Hot Honey Salmon

Featured in Delicious Main Dish Recipes for Every Occasion.

This dish pairs perfectly cooked salmon with a flavorful honey glaze that's sweet with a kick of spice. It's made using basic ingredients like hot honey, garlic, and lemon, and is done in half an hour. The sticky glaze gives it a bold finish, ideal for an easy yet fancy dinner.
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Updated on Sun, 27 Apr 2025 10:42:39 GMT
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This sizzling sweet-hot salmon dish mixes fiery, sugary, and rich tastes into one meal that's fancy yet quick to make. When the spicy honey coating meets perfectly cooked fish, you get a dinner that's fancy enough for guests but simple enough for busy weeknights.

The first time I tried hot honey with salmon, my kids looked at me like I was crazy. Now they beg for this dish every week, showing that sometimes the weirdest food combos turn out the best.

Must-Have Ingredients Overview

  • Salmon: Go for middle pieces with similar thickness so they cook evenly
  • Honey: Pick raw, nearby-sourced honey for richer taste
  • Hot Sauce: Choose one that's spicy but still tasty
  • Garlic: Only use whole cloves you crush yourself - the jarred stuff won't work
  • Lemon: Squeeze it yourself to wake up all the flavors
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Best Hot Honey Salmon Recipe | chefmelt.com

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Getting Your Salmon Ready
  • Wipe fillets completely dry with paper towels for better browning
  • Don't be shy with salt and pepper
  • Let fish warm up on the counter for 10-15 minutes
Creating Your Sauce
  • Warm the honey slightly so it spreads easier
  • Mix everything while the honey's still warm
  • Sample and tweak the spiciness before putting it on fish
Cooking To Perfection
  • Notice white stuff appearing on the edges
  • Press gently - it should push back a little
  • Watch for separating flakes but still juicy inside
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I grew up close to salmon country in the Pacific Northwest and learned how to cook fish right. This dish respects the salmon while adding some exciting kicks.

You can serve this dish for a basic family meal or dress it up when friends come over.

Everything in this recipe matters - honey brings the sweetness, hot sauce adds kick, and lemon cuts through with freshness.

When the honey browns up, it creates this gorgeous shiny coating that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

I've tweaked this recipe dozens of times until I got it just right. Now it's my go-to method for making salmon that wows everyone but isn't complicated when I'm busy.

Keeping And Warming Leftovers

While it's tastiest right after cooking, you can still enjoy what's left over:

  • Keep in a sealed container up to 2 days
  • Warm slowly in a cool oven (275°F)
  • Toss chilled leftovers into green salads or grain dishes
  • Mix into morning eggs for a fancy breakfast upgrade

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Homemade Hot Honey Salmon Recipe | chefmelt.com

Fixing Common Problems

If your glaze gets too dark too fast:

  • Turn your oven down 25 degrees
  • Put the rack in the center spot
  • Brush on thinner coats of glaze
  • Cover with foil if needed

If your salmon turns out dry:

  • Test it sooner for doneness
  • Use a food thermometer
  • Don't cut into it right away
  • Try taking it off heat at 135°F

Changing With The Seasons

Spring: Throw in fresh dill and chives
Summer: Serve alongside grilled peach slices
Fall: Add a bit of maple syrup to the mix
Winter: Include warm spices like ginger

Good For Your Body

Loaded with omega-3 healthy fats
Great source of quality protein
Full of helpful antioxidants
Helps fight body inflammation

I came up with this dish after talking to a honey seller at my local farmers market. When they suggested adding some heat to their honey, this family favorite was born.

Tasty Food Combinations

Wines: Slightly sweet Riesling or mild Pinot Noir
Sides: Rice with coconut milk, oven-roasted veggies
Sauces: Extra spicy honey for dipping
Toppings: Green herbs, toasted sesame seeds

Don't worry about messing up salmon. This recipe shows that with good stuff and basic know-how, you can make restaurant-quality food at home. Have fun cooking, and I hope this spicy-sweet salmon brings as much happiness to your dinner table as it has to mine!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes honey 'hot'?
Hot honey has chili peppers blended in, giving it a mix of sweetness and heat.
→ How can I tell if the salmon’s cooked?
It’s ready when it easily flakes with a fork and hits an internal temp of 145°F.
→ Can I skip the hot honey?
Sure! Switch it out for plain honey and add a pinch of chili flakes or a bit of hot sauce.
→ What pairs well with salmon?
Go for steamed rice, roasted veggies, or toss up a fresh salad for balance.
→ Is it grill-friendly?
Totally! Grill each side on medium-high for 4-5 minutes, brushing on glaze as it cooks.

Hot Honey Salmon

Tender salmon covered in a rich, spicy-sweet honey glaze. A quick and satisfying meal idea you'll love!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dish Recipes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 4 pieces of salmon (6 oz or 170g each)
02 1/3 cup of warm honey with some heat (80ml)
03 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
04 Juice from half a lemon (2 tablespoons/30ml)
05 A teaspoon of smoked paprika (5g)
06 Add salt and pepper however you like

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven to 220°C (425°F) and get a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.

Step 02

Stir together the warm honey, chopped garlic, lemon juice, paprika, plus a little salt and pepper until smooth.

Step 03

Lay out the salmon fillets on the parchment-covered baking tray and slather them with the honey mix.

Step 04

Pop it in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. Salmon's ready when it flakes easily and that glaze looks slightly caramelized.

Step 05

Give the salmon a couple of minutes to sit before you dig in.

Notes

  1. You’ll know it’s cooked when the salmon flakes smoothly.
  2. Dial up or down the honey's heat to match your taste.

Tools You'll Need

  • Tray for baking
  • Baking parchment
  • A small bowl for mixing
  • A brush for glazing

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Fish

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~