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–+ servings
A perfectly cooked fillet of salmon glazed with shiny hot honey sauce, served over orzo pasta.

Hot Honey Salmon on a Budget

This recipe provides a simple, flavorful salmon dish that works well for cooking in small spaces, like a dorm room with access to a small oven or toaster oven.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 fillets
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Glaze
  • 1 cup Honey Substitute maple syrup for a different flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar Can substitute with coconut sugar for a refined sugar alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Flakes Omit for a milder glaze.
  • 1/2 cup Soy Sauce Substitution: tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free option.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Substitution: lime juice for a different citrus twist.
  • 1/4 cup Water No substitution needed.
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch Substitution: arrowroot powder for a gluten-free thickener.
For the Salmon
  • 4 fillets Salmon Fillets Ensure they are thawed and dried before cooking for best results.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil No substitution needed.
For the Creamy Orzo
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta Substitution: quinoa or rice for a gluten-free alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream Substitution: coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be used instead, but reduce the volume.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley Can substitute with chives or omit if preferred.

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Baking tray
  • Pot

Method
 

  1. Make the Glaze: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine honey, brown sugar, chili flakes, soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, lemon juice, and water. Stir the mixture and simmer for 5 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. For the final touch, mix in a cornstarch slurry and let it cook for about 5 more minutes, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and finish with the remaining cold butter.
  2. Prepare the Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, ensuring they are well-dried. Season with salt and pepper, then brush each fillet generously with olive oil. Arrange the salmon fillets on a lined baking tray, skin-side down.
  3. Bake and Glaze Salmon: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until opaque and flakes easily. Remove the tray and glaze each fillet with 1-2 tablespoons of prepared sauce. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
  4. Make Creamy Orzo: While salmon is baking, boil salted water and cook orzo until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse to stop cooking. Stir in heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the pot, heating on low for 5 minutes until creamy.
  5. Serve: Scoop a portion of creamy orzo onto each plate as a base, place the glazed salmon fillets on top, and drizzle with any remaining glaze. Garnish with chopped parsley or sesame seeds before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

This recipe is designed to be simple for small kitchens. If you do not have an oven, you can cook the salmon in a skillet over medium heat, basting frequently with the glaze until cooked through.

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