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
- 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
Instructions
- Prep Salmon: Pat salmon fillets completely dry using a clean paper towel to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring a crisp, golden exterior during cooking.
- 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.
- Preheat Cooking Surface: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high temperature, creating an ideal searing environment for achieving a perfectly caramelized exterior.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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