Why You’ll Love Hot Honey Salmon Recipe
This recipe balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in a way that transforms simple salmon into something exciting. The hot honey caramelizes beautifully as the fish bakes or pan-sears, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze. It’s quick, healthy, and easy to pair with rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Salmon fillets, skin on or off
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Olive oil
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Honey
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Hot sauce (such as sriracha, chili paste, or your favorite brand)
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Garlic, minced
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Lemon juice
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Salt and black pepper
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Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Directions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease.
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In a small bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
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Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and brush generously with the hot honey mixture.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon flakes easily with a fork. For extra caramelization, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
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Drizzle with extra hot honey sauce if desired and garnish with parsley or green onions.
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Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Servings and timing
Serves 4.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
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Air Fryer: Cook salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes.
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Grilled: Brush salmon with hot honey sauce and grill over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side.
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Citrus Twist: Add orange zest or lime juice for a fresh flavor.
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Garlic Butter Hot Honey: Stir in a little melted butter for a richer glaze.
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Extra Heat: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the honey mixture.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes or in a skillet over low heat. Avoid microwaving to prevent the salmon from drying out. You can also enjoy it cold, flaked over a salad.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
What’s the best honey to use?
Any type works, but raw or local honey gives the best flavor.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, use less hot sauce for milder heat or more for spicier flavor.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, mix the hot honey glaze up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate.
Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Yes, sear salmon in a skillet over medium-high heat, then spoon hot honey sauce over it until caramelized.
Is hot honey salmon healthy?
Yes, it’s high in protein and omega-3s, with a naturally sweet and spicy glaze.
Can I use another protein?
Absolutely—shrimp, chicken, or tofu all pair well with hot honey.
How do I keep salmon moist?
Avoid overcooking and let it rest for a few minutes after baking.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally dairy-free.
What sides go best with hot honey salmon?
Rice, roasted veggies, quinoa, or a crisp green salad complement it beautifully.
Conclusion
Hot honey salmon is a simple yet bold dish that delivers sweet heat with every bite. Quick to prepare and endlessly versatile, it’s the perfect choice when you want a flavorful dinner that feels indulgent but comes together in under 30 minutes.
Hot Honey Salmon
Tender, flaky salmon glazed with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce — a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Inspired
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- For the hot honey glaze:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (like sriracha or your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat salmon dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and olive oil. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar/lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Brush half of the hot honey glaze over salmon fillets.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Drizzle remaining glaze over salmon before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, sesame seeds, or lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control spice level.
- Great served with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad.
- Air fryer option: cook salmon at 390°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, brushing with glaze halfway.
