If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, this Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender, flaky salmon fillets coated in a glossy, sticky glaze that dances on your tongue with the warmth of chili flakes and the subtle sweetness of honey. It’s an effortless way to feel like a gourmet chef in your own kitchen, perfect for any night you want something special but don’t want to fuss with complicated ingredients or steps. This recipe is a real crowd-pleaser that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in the Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe is simple, yet essential to build layers of flavor and texture that make this dish unforgettable. From the richness of butter to the tangy brightness of rice vinegar, each component plays a starring role.
- 4 fillets (7oz each) boneless skinless salmon fillets: Choose fresh salmon at room temperature to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- 1/3 cup honey: Provides the natural sweetness that balances out the spice beautifully.
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that luscious, caramelized glaze.
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that cuts through the sweetness.
- 1.5 tbsp soy sauce: Adds umami depth and a savory backbone.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Delivers aromatic pungency that enhances every bite.
- 0.5 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste): Provides a gentle kick of heat—feel free to add more if you like it spicier.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the salmon.
- Olive oil for cooking: Helps achieve a perfect sear without overwhelming the fish.
- Spring onions, finely diced for serving: Adds a fresh, crisp note and lovely color contrast.
How to Make Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Salmon
Start by patting your salmon fillets dry with paper towels—this helps the skinless surface crisp up slightly and allows the seasoning to stick better. Then, season both sides of the fish generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple step is the foundation of flavor, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 2: Searing the Salmon
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the salmon skin-side up and sear for about 3 minutes without moving it. This technique locks in juices and creates a slight crust. Then flip and cook for another minute to achieve that gorgeous golden exterior on the other side.
Step 3: Basting with Butter
Push the salmon to one side of the pan and add the butter to the empty space. Tilt the pan slightly so the butter pools, then carefully use a spoon to baste the salmon repeatedly. This technique imparts richness and helps the fish develop a golden brown color that’s mouthwateringly beautiful.
Step 4: Making the Hot Honey Glaze
Remove the salmon from the pan temporarily, then add the minced garlic and chili flakes to the butter remaining in the pan. Sauté briefly until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic. Now, stir in the honey, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Let this mixture simmer gently until it thickens into a sticky, caramel-like glaze that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Final Glazing and Serving
Return the salmon fillets to the pan and baste them generously with your homemade hot honey glaze. Allow the fish to soak up the flavors for a minute or two, turning once to coat evenly. The glaze will cling perfectly to the salmon’s surface, creating a shiny, irresistible finish. Garnish with finely diced spring onions for a fresh pop of color and crunch before serving.
How to Serve Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Spring onions are the perfect finishing touch, adding bright green color and a mild oniony flavor that complements the rich, sweet-spicy glaze. For an extra layer of freshness, consider a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a wedge of lemon for a zesty squeeze.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the glaze’s goodness. Think fluffy jasmine rice or buttery mashed potatoes to provide comfort and soak up the sauce. For greens, sautéed asparagus or a crunchy cucumber salad offer a crisp contrast that balances the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salmon over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa, drizzling the leftover glaze around the plate like restaurant-style plating. Garnish with microgreens or edible flowers if you want to impress guests with a splash of elegance. This recipe is as much about gorgeous dinner table appeal as it is about flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe, place the salmon fillets in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Just be mindful that the texture is best when eaten fresh, but the flavors remain delightful even after chilling.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked glazed salmon by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 1 month, but the texture might be a bit softer upon thawing. Freeze in single portions so you can thaw exactly what you need for a quick meal later.
Reheating
To reheat leftover salmon, gently warm it in a low oven (around 275°F/135°C) or microwave it in short bursts to avoid drying it out. You can spoon a bit of extra glaze or butter over the fish to keep it moist. Be careful not to overheat, as salmon can become tough quickly.
FAQs
Can I use salmon with skin on for this Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe?
Absolutely! Skin-on salmon can add extra texture and flavor. Just start cooking it skin-side down to crisp up the skin before flipping during searing.
How spicy is the Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe?
The heat level is quite gentle due to the 0.5 tsp of chili flakes, but you can easily adjust by adding more if you enjoy a spicier kick or less if you prefer mild flavors.
Is this Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It’s excellent for meal prep because it’s quick to make and tastes delicious cold or reheated. Just store and portion accordingly for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
What can I substitute for rice vinegar in this recipe?
If you don’t have rice vinegar, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be good swaps. Just use a bit less and adjust to taste, as they are usually more acidic.
Can I make the hot honey glaze ahead of time?
Definitely! The glaze can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat it gently before spooning over the salmon to maintain that perfect sticky texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe that makes it a standout no matter the occasion. It’s simple, elegant, and bursting with flavors that feel like a celebration on your plate. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see how effortlessly it elevates your dinner routine. Once you taste that perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory, you’ll be coming back for seconds every time.
Print
Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (one 7oz salmon fillet per serving)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hot Honey Glazed Salmon recipe combines tender, flaky salmon fillets with a deliciously sticky glaze made from honey, butter, and a touch of chili flakes for a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Quickly pan-seared and coated with a luscious caramelized sauce, this dish is ideal for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner or special meal.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 fillets (7oz each) boneless skinless salmon fillets, room temperature
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Hot Honey Glaze
- 1/3 cup honey
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1.5 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 0.5 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
Garnish
- Spring onions, finely diced for serving
Instructions
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavor of the fish.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side up and cook for 3 minutes undisturbed to develop a golden crust. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Baste with Butter: Move the salmon fillets to one side of the pan. Add the unsalted butter to the pan and allow it to melt. Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to continuously baste the butter over the salmon, cooking until the fillets are golden on both sides and cooked to your desired doneness.
- Prepare the Glaze: Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, sauté the minced garlic and chili flakes briefly until fragrant. Then add the honey, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir and simmer the mixture until it thickens and reaches a caramel-like consistency.
- Coat and Serve: Return the salmon fillets to the pan and baste them thoroughly with the hot honey glaze to coat evenly. Plate the salmon and garnish liberally with finely diced spring onions before serving warm.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your heat preference.
- Make sure the salmon fillets are at room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar if unavailable.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
