Name: Crispy Hot Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the salmon:; 4 salmon fillets (skin-on); 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; For the hot honey garlic sauce:; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (optional, for extra flavor); For garnish:; Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro; Lemon wedges (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Crispy Hot Honey Garlic Salmon is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and spicy. The crispy salmon skin contrasts beautifully with the juicy, tender flesh, and the hot honey garlic sauce ties everything together with a touch of sweetness, heat, and savory depth. This dish is quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crispy Hot Honey Garlic Salmon is a must-try for seafood lovers. The salmon is pan-seared to perfection, giving you a crispy skin that adds texture and flavor. The sauce, made with honey, garlic, and a bit of heat, complements the rich taste of the salmon, creating a harmonious balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. The best part? It only takes around 15 minutes to make, making it a quick yet impressive meal. Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors or looking to elevate your dinner routine, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Crispy Hot Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the salmon:

4 salmon fillets (skin-on)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the hot honey garlic sauce:

1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (optional, for extra flavor)

For garnish:

Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro
Lemon wedges (optional)

Directions

Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season the salmon with salt and pepper on both sides.
Cook the salmon: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 145°F or 63°C).
Make the hot honey garlic sauce: While the salmon is cooking, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger (if using) in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—add more red pepper flakes for extra heat or honey for sweetness.
Combine the salmon and sauce: Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a serving plate. Drizzle the hot honey garlic sauce generously over the salmon fillets, making sure to coat them evenly.
Garnish and serve: Garnish the salmon with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: For an extra spicy version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add chopped fresh chili peppers to the sauce.
Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, but you can add a dollop of dairy-free yogurt or sour cream as a topping if you like a creamy contrast to the heat.
Maple Honey: For a twist on the sweetness, you can replace the honey with maple syrup for a unique flavor profile.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the salmon in a skillet over low heat to preserve its crispy skin. You can also microwave individual portions, but the skin may lose its crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use skinless salmon fillets for this recipe?

While skin-on fillets are preferred for their crispy texture, you can use skinless fillets. The cooking method remains the same, but you won’t get the crispy skin.

2. Can I make the hot honey garlic sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat the sauce before using.

3. Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even cooking results.

4. How can I make the sauce less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, use less honey or add more soy sauce or rice vinegar to balance the flavors.

5. Can I make this recipe without sesame oil?

Yes, you can substitute sesame oil with olive oil or vegetable oil, though sesame oil adds a distinct nutty flavor to the dish.

6. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can serve this salmon with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or sautéed spinach, to create a well-rounded meal.

7. How can I make the dish spicier?

To make the dish spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce or add fresh chopped chilies to the honey garlic mixture.

8. Can I serve this with rice?

Yes, serving this crispy hot honey garlic salmon over a bed of steamed rice, quinoa, or couscous makes a perfect pairing.

9. Can I cook the salmon in the oven?

Yes, you can bake the salmon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through. You won’t get the crispy skin unless you broil it for the last 2-3 minutes.

10. Can I make this recipe with a different type of fish?

Yes, this recipe can be adapted to other fish like trout, tilapia, or cod. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish fillets.

Conclusion

Crispy Hot Honey Garlic Salmon is a flavorful and quick recipe that combines the richness of salmon with a sweet, spicy, and savory sauce. It’s easy to make, and the crispy skin paired with the honey garlic sauce creates a delicious balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a quick dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.