Description
This Hot Honey Salmon recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors with an easy oven-baked preparation. Tender salmon fillets are seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, and a touch of heat from hot sauce, then glazed with a honey-hot sauce mixture for a deliciously sticky finish. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is a flavorful and healthy option for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasonings
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Glaze
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking the salmon evenly.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Place a baking sheet or large oven-safe dish on the counter, and line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Salmon: Lay the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet skin side down for crispy skin and even cooking.
- Apply Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the fillets, coating each piece evenly to help the seasoning stick and promote moistness.
- Season Salmon: Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the fillets, then gently rub the seasonings into the fish with your fingers or a spoon to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Make Honey-Hot Sauce Glaze: In a small bowl, combine honey and hot sauce, stirring well until fully mixed to create a sweet and spicy glaze.
- Glaze Salmon: Spoon the honey-hot sauce mixture evenly over each salmon fillet, spreading it to cover the entire surface to impart flavor and caramelization during baking.
- Bake Salmon: Place the salmon in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, adjusting time based on fillet thickness, until the fish flakes easily and appears opaque.
- Check Doneness: Gently flake the salmon with a fork to check that it separates easily and is fully cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven, transfer to a serving plate, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately while warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of hot sauce in the glaze to make the dish more or less spicy depending on your preference.
- For a crispy skin, broil the salmon for the last 2 minutes of cooking, watching closely to avoid burning.
- To ensure even cooking, choose salmon fillets of similar thickness.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
