Name: Crispy Hot Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (skin-on); 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (optional, for extra flavor); Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro; Lemon wedges (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re craving a lightning-fast meal that tastes like it was plucked right from a restaurant menu, this Crispy Hot Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe is your new weeknight hero. Picture four golden, crackly-skinned salmon fillets cloaked in a sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze. Each bite delivers juicy, tender salmon balanced by the kick of hot honey and freshly grated ginger, all finished with the pop of fresh herbs. It’s a dish that always wows — without dirtying every pan in your kitchen or demanding hours of prep. Plus, it’s naturally gluten free, a true crowd-pleaser, and surprisingly simple to master!

Crispy Hot Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe proves you don’t need a long list of fussy ingredients for jaw-dropping flavor. Every item here has a purpose, from helping the salmon skin crisp up perfectly to giving the sauce its irresistible tang and heat.

Salmon Fillets (4 skin-on): Skin-on fillets guarantee smoky, crispy edges and keep the fish deliciously moist.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Just enough to help the salmon brown and infuse a subtle, savory note.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): The essential starters that unlock all the salmon’s natural flavor.
Honey (1/4 cup): The star of the hot honey glaze, bringing a rich, sticky sweetness to balance the heat.
Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds depth and a punch of savory umami, while keeping the sauce gluten free with a tamari option.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Freshly minced garlic infuses the glaze with extra boldness.
Red Pepper Flakes (1 teaspoon, or to taste): Bring all the heat—that signature spicy kick is easily customizable!
Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Just enough acidity to balance the glaze and brighten every bite; apple cider vinegar works too.
Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon): For a subtle nutty aroma and silky mouthfeel in the sauce.
Freshly Grated Ginger (1 teaspoon, optional): Peppery freshness for even more flavor depth—highly recommended if you have it!
Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (for garnish): Adds fresh, vibrant color and a herbal lift.
Lemon Wedges (optional): Squeeze over at the table for a zesty pop and beautiful presentation.

How to Make

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

Start by patting your salmon fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels. This single step is key: removing excess moisture from the skin helps it crisp up beautifully in the skillet. Once the skin is dry, season both sides of each fillet with salt and freshly ground black pepper, making sure you don’t forget the sides for full flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Salmon

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully lay the salmon fillets skin-side down into the pan to instantly start crisping. Let them cook, undisturbed, for 4 to 5 minutes; don’t rush or flip early! When the edges look golden and the skin releases easily from the pan, flip each piece and cook another 2 to 3 minutes until the fish is opaque and just flakes with a fork. If you have a kitchen thermometer, you’re aiming for 145°F (63°C).

Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Garlic Sauce

While your salmon is sizzling, grab a small saucepan and whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and the optional grated ginger. Set the pan over medium heat. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens ever so slightly and smells irresistible. Taste and adjust the spiciness or sweetness as you like—this is your kitchen, after all!

Step 4: Glaze and Serve

Once the salmon is cooked, move each fillet to a serving plate. Generously drizzle all that glorious hot honey garlic sauce over the top, making sure to coat every nook and cranny. The sauce will mingle with the crispy skin and caramelized edges for unbeatable texture. Finish by showering the salmon with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro, and nestle a few lemon wedges around the plate for squeezing. That’s it! You’ve just created the Crispy Hot Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe everyone will be asking for again and again.

How to Serve

Garnishes

Simple touches make all the difference. Finish your Crispy Hot Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe with a sprinkling of fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. Lemon wedges are optional, but their bright acidity makes each bite sing—let everyone squeeze their own at the table for extra flavor and a little bit of drama.

Side Dishes

This salmon is begging for a side that’s just as lively. Fluffy steamed jasmine rice or garlicky mashed potatoes soak up every drop of sauce, while roasted green beans, asparagus, or a crisp cucumber salad balance the meal’s richness. For maximum wow factor, serve it over a bed of wilted spinach or simple sautéed greens tossed with a splash of sesame oil.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress up your dinner table by slicing the salmon fillets and fanning them over bowls of rice or grain salads, then drizzle with extra hot honey sauce for show-stopping appeal. For a light, fun twist, serve smaller pieces over toasted baguette slices with a bit of sauce as unforgettable party appetizers. Or turn leftovers into a vibrant salmon salad with mixed greens, avocado, and crunchy veggies—the Crispy Hot Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe is truly versatile!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the salmon cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible so you can reheat and glaze afresh, or simply pour any extra sauce over the fillets before sealing.

Freezing

While freshly cooked salmon always has the crispest skin, you can freeze cooked salmon fillets (without sauce) for up to a month. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. To freeze the hot honey garlic sauce, pour it into a small container and freeze separately.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat salmon fillets gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until just warmed through. If you’re reheating the hot honey garlic sauce, give it a quick stir and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Pour the sauce over your salmon just before serving to revive its sweet, spicy sparkle.

FAQs

Can I make the Crispy Hot Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe with skinless salmon?

Absolutely! The recipe works with skinless fillets, though you’ll miss that ultra-crispy skin. Simply follow all the same steps—the flavor and sauce are just as bold and delicious.

Is the hot honey garlic sauce very spicy?

The spice level is totally flexible. The base recipe is pleasantly warm, but you can add more or less red pepper flakes to suit your taste, or swap in fresh chopped chilies for a big kick.

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Yes, frozen salmon fillets are a great option! Just make sure they’re completely thawed and patted dry so the skin gets crispy and the fillets cook evenly.

How far in advance can I make the hot honey garlic sauce?

You can make the sauce up to a week ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently to loosen it before pouring over your freshly cooked salmon.

What other fish can I use for this Crispy Hot Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe?

Steelhead trout or Arctic char are great alternatives using the same method and sauce. The crispy skin and rich pink flesh pair beautifully with the hot honey garlic glaze!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s guaranteed to impress but simple enough for any night of the week, the Crispy Hot Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe won’t let you down. Every bite of crispy skin and bold, sweet-spicy glaze will leave you craving more! Give it a try and watch it disappear from the table—don’t forget to share your new favorite salmon recipe with your crew!