Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon

Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon is the perfect balance of sweet heat and savory richness. This quick and flavorful dish features tender salmon fillets pan-seared to perfection and glazed with a bold sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of spice. It’s a satisfying weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes and pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite
• Quick and easy—ready in less than 30 minutes
• Perfectly caramelized glaze with minimal ingredients
• Salmon stays moist and flaky
• Great for busy weeknights or impressive dinner guests
• Works well with both fresh and frozen salmon
• Naturally gluten-free with the right soy sauce
• Pairs with a variety of sides
• Meal prep and leftover-friendly
• Restaurant-quality results at home

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil or butter (for searing)
• Fresh garlic (minced)
• Honey
• Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• Sriracha or chili flakes (for heat)
• Rice vinegar or lemon juice (optional for brightness)
• Green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Directions

this recipe

1. Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Place salmon fillets skin-side down (if applicable) and sear for 4–5 minutes, until golden. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and sriracha or chili flakes. Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice if using.
6. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Return salmon to the skillet and spoon the sauce over each piece. Let cook for another minute until fully glazed.
8. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: Serves 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper sweetness
• Add fresh ginger with garlic for extra zing
• Bake the salmon and pour the sauce over just before serving
• Make it extra spicy with gochujang or Thai chili paste
• Serve over rice noodles, quinoa, or stir-fried veggies
• Substitute salmon with shrimp, tofu, or chicken

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 30–60 seconds. Avoid high heat to prevent overcooking the salmon. The sauce can be stored separately and reheated for serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

How do I make this less spicy?

Reduce or omit the sriracha or chili flakes and add more honey for a sweeter glaze.

Can I bake instead of pan-fry?

Yes, bake salmon at 400°F (204°C) for 12–15 minutes and prepare the sauce separately to drizzle on after baking.

What can I serve with spicy honey garlic salmon?

Steamed rice, roasted vegetables, stir-fried noodles, or a light salad make great pairings.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be—use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.

Can I double the sauce?

Yes, especially if serving over rice or noodles—just simmer it a little longer to thicken.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I use skin-on salmon?

Yes, and searing it skin-side down first helps get it nice and crispy.

Can I grill the salmon instead?

Yes, grill the salmon separately and brush on the sauce during the final minutes or serve it on the side.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s moderately spicy as written. Adjust the sriracha or chili flakes to taste.

Conclusion

Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that hits all the right notes—sweet, spicy, and savory. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve to guests. Whether you pan-sear, bake, or grill, this bold and balanced dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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