🔥 Hot Honey Salmon with Garlic Butter Glaze

by

Quick Description:
This skillet-seared salmon gets a crave-worthy kick from homemade hot honey, balanced by buttery garlic and a hint of vinegar. It’s sweet, spicy, savory, and ready in under 20 minutes—perfect for an elegant weeknight dinner or date night in!

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes

  • Cook Time: 12–15 minutes

  • Total Time: ~20 minutes

  • Servings: 4

  • Calories per Serving: 408 kcal

  • Dietary Badges: Gluten-Free, High-Protein, W-W Friendly (modifications below)

✅ Ingredients

For the Salmon:

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)

  • 1 tsp kosher salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp paprika

For the Hot Honey:

  • ¼ cup honey

  • ½ Tbsp to 1 Tbsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust heat level)

  • 1 tsp rice wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar

  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

🔄 Instructions

  1. Season the Salmon:
    Mix salt, pepper, and paprika in a small bowl. Pat salmon fillets dry, then season the flesh side evenly with the spice blend.

  2. Make the Hot Honey:
    In another bowl, whisk together honey, red pepper flakes, and vinegar. Set aside.

  3. Sear the Salmon:
    Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high for 2–3 minutes. Add salmon, flesh side down. Sear undisturbed for 4–6 minutes until a crust forms. Flip and cook skin-side down for 2 more minutes.

  4. Infuse the Butter:
    Reduce heat to medium-low. Push the salmon to the edge of the skillet. Add butter to the center. Once melted, sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

  5. Glaze with Hot Honey:
    Stir in half the hot honey mixture. Tip the skillet and use a spoon to baste the salmon repeatedly with the buttery glaze for 2–3 minutes.

  6. Serve:
    Transfer salmon to a platter. Drizzle with remaining hot honey. Serve with white rice and sautéed broccolini for a perfect plate!

Introduction

Hot honey is having a moment—and this salmon recipe proves why. It’s sticky, spicy, buttery, and totally addictive. I love pairing it with garlicky greens or a light citrus salad. And best of all? It comes together fast enough for a Tuesday but looks fancy enough for company.

Fun fact: My husband isn’t a salmon guy… until this dish. Now it’s in our dinner rotation twice a month!

🔍 Kristy’s Cooking Tips

1. Choose Your Salmon Wisely

Atlantic salmon is rich and forgiving for searing. Wild salmon is leaner—just watch your heat!

2. Get That Golden Crust

Let the salmon sit undisturbed during searing so it develops a flavorful crust. No flipping too soon!

3. Hot Honey = Flavor Bomb

Homemade hot honey is easy and customizable. Adjust the pepper flakes to your heat preference.

💡 Want it saucier? Double the hot honey and save some for dipping!

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Ingredient Why It Works Substitutes
Crushed red pepper Adds bold heat Chili oil or hot sauce
Rice vinegar Balances sweet heat Lemon juice or white vinegar
Honey Creates sticky glaze Maple syrup or agave (for variation)
Garlic + butter Rich, savory depth Olive oil + garlic works too

W-W Tip: Use light butter or olive oil spray and reduce honey to 2 Tbsp to lower SmartPoints.

Serving Ideas & Variations

Pair With:

  • Coconut rice or jasmine rice

  • Roasted brussels sprouts or asparagus

  • Avocado cucumber salad

  • Cauliflower mash for low-carb

Flavor Twists:

  • Asian Fusion: Add 1 tsp grated ginger to the glaze.

  • Tropical: Serve with mango salsa on the side.

  • Crispy Style: Brush with glaze, then broil 1–2 minutes for caramelized edges.

Drink Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or ginger beer pairs beautifully.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Reheat: Gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist.

  • Meal Prep: Make the hot honey and store separately to drizzle fresh!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 408 kcal

  • Protein: 34g

  • Carbs: 18g

  • Fat: 22g (Sat: 9g)

  • Sugar: 17g

  • Sodium: 659mg

  • W-W Points: 6–8 (based on salmon type & honey used)

FAQs

Q: Can I make this with other fish?
A: Yes! Try it with cod, trout, or even shrimp. Just adjust cook times accordingly.

Q: Can I use store-bought hot honey?
A: Definitely. Use ½ cup and simmer with butter and garlic before basting.

Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: It’s got a kick—but you control the heat by adjusting the red pepper flakes.

Q: Can I bake the salmon instead?
A: Yep! Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes with glaze.

Kristy’s Personal Note

This is one of those “how is this so simple and so delicious?” recipes. It came from a late-night craving for something bold and quick—and now it’s become one of my most-requested meals from both family and coaching clients. The combo of garlic butter and hot honey? Unbeatable.

More Spicy + Sweet Favorites

  • Chili Honey Chicken Tenders (W-W Friendly)

  • Sticky Ginger Garlic Salmon Bowl

  • Spicy Roasted Carrot Tacos

  • Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Roasted Grapes

Call to Action

Made this Hot Honey Salmon? I’d love to see your plate! Snap a pic, tag @KristyCooksW-W on Instagram, and leave a rating or comment below. Did you turn up the heat—or tone it down? Let’s chat in the comments! 🔥🍯🐟

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