Hot Honey Butter Salmon

This Hot Honey Butter Salmon recipe brings a delightful balance of sweet and spicy flavors to your dinner table. Perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions, this dish elevates salmon with a sticky honey glaze that is sure to impress. Whether served with sides or on its own, this recipe shines as a quick and delicious main course.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a gourmet meal in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, garlic, and chili flakes creates a unique taste that excites the palate.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, vegetables, or salads for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
• Healthy Protein Source: Salmon is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and healthy fats.
• Easy Cleanup: Cooking in one pan makes for hassle-free preparation and cleanup.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delectable dish, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick pan
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick pan: Ensures that the salmon cooks evenly without sticking, making flipping easy.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right flavor balance in your sauce.
• Spatula: A sturdy spatula helps in handling the salmon delicately during cooking without breaking it apart.

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Ingredients

This Honey Butter Salmon is sweet, spicy, sticky and outright DELICIOUS!

For the Salmon

• 4 boneless skinless Salmon Fillets, (brought to room temp (preferably around 7oz/200g each))

For the Sauce

• 1/3 cup / 110g Honey
• 6 tbsp / 3oz / 90g Butter, (preferably unsalted (see notes))
• 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar, (sub apple cider vinegar or other white vinegar)
• 1.5 tbsp Soy Sauce, (not dark)

Aromatics & Seasoning

• 1 – 2 cloves of Garlic, (finely diced)
• 1/2 – 1 tsp Chilli Flakes, (see notes)
• Salt & Pepper, (as needed)

For Cooking

• Olive Oil, (as needed)

Garnish

• Finely diced Spring Onion, (to serve (optional))

How to Make Hot Honey Butter Salmon

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels then season all over with salt & pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Salmon

1. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the salmon upside-down and cook for 3 minutes, or until a golden crust forms.
3. Flip them over and fry for an additional minute.

Step 3: Baste the Salmon

1. Move the fillets to the top of the pan and drop butter into the bottom of the pan.
2. Tilt the pan and baste the salmon for 1-2 minutes, or until the other side starts to turn golden. The salmon should be almost cooked in the center at this point.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. Lower heat to low-medium and add in garlic and chili flakes.
2. Fry for 10-20 seconds to catch before browning.
3. Stir in honey, vinegar & soy sauce.
4. Keep stirring over gentle simmer until thickened to a thin caramel consistency, about 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning/spice if needed.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

1. Add the salmon back into the pan and baste over the sauce.
2. Serve with your preferred amount of sauce and finely diced spring onions on top.

Enjoy your flavorful meal!

How to Serve Hot Honey Butter Salmon

Serving Hot Honey Butter Salmon is an opportunity to enhance its delightful flavors. This dish can shine on its own, but pairing it with the right sides and garnishes can elevate your meal experience.

Fresh Salad

• A crisp green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the salmon.

Rice or Quinoa

• Fluffy jasmine rice or nutty quinoa serves as a great base that absorbs the sticky honey butter sauce, making every bite delicious.

Roasted Vegetables

• Seasonal roasted vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini add color and nutrients. Their slight char complements the sweet-spicy salmon perfectly.

Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting side, allowing the honey butter glaze to shine through without overpowering it.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

• Sweet grilled corn adds a fun crunch and natural sweetness that pairs well with the spicy notes of the salmon.

Garlic Bread

• Crunchy garlic bread offers a satisfying texture contrast while soaking up any extra sauce left on your plate.

How to Perfect Hot Honey Butter Salmon

Perfecting Hot Honey Butter Salmon is all about technique and flavor balance. Follow these tips for a standout dish.

• Use room temperature salmon: Bringing your fillets to room temperature ensures even cooking throughout, preventing dryness in the center.

• Don’t skip basting: Basting with butter not only enhances flavor but also keeps the salmon moist and tender during cooking.

• Monitor heat levels: Cooking over medium-high heat helps achieve that golden crust while lowering it later allows for gentle caramelization of the sauce.

• Adjust spice levels: Customize your chili flakes to match your heat preference. Start with less if you’re unsure, adding more as needed.

• Let it rest: Allowing your cooked salmon to rest for a couple of minutes before serving lets the juices redistribute for optimal flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Butter Salmon

Choosing complementary side dishes can elevate your Hot Honey Butter Salmon experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Steamed Broccoli
   A simple yet nutritious side that adds vibrant color and a slight crunch to balance the buttery salmon.

2. Cilantro Lime Rice
   Flavored with fresh cilantro and lime juice, this rice adds zest that brightens up the entire meal.

3. Sweet Potato Mash
   Creamy with a hint of sweetness, sweet potato mash pairs beautifully with the hot honey glaze on the salmon.

4. Sautéed Spinach
   Lightly sautéed spinach seasoned with garlic provides an earthy note that complements the dish without overwhelming it.

5. Grilled Asparagus
   Charred asparagus spears deliver a smoky flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweet elements in the salmon’s glaze.

6. Quinoa Salad
   A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with cucumber, tomatoes, and herbs brings freshness and texture alongside rich salmon flavors.

7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts offer bitterness that cuts through richness while enhancing overall taste harmony.

8. Cauliflower Rice
   This low-carb option is light and fluffy; seasoned well, it makes a fantastic bed for your honey butter salmon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Hot Honey Butter Salmon, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for:

• Bold seasoning: Not seasoning the salmon properly can result in bland flavors. Be sure to season generously with salt and pepper before cooking.

• Ignoring temperature: Cooking the salmon at too high a temperature can lead to overcooking. Keep an eye on the heat and aim for medium-high to achieve a perfect crust without drying it out.

• Skipping room temperature: Cooking cold salmon straight from the fridge can cause uneven cooking. Allow your salmon fillets to come to room temperature for about 15–20 minutes before cooking.

• Overcooking garlic: Garlic can easily burn if cooked too long. Only sauté it briefly until fragrant, then quickly add your liquids.

• Neglecting sauce consistency: If you don’t simmer the sauce long enough, it may remain too runny. Aim for a thin caramel consistency for optimal flavor coating.

• Rushing the basting process: Basting is crucial for flavor. Make sure to take your time when adding the sauce back over the salmon, allowing each piece to soak up that delicious mixture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 2-3 days for best quality.

Freezing Hot Honey Butter Salmon

• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months; label with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Hot Honey Butter Salmon

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place salmon on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Place salmon on a microwave-safe plate. Cover loosely and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warm.

• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick pan over low heat. Once warm, add the salmon and cover; gently warm for about 5 minutes, basting with any leftover sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Hot Honey Butter Salmon, you’re not alone! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

Can I use other types of fish for Hot Honey Butter Salmon?

Yes! You can substitute other firm fish like trout or tilapia, but adjust cooking times as needed based on thickness.

What sides pair well with Hot Honey Butter Salmon?

Serve it with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal that complements its flavors.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Consider using less butter or substituting part of it with olive oil, which will still provide great flavor while being lighter.

How do I know when the salmon is done cooking?

Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the honey butter sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it again.

Final Thoughts

This Hot Honey Butter Salmon recipe combines sweet and spicy elements that create an irresistible dish perfect for any occasion. It’s versatile enough to pair with various sides or even be used as part of meal prep. Don’t hesitate to customize it by adding your favorite herbs or adjusting spice levels; this dish is bound to impress!