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Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Salmon Recipe

4 from 28 reviews

This Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Salmon recipe combines tender, flaky salmon fillets with a vibrant glaze made from honey, sriracha, and savory seasonings. The salmon is seared to crispy perfection on the skin side and then baked to finish, creating a deliciously balanced dish with a perfect blend of sweetness and heat. Ideal for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, it pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Hot Honey Glaze

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (or your favorite hot sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, sriracha, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using) until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This glaze will create the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors for the salmon.
  2. Prepare the Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season each salmon fillet on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin becomes crispy. Carefully flip the fillets to prepare for baking.
  3. Bake the Salmon: Brush the hot honey glaze generously over the top of the salmon fillets. Transfer the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The glaze will caramelize slightly to intensify the flavors.
  4. Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the skillet over the fillets. Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. This salmon pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

  • Use fresh salmon fillets for the best taste and texture.
  • The smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Adjust the amount of sriracha and red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
  • An oven-safe skillet is essential for searing and baking in the same pan; if unavailable, transfer to a baking dish after searing.
  • Letting the salmon rest after baking helps retain moisture and deepen flavors.

Keywords: salmon recipe, hot honey salmon, spicy honey glaze, baked salmon, easy salmon recipe, weeknight dinner, sweet and spicy salmon