Glazed Salmon Garlic Mashed Potatoes

The first time I made Glazed Salmon with Garlic Mashed Potatoes, the kitchen smelled like butter and roasted garlic. The salmon caramelized perfectly—sticky, sweet, and just a little crisp at the edges.

It’s one of those dinners that feels fancy but comes together so easily. I love making it on quiet nights when I want something warm and comforting without spending hours cooking.

If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful meal that hits all the right notes, this glazed salmon and creamy mashed potato combo is the one to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress your family with a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a fine dining kitchen.
• Balanced Flavors: The sweet honey-soy glaze pairs perfectly with creamy, garlicky potatoes.
• Complete Meal: Salmon, potatoes, and green beans all come together for a full dinner.
• Quick Enough for Weeknights: Ready in about an hour with straightforward steps.
• Special Occasion Worthy: Perfect for date nights, celebrations, or when you want to treat yourself.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time: Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: This recipe serves 4 people. If you need to feed more, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking sheet for the salmon.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Beginners can follow along, and experienced cooks will appreciate the simple elegance.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Medium saucepan for potatoes
• Small saucepan for glaze
• Potato masher or hand mixer
• Baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper
• Small bowl for mixing seasonings
• Whisk for glaze
• Meat thermometer (optional but helpful)

Ingredients

This recipe brings together a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create something truly special. The glaze uses honey and soy sauce as a base, while the potatoes get their richness from butter and cream.

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon Jamaican allspice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
• 1 packet Sazon Goya

For the Glaze:

• 3 tablespoons Jack Daniels whiskey
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

For the Garlic Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 pounds red potatoes, cut into chunks
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Green Beans:

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Variations for Glazed Salmon

• Make It Spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for heat.
• Try Different Fish: This glaze works beautifully on cod, halibut, or trout.
• Skip the Alcohol: Replace Jack Daniels with apple juice or chicken broth.
• Add Citrus: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the glaze even more.
• Different Potatoes: Swap red potatoes for Yukon Gold or russet potatoes for a different texture.

How to Make Glazed Salmon with Garlic Mashed Potatoes Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes

Place the cut red potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.

2. Season the Salmon

While the potatoes cook, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the Old Bay seasoning, Jamaican allspice, garlic powder, Creole seasoning, and Sazon Goya. Brush each fillet with olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and sesame oil. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the salmon.

3. Make the Glaze

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the Jack Daniels, brown sugar, honey, and soy sauce. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble gently. In a small cup, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Pour this into the saucepan and whisk constantly. The glaze will thicken in about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Cook the Salmon

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Place the seasoned salmon fillets on the sheet, skin side down if your fillets have skin. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145 degrees. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, brush half of the glaze over the salmon and return to the oven.

5. Finish the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are tender, drain them well and return them to the pot. In a small pan, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour the garlic butter, milk, and heavy cream into the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Cook the Green Beans

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and toss with butter, salt, and pepper.

7. Glaze and Serve

Remove the salmon from the oven and brush with the remaining glaze. Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes before plating.

Serving and Decoration

Plate a generous scoop of garlic mashed potatoes in the center of each plate. Place a salmon fillet on top or beside the potatoes. Arrange the green beans alongside. Drizzle any extra glaze over the salmon for a glossy finish. For a restaurant touch, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a lemon wedge. The caramelized glaze on the salmon creates a beautiful shine that makes this dish look as good as it tastes.

How to Serve Glazed Salmon

This complete meal needs little else, but here are some ideas to round out your dinner:

• With a Side Salad: A simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette adds freshness.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots instead of green beans.
• With Rice: Serve the salmon over white rice or brown rice to soak up the extra glaze.
• With Crusty Bread: A slice of warm bread is perfect for mopping up any glaze left on the plate.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir complements the rich salmon.

Storing Glazed Salmon with Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• Cooked Salmon: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a 300-degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes to avoid drying it out.
• Mashed Potatoes: Keep mashed potatoes in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
• Green Beans: Store cooked green beans for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a bit of butter.
• Glaze: Extra glaze can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm it gently before using.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon continues to cook after you remove it from the oven. Take it out when it just starts to flake.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your butter, milk, and cream sit out for 20 minutes before making the potatoes for the smoothest texture.
• Pat the Salmon Dry: Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick and creates better browning.
• Adjust the Glaze: If your glaze gets too thick, thin it with a tablespoon of water. If it is too thin, simmer it a bit longer.
• Fresh Garlic Makes a Difference: Pre-minced garlic from a jar works in a pinch, but fresh garlic gives the potatoes more flavor.
• Check for Bones: Run your fingers over the salmon before cooking to find and remove any small pin bones.

Nutrition

Glazed Salmon FAQs