Oh my goodness, can we just talk about that magical combo of sweet and spicy for a second? It’s seriously my favorite flavor profile, and I’ve been obsessed with finding ways to bring it into everyday meals. One night, messing around in the kitchen, I accidentally stumbled upon pure gold: this incredible Hot Honey Salmon. It’s the easiest weeknight dinner ever, so ridiculously delicious, and hits that perfect sweet-yet-spicy note that just makes your taste buds sing. Seriously, this recipe is my go-to when I need something amazing on the table fast!
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Salmon
Seriously, this dish is a game-changer for weeknights! Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- So Quick! We’re talking 20 minutes from pantry to plate. Perfect for when you’re starving and don’t want to fuss.
- Sweet & Spicy Bliss: That hot honey glaze is just *chef’s kiss*! It makes the salmon taste so fancy, but it’s ridiculously easy.
- Barely Any Cleanup: Everything cooks on one baking sheet, so cleanup is a breeze. More time for you!
- Healthy Hero: It’s packed with protein and good-for-you fats. A guilt-free meal that tastes incredible.
Ingredients for Your Perfect Hot Honey Salmon
Okay, you won’t believe how simple this is! You just need a few things:
- 1 lb salmon fillet: Get a nice thick piece, skin on or off, whatever you prefer! I usually grab the center cut.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Just your regular, good old extra virgin olive oil will do the trick.
- 1/4 cup hot honey: This is the star here! You can totally dial up or down the amount depending on how much kick you want. If you don’t have hot honey, just warm up regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Low-sodium is my jam, just so it’s not too salty, but any soy sauce works.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Easy peasy, gives it a nice savory depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always a must!
That’s literally it! See? So easy!
How to Make Hot Honey Salmon: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get this amazing salmon baked! It’s seriously so straightforward, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t make it sooner. If you love salmon, you might also enjoy my mango teriyaki salmon or even my festive baked stuffed salmon!
Preheating and Preparing the Salmon
First things first, let’s get that oven nice and hot. Preheat it to 400°F (about 200°C). Then, take your salmon fillet and give it a good pat-down with some paper towels. Getting it nice and dry is super important – it helps the glaze stick better and gives you a slightly nicer texture, not watery at all.
Crafting the Hot Honey Glaze
Now for the magic sauce! Grab a little bowl and whisk together your olive oil, that glorious hot honey (add a little more or less if you’re feeling brave or cautious!), and the soy sauce. Don’t forget the garlic powder! Just mix it all up until it’s beautifully combined and glossy. So easy!
Glazing and Baking Your Hot Honey Salmon
Lay your prepped salmon fillet on a baking sheet that’s lined with parchment paper. Parchment is your friend here – makes cleanup a breeze! Now, generously brush that delicious hot honey glaze all over the top of the salmon. Make sure it’s coated evenly. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper over the top, whatever your heart desires. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the salmon flakes apart easily with a fork and looks perfectly cooked through. Just keep an eye on it, as ovens can be a bit quirky!
Tips for the Best Hot Honey Salmon
Alright, so you’ve got the basic recipe, but let’s talk about making this Hot Honey Salmon absolutely sing! Trust me, a few little tricks can really take it from good to sensational. My kitchen experiments have taught me a thing or two, so here are my best tips for you.
First off, don’t be afraid of that hot honey! If you’re worried about the heat, just start with a little less and you can always add more to your plate. Or, mix up your own by warming some regular honey with red pepper flakes – you control the fire! And about doneness? I always check because salmon can go from perfect to dry in a flash. Look for it to flake easily with a fork, but don’t overbake it! If you’re serving it with sides, I always recommend something like these garlic herb roasted potatoes or my healthy smashed carrots. They’re just perfect with that sweet and spicy glaze!
Serving Suggestions for Hot Honey Salmon
This Hot Honey Salmon is so versatile, you can pair it with almost anything! For a super fresh vibe, my pineapple cucumber salad is a dream. Or, if you want something warm and comforting, try serving it with some roasted veggies drizzled with my amazing tahini yogurt sauce. And for a lighter, brighter meal, especially in summer, you can’t go wrong with a scoop of my summer peach fruit salad on the side. It’s a complete, delicious meal!
Storing and Reheating Your Hot Honey Salmon
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To keep your delicious Hot Honey Salmon tasting its best, let it cool completely before popping it into an airtight container. It should stay good in the fridge for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just be gentle! The microwave is usually quickest, but a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes works great too, helping it retain that lovely moistness without drying out too much. Avoid super high heat, or you might end up with a dry piece of fish!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Honey Salmon
Got a burning question about this Hot Honey Salmon? I’ve got you covered!
Can I use a different type of fish with this glaze?
Absolutely! This hot honey glaze is super versatile. It’s fantastic on chicken breasts, pork chops, shrimp, or even firm tofu. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you’re using. It’s a real knockout on just about anything!
How exactly spicy is hot honey, and how can I adjust it?
Hot honey can vary a bit, but generally, it offers a lovely warmth without being overwhelmingly hot for most people. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with just a tablespoon or two of the hot honey and taste your glaze before brushing it on. You can always add more! Or, if you want it *extra* spicy, just add a pinch more red pepper flakes to your regular honey mixture.
Can I prepare the hot honey glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you totally can! The glaze keeps really well in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container. Just give it a good whisk or shake before you use it, as sometimes the oil and honey can separate a little. It makes getting dinner on the table even faster!
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
It’s definitely great for meal prep! You can bake the salmon and then portion it out for lunches throughout the week. To reheat, I really recommend warming it gently in a low oven or a toaster oven rather than the microwave to keep it from getting too dry. It still tastes amazing!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a friendly reminder that these numbers are estimates and can totally change depending on the exact brands you use and, of course, how much glaze you slather on! But generally, a serving of this glorious Hot Honey Salmon will set you back around 350 calories, with about 25g of protein and 20g of fat, plus 18g of carbs and 15g of sugar from that lovely honey. Pretty good for such a flavorful meal!
Share Your Hot Honey Salmon Creation!
Okay, now it’s YOUR turn! Did you make this amazing Hot Honey Salmon? I’d absolutely LOVE to hear all about it! Drop a comment below, tell me how it turned out, maybe rate it if you can – it really helps other cooks decide to give it a whirl. And if you snapped a pic, please tag me on social media! Seeing your creations makes my day! You can even read more about my kitchen adventures over on my About Me page!
For more recipes follow me on PINTEREST
Print
Hot Honey Salmon
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple recipe for salmon with a sweet and spicy glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillet
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup hot honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels.
- Place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, hot honey, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
- Brush the glaze over the salmon fillet.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of hot honey to control the spice level.
- Serve with your favorite sides like rice or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: hot honey salmon, baked salmon, spicy salmon, easy salmon recipe, weeknight dinner