipe that’s flavorful, simple, and perfect for dinner, this one is such a good one to make.

Good to know

Why you'll love it

  • It’s an easy dinner that feels a little more special without much effort
  • The honey garlic butter gives the salmon so much flavour
  • Baking the skewers keeps the recipe simple and mess-free
  • It pairs perfectly with cilantro lime rice, vegetables, or salad
  • The seasoning blend gives the salmon a warm smoky flavour
  • It looks beautiful for serving but is still beginner-friendly.

Ingredient notes

  • Salmon: Try to use a fresh salmon fillet that is easy to cube evenly. Cutting the salmon into similar-sized pieces helps it cook more evenly.
  • Olive oil: Olive oil helps the seasonings coat the salmon and keeps it from drying out.
  • Smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor that works really well with the honey garlic butter.
  • Garlic powder: Garlic powder seasons the salmon itself, while fresh garlic goes into the butter for even more flavor.
  • Chili powder: This adds warmth and a mild kick without overpowering the salmon.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter gives the sauce richness and lets you control the salt level more easily.
  • Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps create that glossy finish on the salmon.
  • Red pepper flakes: These are optional but great if you want a little heat to balance the sweetness.
  • Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water first so they do not burn in the oven.
  • Cilantro lime rice: This makes a great side because it adds freshness and balances the richness of the salmon.

Tips & tricks

  • Cut the salmon into evenly sized cubes so the skewers cook at the same rate.
  • Do not overcrowd the skewers or the salmon may not cook as evenly.
  • If using wooden skewers, soak them before baking.
  • Melt the honey garlic butter gently over low heat so the garlic does not burn.
  • Brush the butter on while the salmon is hot so it absorbs more flavor.
  • Be careful not to overbake the salmon or it can dry out.
  • Add extra red pepper flakes at the end if you want a little more heat.

Storage & make-ahead

Storage: Store leftover salmon skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven, air fryer, or microwave until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook the salmon when reheating.

Make ahead: You can cube and season the salmon ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge until ready to skewer and bake. The honey garlic butter can also be made ahead and reheated gently.

Best tip: For the best texture, brush with the honey garlic butter right before serving or just after baking.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but make sure it is fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and skewering.
The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when fully cooked.
Cilantro lime rice, roasted vegetables, salad, or even noodles would all work really well.
Yes. You can season and skewer the salmon ahead, then bake when ready to serve.
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