
This delectable Hot Honey Glazed Salmon is tender, flaky, and smothered in a delightful sweet and savory homemade hot honey sauce. This easy, healthy dish can be prepared in less than 20 minutes!
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If you enjoy effortless salmon dishes, your search ends here. This Hot Honey Glazed Salmon is a perfect blend of sweetness, savor, and just the right kick, making it incredibly flavorful! It’s an ideal recipe for those hectic weeknights when you crave something quick yet satisfying that your entire family will adore. I love pairing this salmon with rice, roasted veggies, or a vibrant salad for a delightful, nutritious meal that feels lavish yet is incredibly simple to whip up!
Why This Recipe Will Captivate You
- Rapid and simple – this baked salmon recipe comes together effortlessly in under 20 minutes using basic pantry staples. It’s one of our go-to choices for busy weeknights.
- Nutrient-dense – salmon is loaded with protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, turning this into a nourishing dish that feels fancy and indulgent.
- Flexible – this honey garlic salmon pairs wonderfully with a multitude of sides such as roasted veggies, green beans, rice, or a fresh salad.
- Perfect for meal prepping – leftovers reheat beautifully and can be utilized in salads, grain bowls, or wraps the following day.
Ingredients
- salmon – you’ll need four 6 oz fillets of wild salmon, preferably with skin on. I typically buy my salmon fresh from the store, but frozen fillets are also a good option. Just ensure to thaw them if using frozen.
- olive oil – opt for a quality olive oil that doesn’t have to be pricey, ensuring it’s cold-pressed and organic for the best flavor.
- honey – adds sweetness to the sauce without refined sugars and creates a lovely glaze. You may substitute with maple syrup or any other natural sweetener instead of honey.
- soy sauce – I prefer using lower sodium soy sauce since regular soy sauce tends to be overly salty. Tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free alternatives.
- apple cider vinegar – its acidity balances out the honey’s sweetness; rice vinegar or white wine vinegar can also work.
- garlic – you can use either fresh chopped garlic or pre-minced garlic in a jar.
- seasonings – a mix of paprika, chili powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- green onions – the ideal garnish for the salmon, adding both color and flavor.
The red pepper flakes in this sauce really contribute heat to the hot honey glaze, but for an added kick and spiciness, consider incorporating a bit of sriracha or a dash of cayenne pepper with the other sauce ingredients!
Steps to Prepare Hot Honey Glazed Salmon
- Prep the salmon. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and allow the salmon to reach room temperature. Pat it dry with paper towels and lay the salmon fillets skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil spritzed with nonstick spray.
- Season the salmon. Brush the fillets with olive oil and evenly sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili powder.
- Prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, mix together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes, frequently stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Coat the salmon. Drizzle half of the hot honey glaze over the salmon, saving the remainder for later.
- Bake the salmon. Cook in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, drizzling additional glaze over the top halfway through. The salmon is done when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should be between 125-130 degrees F for medium and 140 degrees F for fully cooked salmon.
- Serve and relish! Take the salmon out of the oven with a spatula and drizzle any leftover glaze on top just before serving. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds; I also enjoy drizzling some extra sauce over the veggies!
How to Air Fry Hot Honey Glazed Salmon
You can easily prepare this hot honey glazed salmon in the air fryer by setting it to 400 degrees for 7 to 10 minutes, until the salmon is opaque and easily flakes with a fork. Drizzle any remaining sauce on top and serve with rice and vegetables for a complete meal!
Best Salmon Preparation Tips
- Dry the salmon – removing moisture from the salmon’s surface helps the seasoning adhere and prevents excess moisture from diluting the sauce.
- Use uniform filets – similar thickness ensures even cooking. If one piece is thinner, keep an eye on it.
- Bake at high temperatures – cooking the salmon at 400 degrees F ensures it cooks quickly without drying out.
- Avoid overcooking – this is often the most common mistake. Salmon continues to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so take it out when it’s just barely opaque in the center for optimal tenderness.
- For a crispier top – turn on the broiler and broil the salmon for a few minutes at the end to achieve more color and a crispy finish.
- Allow the salmon to rest – letting the moist salmon rest briefly helps retain its juiciness and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- On rice or grains – this hot honey salmon is fantastic served over a fluffy base of rice or grains that absorb the flavorful glaze. Options include brown rice, white rice, coconut rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa.
- As a salmon bowl – assemble vibrant salmon bowls filled with an array of fresh toppings! Great toppings include shredded carrots, cucumber slices, edamame, avocado, and green onions. Don’t forget lemon slices for a squeeze of freshness.
- With veggies – this sweet and spicy glaze pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables. Delicious options include roasted brussels sprouts, garlicky green beans, mashed cauliflower, broccoli, bok choy, or quick sautéed veggies.
- On mashed potatoes – lay it over a bed of my healthy mashed potatoes for a hearty, flavorful meal.
- With a fresh salad – for a lighter option, this salmon makes for a great protein over your preferred salad paired with this simple lemon vinaigrette.
- As salmon tacos – flake the cooked salmon and tuck it into warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. The sweet heat from the salmon melds perfectly with vibrant, crunchy taco ingredients.
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Prep and Storage Instructions
Leftover salmon can be stored in a sealed, airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 300 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes or microwave until heated through. This leftover salmon also tastes fantastic cold over a salad!
Favorite Salmon Dishes
Enjoy this Hot Honey Salmon recipe! If you adore this straightforward recipe as much as we do, please take a moment to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating below and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny!
For the Sauce:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F, allowing the salmon to reach room temperature. Pat it dry with paper towels and position the salmon fillets skin side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil spritzed with nonstick spray.
Brush the fillets with olive oil and season evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili powder. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
Drizzle half of the glaze over the salmon, reserving the remainder for later.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, adding additional glaze halfway through. You’ll know the salmon is done when it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
When done, remove from the oven and drizzle any remaining glaze on top just before serving. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!
Serving: 1/4th of recipe | Calories: 369kcal | Carbohydrates: 25.4g | Protein: 34.8g | Fat: 14.3g | Saturated Fat: 2.2g | Cholesterol: 94.2mg | Sodium: 741.7mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 21.3g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.