Hot Honey Glazed Salmon

This perfectly balanced sweet and spicy salmon dish features tender flaky fillets coated in a buttery hot honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully. The glaze combines honey, chili flakes, soy sauce, lemon juice, and butter, creating a rich flavorful coating that complements the natural richness of the salmon.

I first made this glaze on a busy weeknight and it instantly became a family favorite that we keep coming back to.

Ingredients

• Honey: provides natural sweetness and caramelizes when baked Use raw or pure honey for best flavor
• Chili flakes: add a subtle heat Adjust to taste or swap for cayenne for more kick
• Soy sauce: brings umami depth Choose tamari for gluten-free options
• Unsalted butter: enriches the glaze and helps with caramelization
• Lemon juice: adds a bright tang that balances the sweetness Freshly squeezed works best
• Cornstarch: thickens the sauce to a glossy finish Arrowroot powder can substitute
• Salmon filets: should be fresh or thawed with skin removed for easy cooking and flaky texture
• Olive oil: prevents sticking and adds a light fruitiness Avocado oil is a good alternative

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Hot Honey Sauce:

Combine honey chili flakes soy sauce butter lemon juice and water in a saucepan over medium low heat Stir and simmer for 5 minutes Remove from heat and whisk in cornstarch slurry until smooth Return to heat and simmer until thickened about 5 minutes Stir in cold butter and set aside to cool

Prepare the Salmon:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit 200 degrees Celsius Line a baking tray with parchment paper Arrange salmon filets on the tray Season with salt and pepper and brush with olive oil

Bake the Salmon:

Place salmon in oven and bake for 15 minutes until mostly cooked and tender

Glaze and Final Bake:

Remove salmon and spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the hot honey sauce over each filet letting some drip onto the tray Return to oven and bake another 5 minutes to caramelize the glaze

Serve:

Place salmon over steamed rice drizzle extra sauce on top and garnish as desired

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You Must Know

• Sheet pan cooking means easy cleanup and hands off cooking
• The glaze can be made ahead and refrigerated to speed weeknight prep
• Fresh lemon juice makes a noticeable difference in brightening the sauce

I love sprinkling sesame seeds or chopped parsley on top for texture and color This glaze brings back memories of cozy dinners shared with friends.

Storage Tips

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container refrigerated for up to three days Reheat gently in oven or skillet to preserve moisture The glaze keeps well separately and can be warmed on stovetop or microwave.

Ingredient Substitutions

Maple syrup or agave nectar work in place of honey for sweetness Tamari or coconut aminos replace soy sauce for gluten free or milder taste Salted butter or ghee can substitute unsalted butter adjusting salt accordingly Lime juice or apple cider vinegar make good alternatives to lemon juice Arrowroot powder or all purpose flour can thicken instead of cornstarch Trout cod or tilapia may be used instead of salmon for similar texture Avocado or canola oil can replace olive oil for cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the glaze Roasted or steamed vegetables add fresh balance to the plate A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette complements the sweet spicy flavors well.

Cultural Context

Honey glazed fish dishes appear in many cuisines balancing sweet savory and heat This version is inspired by Asian flavors with soy sauce and chili flakes creating a harmony of tastes It’s a modern easy approach to classic sweet and spicy glazing methods.

Pro Tips

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Commonly Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and baking to ensure even cooking and caramelization.

→ What are soy sauce substitutes in the glaze?

Tamari or coconut aminos are excellent gluten-free alternatives that maintain savory depth.

→ Which side dishes pair well with this salmon?

Steamed rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad with vinaigrette complement the sweet and spicy glaze.

→ How do I avoid lumps in the sauce?

Mix the cornstarch slurry thoroughly before adding to the sauce for a smooth, glossy finish.

→ How to achieve perfect caramelization?

Let the honey glaze drip onto the baking tray before the final bake to create rich caramelized edges.