Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Balanced Flavors: The combination of honey and spice creates an irresistible glaze.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein, omega-3s, and antioxidants.
- Versatile: Pairs well with rice, vegetables, or salads.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon dry and rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Make the Hot Honey Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together honey, sriracha, soy sauce, vinegar, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet and brush generously with the hot honey glaze. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Broil for Caramelization: For a crispier top, broil for the last 2 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Drizzle extra glaze over the salmon and serve with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Air Fryer Version: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.
- Pan-Seared: Sear the salmon in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Milder Version: Reduce the sriracha for a less spicy glaze.
- Extra Crispy: Add a light panko breadcrumb coating before baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, thaw it completely before cooking for the best texture.
What’s the best type of salmon to use?
Wild-caught salmon (like sockeye or coho) is great for flavor, but farm-raised works well too.
Can I make this less spicy?
Yes! Reduce the sriracha or omit the red pepper flakes.
Can I grill the salmon instead?
Absolutely! Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side over medium heat.
What side dishes go well with this?
Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a light cucumber salad.
Can I substitute the honey?
Maple syrup or agave can work as alternatives.
How do I prevent my salmon from drying out?
Avoid overcooking. Remove from the oven when the internal temperature reaches 125-130°F (52-54°C) and let it rest.
What if I don’t have sriracha?
Use chili paste, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper as substitutes.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to a week and reheat before using.
Should I remove the skin?
You can leave it on for crispiness or remove it before cooking if preferred.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Salmon is a deliciously sweet and spicy dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether baked, pan-seared, or grilled, this dish will quickly become a go-to for a healthy, flavorful meal. Enjoy it with your favorite sides for a restaurant-quality dinner at home!
Hot Honey Salmon
This Hot Honey Salmon is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, featuring tender salmon fillets glazed with a sticky honey sauce infused with a kick of heat. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy recipe is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Seafood
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon dry and rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Make the Hot Honey Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together honey, sriracha, soy sauce, vinegar, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet and brush generously with the hot honey glaze. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Broil for Caramelization: For a crispier top, broil for the last 2 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Drizzle extra glaze over the salmon and serve with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For an air fryer version, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.
- To pan-sear, cook in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Reduce the sriracha for a milder glaze or add a panko crust for extra crunch.