Name: Hot Honey Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons salted butter (melted; unsalted butter may be substituted and add 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste); 1/3 cup hot honey (or make your own; see blog post for how to make it); 3 tablespoons lime juice (or to taste; from about 1 large or 2 small limes); 2 tablespoons soy sauce (reduced sodium soy sauce may be substituted); 2 cloves garlic (finely minced); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 salmon filets; 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste); ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste); ½ to 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or to taste; regular paprika may be substituted); ½ teaspoon chili powder (or to taste); ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or to taste); Lime wedges; Extra red pepper flakes; Fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or basil (as desired)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 55 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet heat and succulent seafood, this Hot Honey Salmon Recipe is going to be your new favorite. Imagine tender salmon filets glazed with a luscious sauce made from hot honey, garlic, tangy lime juice, and a splash of soy sauce—all coming together in under 15 minutes. It’s a vibrant combination of bold flavors and beautiful textures that elevate simple ingredients into a celebration on your plate. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe promises a mouthwatering experience that’s as exciting to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two raw salmon fillets with light orange color and white lines are placed side by side on a round white plate at the center. Around the plate, clockwise from top left, are small bowls and items: a small white bowl with yellow olive oil, a small white square bowl filled with dark soy sauce, a small white bowl with orange honey, a small round speckled beige dish with four spices in red, brown, and white, a whole bright green lime, two peeled garlic cloves, a wooden plate with a square of butter, a small wooden bowl of black pepper, and a small wooden bowl with white salt. All items are arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Hot Honey Salmon Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each plays a vital role in bringing flavor, moisture, and a kick of heat, making this dish both accessible and extraordinary.

Salted butter: Adds richness and helps mellow out the heat while creating a silky glaze.
Hot honey: The star ingredient that brings sweetness with a spicy punch; you can use store-bought or homemade.
Lime juice: Introduces a bright, citrusy tang that balances the sweetness and heat perfectly.
Soy sauce: Provides a subtle umami depth, enhancing the overall savoriness.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives an aromatic, savory base that wakes up the sauce.
Olive oil: Used for searing the salmon to a beautiful crisp on the outside.
Salmon filets: The fresh protein that’s tender and flaky once cooked, perfect for carrying the flavorful glaze.
Kosher salt: Seasoning that helps bring out the natural flavors of the fish.
Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
Smoked paprika: Lends a smoky warmth that pairs wonderfully with the chili powder.
Chili powder: Brings mild spice intensity without overpowering the dish.
Garlic powder: Complements the fresh garlic with an extra layer of savory flavor.
Optional garnishes: Lime wedges, extra red pepper flakes, fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil to brighten the finish.

How to Make Hot Honey Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Glaze

Start by melting the salted butter in a microwave-safe bowl—this only takes about 30 seconds. Then whisk in the hot honey, lime juice, soy sauce, and finely minced garlic until everything is smooth and inviting. This sweet and spicy glaze is what transforms the salmon from ordinary to spectacular, so set it aside for now while you prepare the salmon.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Salmon

Heat olive oil in a large skillet and place the salmon filets skin-side down if they have skin. Sprinkle them evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder. Don’t worry about perfect measurements; eyeballing these seasonings works wonders for a natural flavor balance. Cook the salmon over medium-high heat until the bottom is nicely browned and you can see it cooking halfway up the sides—this usually takes around 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 3: Flip and Glaze

Carefully flip the salmon over to the other side. Immediately pour the prepared glaze evenly over each piece, then use a small spoon to baste the salmon continuously. This keeps the fish moist and infuses it with that beautiful hot honey flavor. Cook for about 3 minutes more or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. The salmon should look opaque with moist pink flakes and an internal temperature between 125°F and 135°F.

Step 4: Final Touches and Rest

Once cooked, remove the salmon from the skillet and place it on a serving platter. Ladle any remaining glaze from the pan over the filets for extra saucy goodness. If you like, sprinkle lime wedges, fresh herbs, and additional red pepper flakes over the top for vibrant color and added zest.

How to Serve Hot Honey Salmon Recipe

On a white round plate with ridged edges, there is one thick, grilled salmon fillet at the front, showing a shiny orange color with black pepper and chili flakes sprinkled on top. Behind the salmon, there are bright green roasted broccoli florets with slightly darkened tips. On the left side of the plate, fluffy white rice sits alongside three lime wedges, bright green with a fresh look. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a silver fork and a beige cloth napkin nearby. In the background, part of a black cast iron pan with more salmon and a small brown bowl filled with white rice are visible, along with a whole green lime. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can elevate the dish visually and in flavor. Lime wedges add a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness. Sprinkling extra red pepper flakes gives a little extra heat for spice lovers. Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil provide a fragrant, herbaceous pop that refreshes the palate.

Side Dishes

Hot Honey Salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or coconut rice offer a comforting base to soak up the glaze. Roasted vegetables add a hearty, earthy contrast in texture and flavor. For something lighter, a crisp green salad or steamed asparagus can balance the richness of the salmon perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by plating the salmon atop a bed of bright Spanish rice or alongside a colorful quinoa salad. Drizzle extra hot honey glaze artistically on the plate for a gourmet touch. You can also serve the salmon in lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld option that’s perfect for a casual dinner or entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers of the Hot Honey Salmon Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salmon stays moist and flavorful for up to two days, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

Freezing salmon with the glaze is possible but best done without the sauce to maintain texture. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or vacuum seal. Frozen salmon is best used within one month for optimal freshness.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 275°F. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the texture. You can spoon more hot honey glaze over the salmon as it heats to refresh the flavors and keep it juicy.

FAQs

Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey?

Absolutely! Regular honey works fine if you prefer less heat. You can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder to mimic the spicy kick that hot honey provides.

What type of salmon is best for this recipe?

Wild-caught salmon, such as sockeye or coho, is ideal for its rich flavor and firm texture, but farm-raised salmon also works well—just make sure the filets are thick and fresh.

How spicy is this Hot Honey Salmon Recipe?

The spice level is moderate, balanced by the sweetness of the honey and tang of lime. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder and choosing milder or hotter varieties of hot honey.

Can I bake this salmon instead of pan-searing?

Yes! You can bake the salmon at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes after brushing with the glaze. For best results, finish it under the broiler for a minute to caramelize the glaze.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. This Hot Honey Salmon Recipe reheats beautifully and stays flavorful, making it a great option for quick, delicious meals throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Hot Honey Salmon Recipe is a shining example of how a handful of simple ingredients can transform into something truly special and memorable. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and ideal for any occasion—weeknight dinners, weekend entertaining, or meal prep. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your recipe collection. So get cooking and enjoy every sweet, spicy, savory bite!

Hot Honey Salmon Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need