Hot Honey Salmon Recipe

Hello, foodie friends! Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with this insanely delicious Hot Honey Salmon recipe.

This dish is perfect for those who love a little heat with their sweet. It combines the rich, savory flavors of salmon with the irresistible taste of spicy honey glaze. 

It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for more.

Plus, it’s a quick, easy, and delicious way to elevate your weeknight dinners. So, let’s dive in and get cooking!

What Is Hot Honey?

Hot honey is a unique and versatile condiment made by infusing honey with chili peppers. 

It adds sweet heat to dishes, making it a fantastic addition to everything from pizza to roasted vegetables.

In this recipe, it’s used to glaze salmon, creating a mouthwatering contrast between the caramelized exterior and the tender, flaky fish inside.

Homemade Hot Honey Recipe

This sweet and fiery condiment is perfect for drizzling over fried chicken or even your morning biscuits. And it’s super easy to make at home.

Ready to spice up your kitchen? Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup honey
• 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce 
• 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Method:

1. Mix the honey and hot sauce in a small saucepan until well combined. 
2. If you like it extra spicy, add the red pepper flakes. This will give the hot honey an additional layer of heat and texture.
3. Place the saucepan over low heat. Warm the mixture gently, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a smooth and pourable consistency. Be careful not to boil the honey; you just want to warm it enough to infuse the flavors.
4. Stir in the apple cider vinegar. This will balance out the sweetness and heat with a slight acidity.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat once everything is well combined and warm. Let the hot honey cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a clean, airtight jar or bottle for storage.

Drizzle your homemade hot honey over your favorite dishes and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and spicy!

Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Salmon Recipe

Hot Honey Salmon is a delightful combination of tender, flaky salmon with a sweet and spicy glaze that’s simply mouth-watering. 

The salmon is perfectly cooked to maintain its moist and succulent texture, while the hot honey adds a sticky, flavorful glaze that’s both tangy and spicy. 

Whether you’re a fan of sweet, savory, or spicy, this dish has something for everyone!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Hot Honey Salmon:

• Salmon Fillets: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Look for fresh, high-quality salmon with vibrant color and no fishy smell.
• Hot Honey: Use store-bought hot honey or make your own.
• Garlic: Adds depth and savory notes to the glaze.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens up the flavors and complements the richness of the salmon.
• Smoked Paprika: Gives the salmon a subtle smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet and spicy glaze.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the salmon.

How to Make Hot Honey Salmon

Here’s why I love making this recipe: it’s super quick, packed with flavor, and always impresses.

Plus, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Here’s how it’s done:

1. Preheat: Heat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Season: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub each fillet with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
3. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk the hot honey, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Glaze and Bake: Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and brush the hot honey glaze generously over each fillet, coating them evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Serve: Remove from the oven, rest for a few minutes, and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Hot Honey Salmon

Getting that perfect salmon with a sticky, flavorful glaze is easier than you think. Here are some tips to make your dish shine:

• Pat Dry: Make sure to pat the salmon dry before cooking so it roasts instead of steams.
• Don’t Overcook the Salmon: If overcooked, salmon can easily become dry and sad. Aim for an internal temperature of 60°C (140°F).
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and high-quality honey will make a big difference in flavor.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of hot sauce or leave out the red pepper flakes. On the other hand, if you love a good kick, feel free to amp up the spice with more hot sauce or even sliced chilies.
• Use a Thermometer: To ensure your salmon is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It takes the guesswork out of cooking!
• Let the Salmon Rest: After removing the salmon from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier, more flavorful salmon.

Recipe Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun ways to customize this Hot Honey Salmon recipe:

Grilled Hot Honey Salmon:

• Fire up the grill and cook the salmon over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side
• Brush with the hot honey glaze during the last minute of cooking.

Hot Honey Salmon Tacos:

• Flake the cooked salmon and serve it in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado, and a drizzle of extra hot honey sauce.
• Add some guacamole on the side to cool things off.

Hot Honey Salmon Salad:

• Serve the salmon over a bed of mixed greens with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette.
• Sliced red onions add a nice peppery crunch.

Maple Sriracha Salmon:

• Replace honey with maple syrup and hot sauce with sriracha for a different sweet and spicy combo.

Garlic Butter Salmon:

• Drizzle garlic butter over the hot honey glaze for a rich, savory version.
• Serve with roasted potatoes for a complete meal.

Herb-Crusted Salmon:

• Top the salmon with a mixture of chopped fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan before baking.
• Roast some veggies, such as broccoli, with the salmon and serve with steamed rice.

Hot Honey Soy Glazed Salmon:

• Add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce to the marinade for a sweet and savory Asian-inspired twist. 
• Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. 

Hot Honey Herb-Crusted Salmon:

• Mix chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and thyme into the marinade. 
• Top with a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture. 

Hot Honey Mustard Salmon:

• Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the marinade for a tangy flavor. 
• Serve with a side of honey mustard dipping sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Hot Honey Salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Roasted Vegetables: Try asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
• Rice or Quinoa: These grains soak up the delicious glaze.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light and fresh side to balance the richness of the salmon.

FAQs

Q: Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey?

A: Absolutely! If you don’t have hot honey on hand, you can use regular honey and add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze.

Q: How do I know when the salmon is done?

A: The best way to tell if salmon is done is to use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 51-60°C (125-140°F) for medium-medium well. The salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an opaque pink color.

Q: Can I make this recipe with other types of fish?

A: Yes, this recipe would work well with other firm, meaty fish like cod, halibut, or swordfish. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the thickness of the fillets.

Q: Can I use frozen salmon?

A: Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.

Q: What type of hot sauce should I use?

A: Any hot sauce you like! Sriracha, Frank’s RedHot, or even homemade hot sauce work well. In fact, this blueberry habanero hot sauce is a terrific option!

How to Store/Freeze/Reheat

Got leftovers? No problem! 

Here’s how to store and reheat Hot Honey Salmon:

• Storing: Place the cooled salmon in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the salmon on a baking sheet and warm it in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

I don’t like to freeze cooked salmon, as it tends to turn mushy after thawing.

Now that you’re armed with all the tips and tricks, it’s time to get cooking! 

Whip up this Hot Honey Salmon for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or impress your guests at your next dinner party. Trust me, they’ll be begging for the recipe!

Enjoy :-)