Introduction
The Hot Honey Salmon Skillet is a fiery, sweet, and savory dish that’s quick to make yet bursting with flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe brings together the natural richness of salmon with a zesty hot honey glaze, all cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, about 6 oz each)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
1/4 cup honey
1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot, sriracha, or preferred)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Optional: pinch of chili flakes for extra heat
Optional Garnishes:
Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro
Lemon or lime wedges
Instructions
Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and smoked paprika. Set aside.
Season the Salmon:
Pat salmon fillets dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Sear the Salmon:
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Place salmon fillets skin-side down (or presentation side down if skinless). Cook for 3–4 minutes without moving, until nicely browned.
Flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes, depending on thickness.
Add the Sauce:
Pour the hot honey sauce into the skillet around the salmon.
Spoon the sauce over the fillets as it bubbles and thickens for 1–2 minutes.
Remove from heat when the salmon is cooked through and glazed.
Serve:
Spoon extra sauce over the salmon. Garnish with herbs and citrus wedges.
Serve hot with rice, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad.
Description
This Hot Honey Salmon Skillet delivers layers of flavor in every bite: buttery salmon with a crispy sear, rich and flaky texture, and a glaze that balances sweet heat with a tangy kick. It’s a restaurant-quality dish that comes together in under 20 minutes, using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Tips
Don’t overcrowd the skillet: If you’re cooking more than 4 fillets, do it in batches.
Control the heat: Adjust the hot sauce and chili flakes to your heat preference.
Don’t overcook the salmon: Look for opaque flesh and flake with a fork. About 135–140°F internal temp is perfect.
Deglaze option: A splash of white wine or broth before adding the sauce can enhance flavor.
Variations
Grilled Version: Grill the salmon and brush with the hot honey sauce at the end.
Oven Baked: Bake salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, brush with hot honey sauce in the last 3 minutes.
Gluten-Free: Ensure hot sauce and vinegar are gluten-free.
Asian-Inspired: Add 1 tsp of soy sauce and a touch of grated ginger to the sauce.
Vegetarian Twist: Use the same sauce on tofu or roasted cauliflower steaks.
Correction
If your sauce thickens too much or burns:
Lower the heat slightly before adding the sauce.
Add a tablespoon of water or broth to thin it out.
If your salmon sticks to the pan:
Make sure your skillet is hot and oiled before adding salmon.
Don’t flip too early—let the crust form naturally.
Enjoy
Serve your Hot Honey Salmon Skillet with jasmine rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or guests, this sweet and spicy sensation is bound to be a favorite. Enjoy the heat, the sweetness, and the simplicity—one skillet, endless flavor!