This Hot Honey Glazed Salmon is the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. The rich, flaky salmon is coated in a sticky hot honey glaze made with butter, garlic, and a touch of spice, making it an easy yet impressive meal. Whether baked, pan-seared, or grilled, this dish is quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Serve it with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & Spicy Flavor – A perfect balance of honey sweetness and chili heat.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes!
- Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with protein, omega-3s, and essential vitamins.
- Versatile Cooking Methods – Bake, pan-sear, or grill to your preference.
- Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh salmon fillets
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil or butter
- Honey
- Hot sauce (like sriracha or chili flakes)
- Garlic, minced
- Soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- Lemon juice
- Smoked paprika (optional)
Directions
1. Prepare the Salmon
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Make the Hot Honey Glaze
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter (or heat olive oil).
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, lemon juice, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Cook the Salmon
Option 1: Pan-Seared
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the salmon skin-side down for 3-4 minutes until crispy.
- Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Brush or spoon the hot honey glaze over the salmon during the last minute of cooking.
Option 2: Baked
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush with the hot honey glaze.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness.
Option 3: Grilled
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Brush salmon with olive oil and place skin-side down on the grill.
- Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, basting with hot honey glaze.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with chopped parsley, sesame seeds, or lemon slices.
- Serve with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Extra Spicy – Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Soy-Free Option – Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Garlic-Lover’s Version – Double the garlic for an extra punch.
- Maple Honey Glaze – Swap honey for maple syrup for a richer flavor.
- Crispy Broiled Finish – Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for a caramelized crust.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Thaw it completely and pat dry before seasoning.
What’s the best hot sauce to use?
Sriracha, Frank’s Red Hot, or chili flakes all work well.
Can I make this glaze ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to a week and reheat before using.
Do I need to remove the salmon skin?
No, it helps keep the fillet moist and gets crispy when pan-seared.
What sides go well with this dish?
Rice, roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a simple green salad pair perfectly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use olive oil instead of butter.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The internal temperature should be 125-130°F (52-54°C) for medium-rare or 140°F (60°C) for well-done.
Can I use this glaze for other proteins?
Yes! It’s delicious on chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Why is my salmon dry?
Overcooking can dry it out. Keep an eye on the cooking time and remove it when just opaque.
Can I air-fry this?
Yes! Cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, basting with glaze halfway through.
Conclusion
This Hot Honey Glazed Salmon is a quick, flavorful meal with the perfect balance of sweet heat. Whether pan-seared, baked, or grilled, it’s an easy way to elevate your salmon dinner with minimal effort. Try it today and enjoy restaurant-quality flavor at home!
PrintHot Honey Glazed Salmon
This Hot Honey Glazed Salmon is coated in a sweet and spicy honey glaze with a touch of garlic and lemon. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared or Baked
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Hot Honey Glaze
- â…“ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Sriracha or Frank’s Red Hot)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra depth)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
1. Prep the Salmon
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Rub each fillet with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Make the Hot Honey Glaze
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
- Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
3. Cook the Salmon
Stovetop Method:
5. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 3–4 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
7. Brush the salmon generously with the hot honey glaze and let it caramelize for 1 minute before removing from heat.
Oven Method:
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Place salmon fillets on the baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes.
7. Brush with hot honey glaze in the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
4. Serve & Garnish
- Drizzle any extra glaze over the salmon before serving.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds (optional).
- Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes.
Notes
Adjust spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.- Swap hot sauce for chili paste for an extra kick.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor profile!