Hot Honey Butter Salmon

This Hot Honey Butter Salmon is a delightful dish that combines sweet and spicy flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe will impress with its deliciousness and simplicity. The honey butter sauce adds a sticky glaze that elevates the salmon to another level, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of total time, you can whip up a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, garlic, and chili flakes creates a unique sweet and spicy profile that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for serving alongside rice, salad, or steamed vegetables; it pairs well with many sides.
• Healthy Option: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish not only tasty but also nutritious.
• Impressive Presentation: The glossy finish of the honey butter sauce makes this dish visually appealing for any table setting.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make all the difference when preparing your Hot Honey Butter Salmon. Here are some essential items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick pan: This ensures that your salmon cooks evenly and doesn’t stick, allowing for easy flipping.
• Spatula: A flexible spatula helps in basting the salmon with sauce without breaking the fillets.
• Measuring cups/spoons: Accurate measurements guarantee that the flavors are balanced in your honey butter sauce.

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)
• 1 – 2 cloves of Garlic, (finely diced)
• 1/2 – 1 tsp Chilli Flakes (see notes)

Additional Items

• Salt & Pepper, (as needed)
• Olive Oil, (as needed)
• 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.
2. 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 about 3 minutes until golden crust forms.
3. Flip them over and fry for an additional minute.
4. Move the fillets to one side of the pan; drop butter into the bottom.
5. Tilt the pan to baste the salmon with melted butter for about 1-2 minutes until golden on both sides.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Lower heat to low-medium; add garlic and chili flakes to pan.
2. Fry for 10-20 seconds to soften garlic without browning it.
3. Stir in honey, vinegar & soy sauce; simmer gently until sauce thickens to a thin caramel consistency—about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Add salmon back into the pan; baste with sauce.
2. Serve hot topped with additional sauce and finely diced spring onions if desired.

Enjoy your Hot Honey Butter Salmon, a dish that’s sure to become a favorite!

How to Serve Hot Honey Butter Salmon

Serving Hot Honey Butter Salmon can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful ways to plate and enjoy this sweet and spicy dish.

Pair with Steamed Vegetables

• Broccoli: The slight bitterness of broccoli complements the sweetness of the honey butter.
• Asparagus: Tender asparagus adds a fresh crunch that balances the rich salmon.
• Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans offer a crisp texture and vibrant color.

Serve Over Rice or Quinoa

• Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice absorbs the sauce beautifully, making each bite flavorful.
• Quinoa: A nutritious option, quinoa adds a nutty flavor and extra protein to your meal.

Accompany with Salad

• Mixed Greens: A simple salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette provides freshness to contrast the rich salmon.
• Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers tossed in vinegar add a refreshing bite alongside the hot honey butter flavors.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Adds a burst of color and freshness when sprinkled over the salmon before serving.
• Cilantro: For those who love a herbaceous note, cilantro enhances the dish’s overall flavor profile.

How to Perfect Hot Honey Butter Salmon

Perfecting Hot Honey Butter Salmon involves careful cooking techniques and attention to detail. Here are some tips for achieving restaurant-quality results.

• Choose the right salmon: Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture.
• Pat dry before seasoning: Drying the fillets helps achieve a perfect golden crust when cooked.
• Watch the cooking time: Cooking salmon for just the right amount of time ensures it stays moist and tender.
• Baste frequently: Basting with the sauce during cooking infuses flavor throughout the fillets.
• Adjust spice levels: Customize heat by varying chili flakes according to your personal preference.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Butter Salmon

Complement your Hot Honey Butter Salmon with these delicious side dishes that will enhance your meal.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting base for the salmon.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts add depth and earthy flavors to your plate.
3. Couscous Salad – Light and fluffy couscous mixed with herbs and veggies offers bright flavors that complement the salmon.
4. Sweet Potato Wedges – Roasted sweet potato wedges bring sweetness and a satisfying crunch alongside the hot honey butter sauce.
5. Cauliflower Rice – A low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice absorbs flavors well and adds a healthy touch to your meal.
6. Zucchini Noodles – Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles serve as a fun, low-carb pasta option that pairs well with salmon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Hot Honey Butter Salmon can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will enhance your dish.

• Bold seasoning: Not seasoning the salmon properly can lead to bland flavors. Always season with salt and pepper before cooking for the best taste.
• Skipping room temperature: Cooking cold salmon will result in uneven cooking. Allow your salmon fillets to come to room temperature for even results.
• Overcooking the garlic: Garlic burns quickly, which can ruin the flavor of your sauce. Keep an eye on it while sautéing, and add it just before the sauce ingredients.
• Neglecting basting: Failing to baste the salmon with the sauce could lead to dry fillets. Make sure to pour the sauce over the salmon while it’s cooking.
• Ignoring thickness: Different salmon fillet thicknesses will cook at different rates. Adjust cooking times based on how thick your fillets are.
• Not adjusting spice levels: If you find chili flakes too spicy, remember you can adjust it according to your preference or omit them for a milder flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Hot Honey Butter Salmon

• Place in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Hot Honey Butter Salmon

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about Hot Honey Butter Salmon, here are some common questions.

What is Hot Honey Butter Salmon?

Hot Honey Butter Salmon is a delicious dish featuring salmon fillets glazed with a sweet and spicy honey butter sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

How do I know when my salmon is cooked?

Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has an opaque appearance throughout. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Can I use other types of fish?

Absolutely! You can substitute salmon with trout or tilapia if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly based on the thickness of the fish.

What sides pair well with Hot Honey Butter Salmon?

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

How can I customize this recipe?

Feel free to adjust spice levels by using more or fewer chili flakes or swapping out soy sauce for tamari for a gluten-free option.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Butter Salmon is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to make. You can customize it based on your taste preferences and serve it with various sides. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress!