Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. If desired, dredge the fillets in flour for a light crust. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder as per your taste.

Make the Sauce: In a bowl or liquid measuring glass, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, and sriracha or cornstarch. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.

Heat the Sauce: In a skillet over medium-high heat, pour in the sauce and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Sear the Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon fillets in the skillet, skin side down. Sear for about 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Frequently baste the salmon with the sauce from the pan.

Broil or Bake: For a crispy finish, transfer the skillet to the broiler and broil for 5-6 minutes, continuing to baste with the sauce. Alternatively, you can bake the salmon in an oven preheated to 425°F for about 12 minutes.

Serve: Once cooked, spoon extra sauce over the salmon before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds or chives if desired.

For the best results, verify the salmon is fresh and ideally at room temperature before cooking.

Adjust the spice level of the sauce by modifying the amount of sriracha according to your preference. If you're looking for a more robust flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or blackening seasoning to the salmon before cooking.

Enjoy your delicious honey salmon with a side of steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal!