Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Salmon Skillet
This Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Salmon Skillet brings together crispy pan-seared salmon fillets glazed with a luscious homemade hot honey sauce. The combination of sweetness from honey and heat from chili flakes or sriracha creates a perfectly balanced, sticky glaze. It’s quick, healthy, and bold in flavor—great served over rice, quinoa, or sautéed greens for a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired twist on a modern classic.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, about 6 oz each)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
1/3 cup honey
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
1–2 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to heat preference) or 1 tbsp sriracha
1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy depth)
1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
Garnish (optional):
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Lemon or lime wedges
Sesame seeds
Instructions
Prepare the Salmon:
Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sear the Salmon:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add salmon fillets skin-side down (or presentation side down) and sear for 4–5 minutes until crisp and golden.
Flip and cook the other side for 2–3 minutes until cooked through. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
Make the Hot Honey Glaze:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add a splash of olive oil or butter if needed.
Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add honey, apple cider vinegar, chili flakes or sriracha, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir and simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Glaze the Salmon:
Return salmon to skillet. Spoon the hot honey glaze over the fillets to coat well. Simmer another 1–2 minutes so the sauce slightly caramelizes on the salmon.
Serve:
Plate the salmon, drizzle with more glaze, and garnish with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or sesame seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over coconut rice, garlicky sautéed spinach, or a Mediterranean couscous salad.
Add a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh cucumber-yogurt salad to cool the heat.
Tips for Success
Use Fresh Salmon:
Fresh or thawed salmon fillets give the best texture. Pat them dry for a golden sear.
Don’t Overcook:
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temp of 125–130°F (52–54°C) for medium.
Control the Heat:
Start with 1 tsp chili flakes or 1/2 tbsp sriracha if you’re unsure of your spice tolerance. You can always add more.
Use a Nonstick or Cast Iron Skillet:
Helps prevent sticking and gives the salmon a crisp sear.
Deglaze Smartly:
If anything sticks to the skillet, add a splash of water or broth while making the glaze to loosen flavorful bits (called “fond”).
Double the Sauce:
Make extra glaze for drizzling over rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.
Recipe Variations
Mediterranean Twist
Add chopped olives, capers, or sun-dried tomatoes into the glaze.
Serve with a drizzle of tahini-lemon yogurt sauce on top.
Low-Carb Version
Skip the honey or reduce to 2 tbsp. Add a few drops of stevia or monk fruit sweetener and more chili for balance.
Serve with zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or a green salad.
Tropical Style
Add diced pineapple or mango into the glaze during the last minute of cooking.
Serve with coconut jasmine rice and a fresh fruit salsa.
Citrus Garlic Version
Replace apple cider vinegar with fresh orange or lemon juice for a citrus-forward glaze.
Buttery Basted Salmon
Add a tablespoon of butter while searing the salmon and baste the top with it before adding the glaze.
Q&A – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture and sogginess.
Q: Is this recipe very spicy?
A: It’s moderately spicy, but you control the heat! Reduce the red pepper flakes or sriracha for a milder version, or omit them entirely if needed.
Q: Can I use another type of fish?
A: Absolutely. Try cod, trout, halibut, or tilapia. Just adjust the cooking time based on thickness.
Q: What’s a good substitute for honey?
A: You can use maple syrup or agave nectar, though it will change the flavor slightly.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can make the glaze in advance and store it in the fridge. Cook the salmon fresh for best texture.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)
Note: Values may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
Calories: ~390 kcal
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Sugars: 15g (from honey)
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 450mg
Fiber: 0g
Nutritional Highlights:
High in omega-3 fatty acids
Rich in protein
Naturally gluten-free
Contains antioxidants from garlic and chili
Conclusion
The Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Salmon Skillet is a winning combination of bold flavors, quick preparation, and healthy ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or entertaining guests, this dish impresses with minimal effort. The sticky-sweet glaze pairs perfectly with the flaky salmon and can be customized to match your spice preference. Serve it with grains, greens, or grilled veggies for a complete and vibrant Mediterranean-style meal.