If you’re craving a simple yet impressive dinner that balances sweet heat with tender, flaky salmon, this Hot Honey Salmon Skillet recipe is exactly what you need. Featuring a luscious hot honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully over salmon fillets, this one-pan dish is packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ideal for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining, this recipe pairs well with a crisp salad, steamed vegetables, or your favorite grain for a complete meal. Plus, cooking the salmon in a skillet ensures a crispy skin and juicy interior every time.
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 4 salmon fillets, skin-on (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Juice of half a lemon
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 12–15 minutes
- Total time: About 25 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, minced garlic, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Set aside.
Step 3: Sear the Salmon
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook without moving for about 5–6 minutes until the skin is crispy and releases easily from the pan.
Step 4: Flip and Glaze
- Carefully flip the salmon fillets.
- Immediately spoon the hot honey glaze over the tops of the fillets.
- Cook for another 4–5 minutes, basting occasionally with the glaze until salmon is cooked through and caramelized.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Remove salmon from skillet and transfer to plates.
- Drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over the top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or chives and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a comforting meal.
- Pair with roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans for fresh greens.
- Accompany with a simple quinoa or brown rice salad for a wholesome plate.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 salmon fillet with glaze) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 370 |
| Protein | 34 grams |
| Total Fat | 22 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 12 grams |
| Sugars | 11 grams |
| Sodium | 420 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart and brain health.
- The hot honey glaze adds natural sweetness and a spicy kick, with minimal added sugars.
- Olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats that complement the nutrient profile.
Tips for Perfect Hot Honey Salmon
- Use fresh, skin-on salmon for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the hot sauce quantity to suit your preferred spice level.
- Let the salmon rest a couple of minutes after cooking for juicier results.
- If you prefer, broil the salmon for the last minute to deepen caramelization.
Variations to Try
- Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave for different sweetness nuances.
- Add a splash of soy sauce or tamari for a more savory glaze.
- Toss in some chili flakes or fresh jalapeño slices for extra heat.
- Serve over a bed of sautéed spinach or kale for added greens.
This Hot Honey Salmon Skillet recipe is a quick, flavorful way to enjoy tender salmon with a mouthwatering sweet and spicy glaze. Easy to prepare and bursting with balanced flavors, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner or elegant enough for guests. With minimal ingredients and maximum impact, this skillet meal is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.