You will not be disappointed with this Hot Honey Salmon! I strongly believe that sweet and spicy are a match made in heaven. They balance each other beautifully creating a result with just the right amount of kick without being overwhelmingly spicy or sweet. In this case, the hot honey sauce coats the salmon filets and caramelizes as they bake.
Baking salmon is one of my favorite cooking methods. It doesn’t become dry and the center is always perfectly flaky and tender. As long as you have the right amount of seasoning, a delicious sauce, or marinade you are guaranteed to have a winning meal.
If you like flavorful salmon recipes, you will love Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon, Salmon Pizza, Salmon Quiche, Salmon Omelet and Jerk Salmon.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Salmon Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes: It only takes 30 minutes to make this delicious salmon recipe.
- Bold and balanced flavors: This dish is a total flavor bomb! The combo of sweet and spicy is the perfect match.
- Easy to Make: The recipe for this honey hot salmon is so simple, even if you are an amateur in the kitchen.
Ingredients
You only need 4 ingredients for this hot honey-glazed salmon, plus the seasonings. I like to keep salmon recipes simple whenever possible because the fish already has great flavor on its own.
- Salmon: You have the option of using fresh or frozen salmon filets. If using frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator and pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking them. I like to leave the skin on for texture but you can remove it if you prefer.
- Butter: This is the rich base used for the tasty honey hot sauce. It helps the sauce coat the salmon while providing a little bit of fat so it doesn’t dry out.
- Hot sauce: My favorite brand of hot sauce is Frank’s Red Hot. It has great flavor and the perfect amount of heat without being too spicy.
- Honey: Use any variety of honey that you like. I prefer one that doesn’t have a strong flavor, just so it adds only sweetness to the sauce.
- Spices: For this, I chose cajun seasoning, salt and pepper. You can leave out the cajun if you want less heat but I like the little bit of smokiness that it adds.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Maple: Trade the honey for maple syrup. You still get a hint of sweetness but the maple flavor goes great with the salmon.
- Citrus: Add lemon or orange juice to the hot honey sauce for a tart punch.
- Jalapeno: Craving more heat? Slice fresh jalapenos, remove the seeds and membranes, and allow them to simmer in the hot honey sauce before you glaze the salmon. You can also try our jalapeno powder or smoked jalapeno powder if you don't have fresh.
How to Make Hot Honey Salmon
Here are the instructions on how to make spicy honey-glazed salmon. It’s so very easy to put together! Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line your baking sheet with foil before you get started to save you time while you’re cooking!
Step 1: Make the sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the hot sauce, honey, and cajun. Whisk together then reduce the heat and cook on low for 15-20 minutes or until the sauce becomes nice and thick.
Step 2: Prepare the salmon. Lay the salmon onto the foil-lined pan and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Pro Tip: This recipe uses about a pound of salmon. If it is not already cut into filets, slice it into 4 equal strips.
Step 3: Brush the sauce on the salmon. Using a basting brush, cover the salmon in a thin layer of the hot honey sauce. Reserve the remaining sauce to use for dipping or drizzling more later if you like.
Step 4: Bake the fish. Place the salmon in the oven and cook for about 11-14 minutes. It’s ready when the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
⭐️ Hint: If you don’t have aluminum foil, you may line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This recipe is made for easy cleanup!
You may also enjoy Honey Hot Chicken Wings if you love recipes like this.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Place leftover salmon in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat the leftover hot honey salmon in the oven or in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3-5 minutes or until warm.
- Freezing: My favorite way to freeze the salmon filets is to place them in individual freezer bags. They make great quick lunches!
Serving Suggestions
- Make hot honey salmon bites are serve them over Classic Pasta Salad.
- Some of my favorite easy side dishes to serve with this recipe are Coconut Ginger Rice, Slow Cooker Brussels Sprouts, and Instant Pot Asparagus.
- Looking to use the leftover hot honey salmon? Shred it and add it to this Salmon Sushi Bake.
- I love making spicy salmon bowls with the leftovers! Make your hot honey salmon bowl by serving it over rice and adding your favorite veggies. I like to add avocado, sesame seeds, and Easy Spicy Pickles.
Recipe Tips
- Place the salmon filets skin side down Cooking the salmon skin side down ensures that it stays nice and crispy.
- Let the salmon rest: After the spicy honey salmon is baked, give it a few minutes to rest before serving to ensure maximum juiciness.
- Don’t cook the sauce too long: Simmer the hot honey sauce mixture until it thickens but not long enough that you risk burning it. Remember, it’s going to cook more in the oven on the salmon filets.
Recipe FAQs
You definitely can! I would check the salmon after 8-10 minutes. I find that some things cook a bit faster in the air fryer.
Yes. Closely monitor the salmon so the hot honey sauce doesn’t burn. I recommend not cooking it over direct heat as a precaution. Also, be sure to grease the grill grates so the salmon doesn’t stick.
Yes! Add more or less hot sauce to the recipe, depending on your preference. You can also use a milder hot sauce.
More Delicious Salmon Recipes
Do you like cooking salmon? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Hot Honey Salmon
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon skin on
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup hot sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Place butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- When butter is melted, add hot sauce, honey, and cajun seasoning. Mix together and reduce heat to low.
- Allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes or until sauce thickens. Be sure to stir often to avoid burning.
- Preheat oven to 400ºF.
- While sauce is simmering, cut salmon into 4 strips.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- When sauce has thickened, pour some of it in a separate bowl to save for dipping after salmon is done. Brush the remainder of the sauce over each piece of salmon.
- Bake for 11-14 minutes or until salmon flakes apart with a fork.
- Serve with additional hot honey sauce.
Notes
- Place the salmon filets skin side down Cooking the salmon skin side down ensures that it stays nice and crispy.
- Let the salmon rest: After the spicy honey salmon is baked, give it a few minutes to rest before serving to ensure maximum juiciness.
- Don’t cook the sauce too long: Simmer the hot honey sauce mixture until it thickens but not long enough that you risk burning it. Remember, it’s going to cook more in the oven on the salmon filets.
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