Sizzling Hot Honey Salmon Recipe: Spicy-Sweet Perfection!

Succulent salmon takes on a new dimension with this hot honey glazed salmon recipe that balances sweet and spicy notes perfectly.

The combination of golden honey and fiery chili creates a glaze that clings beautifully to each tender fillet.

Rich, omega-packed salmon turns into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort.

Crisp edges and a glossy finish make this meal both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.

Quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors, this recipe transforms a simple fish into an extraordinary dining experience.

The secret lies in the harmonious blend of heat and sweetness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to be amazed by how easily you can create a gourmet meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Tools You’ll Need For Hot Honey Glazed Salmon

• Large Skillet: Perfect for searing salmon with a beautiful golden crust.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps precisely measure salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
• Paper Towels: Essential for patting salmon fillets dry to ensure crispy exterior.
• Cooking Tongs: Great for flipping and handling delicate salmon fillets safely.
• Small Bowl: Useful for mixing glaze ingredients and seasoning mix.
• Basting Brush: Helps evenly spread hot honey glaze over salmon during cooking.

How To Cook Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Perfectly

• Prep the Salmon

Pat each salmon fillet dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture and ensure a crispy exterior when cooking.

• Season and Oil

Drizzle olive oil over the salmon, then generously sprinkle salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder across the surface to create a flavorful coating.

• Fire Up the Skillet

Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it’s sizzling hot and ready for searing.

• Sear to Perfection

Place the seasoned salmon skin-side down in the skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes until the skin turns golden and crispy. Flip carefully and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes.

• Whip Up the Hot Honey Glaze

In a small bowl, mix honey with your favorite hot sauce, creating a sweet and spicy glaze that will make the salmon irresistible.

• Glaze and Finish

Brush the hot honey mixture over the salmon during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to caramelize and create a stunning, glossy finish.

• Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the glazed salmon to a serving plate, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and savor the mouthwatering combination of crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors.

Tips For Bold Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Flavor

• Perfectly Crispy Skin: Ensure salmon is completely dry before cooking to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that adds delightful texture and flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the hot honey glaze up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator, making meal prep a breeze when you're short on time.
• Dietary Swaps: For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce in the glaze, and for a low-carb version, replace honey with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit syrup.
• Flavor Boost: Experiment with different herbs like fresh dill or thyme sprinkled on top just before serving to add an extra layer of aromatic complexity to the salmon.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Transform this recipe by replacing salmon with thick slices of grilled portobello mushrooms or firm tofu, keeping the same delicious hot honey glaze for a plant-based twist.

Serve Hot Honey Glazed Salmon With Sides That Match

• Flavor Fusion Plate: Serve this zesty salmon over a bed of quinoa or wild rice to soak up the delicious hot honey glaze, creating a perfect balance of protein and grains.
• Vibrant Side Companion: Pair the salmon with roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad with a light citrus vinaigrette to complement the rich, spicy-sweet flavors of the dish.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or green onions on top just before serving to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the entire plate.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform leftovers into a luxurious salmon eggs benedict by placing the glazed salmon on an English muffin and topping with a poached egg and hollandaise sauce.

Smart Storage For Hot Honey Glazed Salmon

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep cooked salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring it stays moist and retains its delicious flavor profile.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Warm leftover salmon gently in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain its tender texture and prevent drying out.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare extra salmon fillets during cooking to use in salads, grain bowls, or quick lunch wraps throughout the week, maximizing your kitchen efficiency.
• Freezer Friendly Option: Wrap individual salmon portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months, perfect for future quick and delicious meals.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 364 kcal

Servings: 5

Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Ingredients That Bring The Heat

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, wild-caught salmon offers richer flavor and healthier omega-3 fatty acids, with firm texture perfect for glazing.

• Olive Oil: Helps seasonings adhere and creates beautiful golden crust while adding heart-healthy fats.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that bring out salmon's natural richness.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds deep, smoky warmth and vibrant red color to the fish.
• Garlic Powder: Creates aromatic depth and subtle savory undertones.

• Hot Honey: Delivers sweet-spicy punch, caramelizing beautifully and creating glossy, irresistible coating that transforms ordinary salmon into gourmet dish.

Crispy Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Zesty hot honey glazed salmon delivers a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors that excite seafood enthusiasts. Rich marinade and quick cooking method ensure a delicious meal you can enjoy with minimal preparation time.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) hot sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) honey
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) smoked paprika
• 1 tsp (5 ml) red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) black pepper
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp (5 ml) apple cider vinegar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prep Salmon: Pat salmon fillets completely dry using a clean paper towel to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring a crisp, golden exterior during cooking.
2. Season Fillets: Massage olive oil onto each fillet, then generously coat with a spice blend of salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, pressing seasonings gently to enhance flavor penetration.
3. Preheat Cooking Surface: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high temperature, creating an ideal searing environment for achieving a perfectly caramelized exterior.
4. Cook First Side: Position seasoned salmon skin-side down, allowing it to sizzle undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the skin transforms into a crispy, golden-brown crust.
5. Finish Cooking: Carefully flip fillets and continue cooking 2-3 minutes, then prepare hot honey glaze by whisking honey, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar.
6. Glaze and Finish: Brush salmon with spicy-sweet glaze during the final cooking minute, creating a glossy caramelized surface. Remove from heat, let rest 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives, and plate immediately to preserve optimal flavor and textural integrity.

Notes

• Optimize Salmon Moisture: Pat salmon fillets completely dry before cooking to prevent steaming and ensure a perfectly crisp, golden-brown exterior that locks in delicious flavors.
• Control Heat Precision: Use medium-high heat to achieve ideal caramelization without burning the delicate fish, watching closely to maintain optimal cooking temperature throughout the process.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes in hot honey glaze to personalize heat intensity – reduce for mild flavor or increase for a more intense spicy kick that suits individual taste preferences.
• Glaze Application Technique: Apply hot honey glaze during the final cooking moments to prevent burning and create a glossy, caramelized finish that enhances the salmon’s natural richness without overwhelming its delicate texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 364
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg