Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe

The Best Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe for Sweet Heat Lovers

Weeknight dinners demand quick, flavorful solutions that wow your taste buds.

This hot honey glazed salmon recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spicy heat.

Drizzling hot honey over perfectly seared salmon creates a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes beautifully.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of tender fish and zesty warmth.

The simple ingredients come together in minutes, making this dish both impressive and effortless.

Vibrant flavors and minimal prep time mean you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without stress.

Serve this stunning salmon and watch everyone at the table ask for seconds.

Hot Honey Glazed Salmon: Top Batch Highlights

  • Quickly Customize Flavor: Adjust the heat level by changing the amount of chili in the sauce, making it perfect for spice lovers or those who prefer milder tastes.
  • Minimal Prep Needed: Requires just a few simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-quality dish with ease.
  • Nutritious Gourmet Meal: Packed with protein and omega-3s from salmon, complemented by a sweet and tangy glaze that transforms a healthy protein into an exciting dinner option.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Streamlines cooking and cleanup with a simple baking tray method, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after a busy day.

Ingredients for Sweet & Spicy Salmon

Main Ingredients:
  • Salmon Fillets: Fresh, high-quality salmon that provides a rich and tender base for the hot honey glaze.
  • Honey: Sweet natural syrup that creates the signature glaze with a delightful sticky texture.
  • Chili: Adds a spicy kick and depth of flavor to the honey glaze.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce, Water, Lemon: Balanced combination that enhances the sauce's complexity and brightness.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, glossy sauce.
Seasoning and Thickening Ingredients:
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the salmon's natural flavor.
  • Cornstarch, Oil: Helps thicken the sauce and prevents sticking during cooking.

Instructions for Hot Honey Salmon

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Glaze

Combine all glaze ingredients in a saucepan:
  • Honey
  • Chili sauce
  • Soy sauce
  • Unsalted butter
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Water

Simmer the mixture gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Whisk in cornstarch slurry and continue cooking until the sauce reaches a rich, glossy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.

Step 2: Enhance Glaze Texture

Remove the pan from heat and stir in cold butter until completely melted.

This technique adds a luxurious shine and silky smoothness to the glaze.

Set aside to cool slightly while preparing the salmon.

Step 3: Prepare Salmon Fillets

Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure crispy edges.

Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper.

Lightly brush each fillet with olive oil to help create a beautiful golden crust.

Step 4: Initial Roasting

Place salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Slide into a preheated oven at 400°F.

Roast for 15 minutes, allowing the fish to cook through and develop a light golden color.

Step 5: Glaze and Caramelize

Remove salmon from oven and generously brush with prepared glaze.

Return to oven for an additional 5 minutes.

The high heat will caramelize the glaze, creating a sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy coating that transforms the salmon into a restaurant-worthy dish.

Tips for Sticky, Glazed Salmon Success

  • Add minced garlic or ginger to the honey glaze for extra depth and aromatic complexity.
  • Adjust chili amount to match your heat tolerance, using more or less based on personal preference.
  • Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure salmon doesn't stick and makes cleanup easier.
  • Check salmon at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking, as fish can quickly become dry and tough.
  • Brush sauce multiple times during final baking for a more even and caramelized coating.

Salmon Variations with Different Glazes

  • Spicy Maple Salmon: Replace honey with pure maple syrup and add extra red pepper flakes for a bolder kick.
  • Citrus Chili Salmon: Swap lemon for orange juice and add fresh orange zest to brighten the glaze with tropical notes.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut oil instead of butter and ensure gluten-free soy sauce for an allergen-friendly option.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace honey with sugar-free honey alternative or monk fruit sweetener to reduce carbohydrate content.

Serving Suggestions for Honey Glazed Salmon

  • Flavor Fusion Plate: Pair the hot honey glazed salmon with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce and balance the spicy-sweet glaze.
  • Veggie Companion Delight: Roast asparagus or Brussels sprouts with a light olive oil and sea salt coating to complement the rich salmon flavors and add a crisp texture contrast.
  • Fresh Finish Touch: Sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh cilantro on top right before serving to add a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the glazed fish.
  • Bright Side Accent: Serve with a quick cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil to provide a cool, refreshing counterpoint to the warm, spicy salmon.

Storing Salmon for Meal Prep

  • Store cooled salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the glaze separate to prevent soggy texture.
  • Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 weeks to maintain quality and flavor.
  • Warm salmon gently in the oven at 275F for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out, adding a splash of water to keep moisture intact.
  • Keep extra hot honey glaze in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, perfect for future salmon or chicken dishes.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The sauce has a mild heat from chili, creating a warm, gentle spiciness that’s not overpowering. You can adjust the chili amount to control the spice level.

  • Can I use different types of honey?

Absolutely! Wildflower, clover, or even local honey work great. Each type brings a unique flavor profile to the hot honey glaze.

  • What if I don't have cornstarch?

You can substitute with arrowroot powder or flour to thicken the sauce. Just mix with cold water before adding to create a smooth consistency.

  • Do I need a specific type of salmon?

No, this recipe works well with any salmon fillet – fresh, frozen, skin-on, or skinless. Just ensure the fillet is similar in thickness for even cooking.

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Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe

Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe


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4.8 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Delectable hot honey glazed salmon promises a symphony of sweet and spicy flavors that dance across your palate. Crisp caramelized edges and a glossy, zesty glaze invite you to savor each perfectly balanced, mouthwatering bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Hot Honey Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Sauce Thickening and Enriching Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) water
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  1. Craft a vibrant glaze by combining honey, chili, soy sauce, water, and lemon in a saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes over medium heat, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
  2. Whisk cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and develops a glossy consistency. Remove from heat.
  3. Incorporate cold butter into the sauce, stirring until smooth and creating a luxurious sheen. Set aside to cool and develop deeper flavors.
  4. Prepare salmon fillets by generously seasoning with salt and pepper. Lightly brush with oil to enhance moisture and promote even cooking.
  5. Arrange seasoned salmon on a parchment-lined baking tray, ensuring each fillet has adequate space for proper heat circulation.
  6. Roast salmon in a preheated 400°F oven for 15 minutes, allowing the fish to cook gently and retain its delicate texture.
  7. Carefully drizzle the prepared hot honey glaze over the salmon, ensuring even coverage. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize and intensify the glaze.
  8. Remove salmon from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing the glaze to set and the fish to reach perfect doneness.

Notes

  • Customize Spiciness Adjust chili levels by using mild or hot varieties to match personal heat tolerance, ensuring everyone enjoys the dish.
  • Sweetness Balance Modify honey quantity to control overall sweetness, creating a perfect glaze that complements the salmon’s natural flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation Replace regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a completely gluten-free version without compromising taste.
  • Make-Ahead Strategy Prepare glaze in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing quick meal preparation during busy weeknights.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 406
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 458 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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