Looking for a quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner? This hot honey glazed salmon recipe delivers exactly that! Perfectly flaky salmon fillets are brushed with a vibrant glaze that balances sweet honey with a fiery kick of chili, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. This recipe is guaranteed to become a new family favorite!
What is Hot Honey Glazed Salmon?
Hot Honey Glazed Salmon is a delectable dish featuring fresh salmon fillets coated in a flavorful glaze made from honey, red pepper flakes, and a touch of other seasonings. The salmon is then baked or pan-seared, resulting in a tender, flaky interior and a beautifully caramelized, slightly sticky exterior. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor achieved with minimal ingredients.
The sweetness of the honey complements the rich, fatty salmon perfectly, while the chili flakes add a pleasant warmth that elevates the entire dish. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal. This is an easy recipe that you’ll keep coming back to! Why not give it a try tonight?
Key Ingredients for Hot Honey Glazed Salmon:
- Salmon Fillets: 4 (6-8 ounce) skin-on or skinless salmon fillets, about 1 inch thick.
- Hot Honey: 1/4 cup (store-bought or homemade – recipe below).
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons.
- Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon (low sodium preferred).
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste.
- Optional Garnish: Sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Hot Honey Recipe (if making from scratch):
- 1/2 cup Honey
- 1 tablespoon Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- Pinch of Garlic Powder
Instructions: Gently heat honey in a saucepan over LOW heat (don’t boil). Stir in the pepper flakes, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Let simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors. Remove from heat and let cool before using. Be cautious, as hot honey can be quite spicy!
How to Make Hot Honey Glazed Salmon:
This Hot Honey Glazed Salmon is surprisingly simple to prepare and ready in under 30 minutes! The glaze comes together quickly with just a few ingredients, and the salmon cooks to perfection in the oven or on the stovetop. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors makes this dish incredibly satisfying. Get ready for an effortless meal that’s big on taste!
Preparation time 10 Mins and Cooking Time 15 Mins
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. If pan-searing, skip this step.
Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up nicely. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets.
Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the hot honey, olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Glaze the Salmon: Evenly brush the hot honey glaze over the tops and sides of the salmon fillets. Make sure each fillet is well-coated.
Bake (Oven Method): Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Thicker fillets may require slightly longer cooking time.
Pan-Sear (Stovetop Method): Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets, skin-side down, in the hot skillet. Sear for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the fillets and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
Optional Broil (Oven Method): For a more caramelized glaze, broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Rest: Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or extra red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Glazed Salmon:
This Hot Honey Glazed Salmon is an absolute winner because it’s incredibly flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion! The main highlight is undoubtedly the perfectly balanced sweet and spicy glaze that elevates the simple salmon to a whole new level. The glaze caramalizes beautifully during cooking, creating a sticky, flavorful crust that’s irresistible.
Making this dish at home is also a fantastic way to save money compared to ordering it at a restaurant. Salmon is a relatively affordable protein, and the glaze ingredients are pantry staples that are easy to come by. Plus, you have complete control over the quality of ingredients and the spice level.
What makes this recipe special is the versatility of the glaze. While it pairs wonderfully with salmon, it can also be used on other proteins like chicken or shrimp. The addition of lime juice adds a bright, zesty note that complements the sweetness of the honey and the heat of the chili.
If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like our Lemon Herb Baked Salmon, which offers a lighter, more citrusy take on baked salmon. However, if you are looking for something with a sweet and spicy kick, this Hot Honey Glazed Salmon is the way to go! Try making it tonight and experience the flavor explosion for yourself!
What to Serve Hot Honey Glazed Salmon With:
- Quinoa: A light and fluffy grain that complements the richness of the salmon.
- Roasted Asparagus: A simple and healthy side that adds a touch of green.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A comforting classic that pairs well with the sweet and spicy glaze.
- Steamed Broccoli: A quick and easy vegetable side that provides a dose of nutrients.
- Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice dish that absorbs the delicious glaze.
- Citrus Salad: A refreshing salad with oranges, grapefruit, and avocado to balance the richness of the salmon.
Top Tips for Perfecting Hot Honey Glazed Salmon:
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Overcooked salmon can become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes in the hot honey glaze. If you like it extra spicy, add more!
- Use High-Quality Honey: The flavor of the honey will significantly impact the final dish. Opt for a local, raw honey for the best taste.
- Pat the Salmon Dry: Patting the salmon dry before glazing will help it crisp up during cooking.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Feel free to add other spices or seasonings to the glaze, such as ginger, smoked paprika, or garlic powder.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Maple syrup can be used to substitute honey to make a healthy version, adjust the measurements accordingly.
5 Facts about Hot Honey Glazed Salmon:
- Health Benefits: Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared and cooked in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: The hot honey glaze can be used on other proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.
- Ingredient Source: This dish uses local raw honey.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Leftover Hot Honey Glazed Salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as this can dry out the salmon.
- Freezing: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Reheating from Frozen: Thaw the salmon overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as described above.
Final Thoughts:
This hot honey glazed salmon recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal. The combination of sweet honey and spicy chili creates a truly unforgettable taste experience. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to wow your family and friends with this amazing dish!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Hot Honey Glazed Salmon FAQs:
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Make sure to thaw it completely before cooking and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Q: Can I make the hot honey glaze ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The glaze can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q: What if I don’t have hot honey?
A: You can make your own hot honey by stirring red pepper flakes and a pinch of cayenne pepper into regular honey.
Q: Can I grill the salmon instead of baking or pan-searing?
A: Yes, grilling the salmon is a great option! Be sure to brush the grill grates with oil and cook the salmon over medium heat until cooked through.
Q: What other vegetables can I serve with this dish?
A: Roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or a simple salad are all excellent choices.