Hey y’all! If you love meals that hit that sweet-heat spot, you are going to fall for this Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon. It’s a flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and just the ticket when you’re craving something that’s both easy and a little bold. The sticky, spicy, garlicky glaze clings to flaky salmon in the most irresistible way. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon
- Ready in just 25 minutes, so it’s ideal for busy nights.
- The perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and garlicky flavors.
- Uses pantry staples and simple, fresh ingredients.
- Keeps the salmon moist, flaky, and ultra flavorful.
- Great for meal prep and delicious even as leftovers!
Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or off)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha (or to taste)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions and/or cilantro (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for basting later.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over, coating well. Let sit for 10-15 minutes while you prep the rest (don’t over-marinate or the acid in the lemon will start to cure the fish).
Step 3: Sear and Cook the Salmon
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon, skin-side down if using, and sear for 2-3 minutes until the flesh is golden and caramelized. Flip, brush with reserved glaze, and sear the other side for 2 minutes.
If your fillets are thick, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (205°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily. (See salmon doneness tips.)
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Place salmon on plates. Drizzle with any extra sauce from the pan and top with green onions, cilantro, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy hot!
Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon Notes
- For less spice, reduce the sriracha or replace with a mild chili sauce.
- Don’t overcook salmon—aim for an internal temp of 125-130°F for moist, tender fillets (FDA fish safety).
- Use fresh salmon for best flavor, but high-quality frozen fillets work as well.
Variations on Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon
- Ginger Kick: Add 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger to the marinade for zesty warmth.
- Broiled Salmon: Place marinated salmon on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 6-8 minutes, no flipping needed.
- Sheet Pan Meal: Arrange surrounded by broccoli or asparagus and roast together for 12-15 minutes at 400°F.
Required Equipment for Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon
- Oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel recommended)
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Fish spatula
Storing Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon
Let salmon cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a low oven until warmed through. Not recommended for freezing as the sauce can separate and the salmon texture may change.
What to Serve with Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon
- Steamed jasmine or brown rice
- Stir-fried vegetables (like snap peas, bell peppers, or bok choy)
- Creamy mashed potatoes for a fusion twist
- A crisp cucumber salad
Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon Pro Tips
- Pat salmon dry before marinating—it helps the glaze caramelize better.
- If using skin-on fillets, press down gently with a spatula when searing for crispy skin (get crispy salmon tips).
- Let your salmon rest for 2 minutes before serving to finish cooking gently and stay moist.
Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon FAQ
- Can I use another fish? Absolutely! Try this sauce with trout or cod for similar delicious results.
- What if I don’t have sriracha? Substitute any hot sauce or a pinch of red chili flakes to taste.
- Can I make this ahead? You can make and store the marinade up to 3 days in advance, but marinate the salmon just before cooking for best texture.
Prep time: 10 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2In a small bowl, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, sriracha, and grated ginger. Mix well to form the sauce.
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3Pat salmon fillets dry, season both sides with salt and black pepper, and place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
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4Brush the tops of the salmon fillets generously with the honey garlic sauce.
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5Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. For extra caramelization, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes.
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6Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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