How to Make the Perfect Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Salmon
Asian-Inspired · Medium · 100 min · 4 servings
This slow cooker honey garlic salmon is glazed in a sweet and savory sauce that infuses deep into the flaky fillets during gentle low heat cooking. It is a lighter dinner option that proves the slow cooker is not just for heavy comfort food.
Why this recipe works
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Salmon recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 100 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 320 calories with 34g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 fillets salmon about 6 oz each skin on
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl whisk together the honey soy sauce minced garlic rice vinegar and sesame oil until smooth. Taste the glaze and adjust the ratio of honey to soy sauce based on your sweetness preference.
Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Line the bottom of the slow cooker with a sheet of aluminum foil or parchment paper. Place the salmon fillets skin side down in a single layer. This prevents the fish from sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
Step 3: Apply Glaze and Cook
Pour the honey garlic glaze evenly over the salmon fillets. Cover and cook on low for 1.5 hours. Do not cook on high as this will cause the salmon to overcook and fall apart. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Carefully lift the salmon fillets out of the slow cooker using a wide spatula. Spoon any remaining glaze from the pot over the fillets. Serve immediately over steamed rice or alongside roasted broccoli with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- salmon → cod or tilapia fillets for a milder white fish option
- honey → maple syrup for a different natural sweetener with a deeper flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Cooking on high heat which makes the salmon rubbery and dry
- Stacking the salmon fillets which causes uneven cooking and the bottom pieces to become overcooked
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 320 calories, 34g protein, 22g carbs, 11g fat, 0g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →