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Hot Honey Salmon is a spicy-sweet salmon recipe with fresh salmon fillets. Pan seared salmon with extra crispy skin, tons if infused flavor, and then it finishes roasting in the oven for a few minutes. An easy weeknight meal!
For more favorite salmon recipes be sure and try Air Fryer Salmon Bites and Pan Seared Salmon (Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce).
Hot Honey Salmon Recipe
Hot honey anything is making the rounds on the internet! You will love this dinnertime version of the famous hot honey recipes – natural flavors of the salmon sear and roast in a slightly spicy glaze that any salmon lover will LOVE.
Searing the salmon makes it crispy and locks in all the flavors. You then transfer the salmon to the oven to allow it to finish roasting in the oven. My family loves some additional honey (regular sweet honey) drizzled over top the salmon for a sweeter bite. Or scoop up the remaining hot honey glaze from the skillet pan and spoon it over top the salmon fillets for serving.
Ingredients Needed
- Hot Honey : This is honey that you purchase at the grocery store. It’s a sweet & spicy honey with a slight kick to it.
- Lemon : Zest the lemon first and then juice it.
- Smoked Paprika
- Garlic Powder
- Salt : I like to use kosher salt but sea salt or pink Himalayan salt are other great options.
- Black Pepper
- Olive Oil : I prefer using extra-virgin ‘light tasting’ olive oil.
- Salmon Fillets : You can purchase an individual pack of salmon fillets or buy a large salmon piece (like from Costco) and cut it into 4-5 smaller fillets.
- Garlic Cloves
How To Make Salmon Fillets With Hot Honey Glaze (Printable Recipe Card)
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
In a small bowl, whisk together the hot honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Heat the olive oil in an oven safe skillet pan over medium high heat. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Add the salmon fillets and crushed garlic cloves into the skillet, skin-side down, and sear for 3 minutes or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
Brush the hot honey sauce evenly over top of each salmon fillet and add the remaining sauce to the pan. Transfer the skillet pan with the salmon to the preheated oven and bake for 4-5 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through (145 degrees F) and easily flakes with a fork.
Remove the skillet pan from the oven and transfer the salmon filets to serving plates. Spoon some of the sauce from the skillet pan onto the salmon for serving (if wanted) or drizzle the salmon with additional hot honey. Enjoy!
How To Store Leftover Salmon
Any leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator, covered in an airtight container, and consumed within 2-3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
What Should I Serve With Hot Honey Salmon?
- Rice, Rice Pilaf, Cauliflower Rice, or Quinoa : These grains make a perfect base to soak up the extra sauce and balance the richness of the salmon.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables : Asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or a medley of seasonal vegetables can add color and nutrients to your plate.
- Salad : A light, crisp salad with your favorite vinaigrette dressing can offset the sweetness and spiciness of the salmon. Use greens of your choice or purchase a bag of mixed salad greens and add some additional veggies to it.
- Potatoes : Roasted, mashed, or boiled potatoes (or sweet potatoes) work well with salmon, providing a comforting and hearty side. Try
- Coleslaw, Cucumber Salad, or Pasta Salad : Either provides a cool and crunchy, creamy texture contrast to the warm and spicy fish.
Recipe FAQ’s
How Do I Know When The Salmon Is Fully Cooked?
Salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and reaches a safe internal temperature of 145 degrees F. The flesh should be opaque and tender.
Can This Recipe Be Made Ahead of Time?
Salmon is best enjoyed fresh so I do not recommend making the salmon ahead of time, however, you can prepare the hot honey sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
Is It Necessary To Sear The Salmon Before Baking?
Searing the salmon helps to crisp the sin and seal in the flavors, so I would most definitely recommend searing the salmon first and then letting it finish baking and roasting in the oven.
Can I Make This Dish Even Spicier?
The recipe as is has a slight spice to it due to the hot honey. But combined with the sweetness of the honey and mild salmon, even my kids can handle eating it. If you want more spice, try adding a little bit of chili powder, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for a spicy flavor.
What Are Some Garnishes I Can Add For Serving?
My family loves adding some thinly sliced green onions on top of the salmon, and you can also drizzle some additional hot honey or regular honey over top the salmon.
What If I Can’t Find Hot Honey?
Hot honey is a chili-infused honey that adds both sweetness and a subtle kick of heat. If you can’t find hot honey (I buy Mike’s Hot Honey at the grocery store) then use regular honey with some added chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red chili flakes. Or for a sweet dish just use regular honey and skip the hot honey.
Hot Honey Salmon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup hot honey
- 1 lemon zested & juiced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (I use kosher salt)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (I use extra-virgin 'light tasting' olive oil)
- 4 (6 oz each) fresh salmon fillets
- 2 cloves garlic minced or pressed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400℉.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the hot honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.1/4 cup hot honey, 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Heat the olive oil in an oven safe skillet pan over medium high heat. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Add the salmon fillets and crushed garlic cloves into the skillet, skin-side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.1 tablespoon olive oil, 4 (6 oz each) fresh salmon fillets, 2 cloves garlic
- Brush the hot honey sauce evenly over top of each salmon fillet and add the remaining sauce to the pan.
- Transfer the skillet pan with the salmon to the preheated oven and bake for 4-5 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through (145℉) and easily flakes with a fork.
- Remove the skillet pan from the oven and transfer the salmon filets to serving plates. Spoon some of the sauce from the skillet pan onto the salmon for serving (if wanted) or drizzle the salmon with additional hot honey or honey. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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