1. Homepage
  2. Recipes
  3. Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Easy

Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Sheet

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This dish features salmon fillets brushed with a bold hot honey glaze, balancing sweet, spicy, and tangy notes. The fish bakes to moist perfection, while the sauce caramelizes under high heat for a glossy finish. A combination of chili flakes, honey, soy, and lemon juice infuses each bite with bright, layered flavor. Serve over rice for a satisfying weeknight meal, finished with a drizzle of extra sauce and your favorite garnishes. The sheet pan method keeps cleanup easy and ensures perfectly flaky salmon every time.

Pin This Recipe Share with Friends Share via Email Print the Instructions Go Directly to Recipe
A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Recipe Author Maria
Updated as of Thu, 15 May 2025 22:35:45 GMT
A close up of a piece of salmon with a glaze. Bookmark
A close up of a piece of salmon with a glaze. | foodbymary.com

Sweet and spicy with a caramelized finish this hot honey glazed salmon always wows at dinner time and could not be simpler to prepare on a sheet pan. The luscious hot honey glaze locks in moisture and turns the salmon flaky and flavorful with hardly any effort.

I started making this after a trip to Nashville inspired my obsession with hot honey The memory of that trip comes back in every sweet spicy bite and even my pickiest eater polishes their plate

Ingredients

  • Honey: Adds natural floral sweetness Use good quality local honey if you can find it for best flavor
  • Chili flakes: Offer controlled heat Seek out vibrant red chili flakes for freshness and bold color
  • Soy sauce: Adds savory depth Opt for low sodium and sample before adding more salt
  • Unsalted butter: Brings richness and helps sauce thicken Go for European style for extra creaminess if available
  • Lemon juice: Brightens and balances the sweet and spicy Use freshly squeezed for a punchier taste
  • Water: Helps loosen the sauce so it spreads evenly
  • Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the glaze Look for smooth lump free cornstarch for best results
  • Salmon filets: Choose even thickness and bright color for juiciest results Wild caught is a great option if budget allows
  • Salt and pepper: Season simply to let bright bold glaze shine
  • Olive oil: Gives filets a luscious exterior Use extra virgin for a peppery finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium low heat combine honey chili flakes soy sauce three tablespoons of butter lemon juice and water Let simmer gently for five minutes stir a few times to help the butter melt and the flavors meld together
Thicken the Glaze:
Take the pan off the heat Stir in the smooth cornstarch slurry ensuring it is lump free Put the pan back on medium heat and simmer for another five minutes This is when the sauce thickens and glosses finishing with a spoon scraping consistency
Finish the Sauce:
Right at the end drop in the remaining cold butter Stir until shiny and smooth Pour the sauce into a bowl and let it cool to thicken further
Prepare the Salmon:
Preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred Celsius and line a baking tray with parchment Arrange the salmon filets skin side down Pat dry if needed Sprinkle each filet lightly with salt and pepper and brush them all with olive oil for a gorgeous crisp outside
Bake the Salmon:
Place the tray in the middle rack Bake for fifteen minutes With a spoon pour one to two tablespoons of your cooled hot honey sauce over each filet making sure some pools on the tray for caramelized edges
Glaze and Finish:
Pop the salmon tray back in the oven for five more minutes The sauce will bubble and create a golden sweet crust Check that the fish flakes easily with a fork
Serve and Enjoy:
Plate the salmon over steamed rice and drizzle with any extra hot honey sauce Top with your favorite garnish and enjoy every bold sweet spicy bite
A piece of salmon with rice on a plate. Bookmark
A piece of salmon with rice on a plate. | foodbymary.com

Whenever I make this I always look forward to the magic of the caramelized edges The first time my youngest son tasted it he smiled and said it tastes like something from a fancy restaurant It has become a top requested family dinner

Storage Tips

Let any leftovers cool completely before storing Use an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days For best texture flake into salads or gently reheat uncovered in the oven at low heat to keep the salmon from drying out

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have chili flakes try a spoonful of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne Honey can be swapped with maple syrup for a different sweetness If someone avoids soy soy sauce can be substituted with coconut aminos Salted butter will work but reduce additional salt

A plate of salmon with a glaze on it. Bookmark
A plate of salmon with a glaze on it. | foodbymary.com

Serving Suggestions

This salmon pairs perfectly with fluffy jasmine rice or a simple lemon herb quinoa For an extra boost serve with roasted broccoli steamed asparagus or a crisp cucumber salad If you want to go tapas style slice filets into bites for sharing at parties

Cultural and Flavor Notes

Hot honey is originally inspired by a Southern US flavor trend pairing the sweetness of honey with the punch of chilies It has found a home in kitchens around the world With this salmon you get a hint of Mediterranean thanks to the olive oil and fresh lemon plus a restaurant flair in just one pan

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How spicy is the hot honey glaze?

The glaze has a medium kick from chili flakes, but you can adjust heat by increasing or reducing the amount.

→ Can I use skinless salmon for this method?

Yes, both skin-on and skinless fillets work well. Skin-on may yield a slightly crisper base.

→ What side dishes pair well with this?

This salmon shines with steamed rice, quinoa, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad.

→ Can the glaze be made ahead?

Absolutely—prepare and refrigerate the glaze up to two days in advance; gently rewarm before using.

→ How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?

Look for opaque flesh and easy flaking with a fork after baking; internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Easy

Salmon fillets roasted and coated in tangy hot honey glaze, showcasing vibrant flavors and a tender texture.

Prep Time
5 minutes
Cooking Time
20 minutes
Overall Time
25 minutes
Recipe Author: Maria

Dish Category: Main Dishes

Recipe Difficulty: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine: American

Serves: 4 Serving Size

Dietary Options: ~

What You’ll Need to Cook

→ Hot Honey Sauce

Ingredient 01 60 ml honey
Ingredient 02 0.5 teaspoon chili flakes
Ingredient 03 15 ml soy sauce
Ingredient 04 56 g unsalted butter, divided
Ingredient 05 30 ml lemon juice
Ingredient 06 80 ml water
Ingredient 07 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 15 ml water (slurry)

→ Salmon

Ingredient 08 4 salmon filets
Ingredient 09 Salt, to taste
Ingredient 10 Pepper, to taste
Ingredient 11 60 ml olive oil

Steps to Prepare

Step 01

In a saucier over medium-low heat, combine honey, chili flakes, soy sauce, 42 g of unsalted butter, lemon juice, and water. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 02

Remove from the heat and blend in the cornstarch slurry, ensuring a smooth consistency. Return to medium heat and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.

Step 03

Whisk in remaining 14 g of cold butter until incorporated. Transfer sauce to a container and allow to cool slightly.

Step 04

Preheat oven to 200°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Arrange the salmon filets on the tray, season with salt and pepper, and brush each filet with olive oil.

Step 05

Bake salmon on the prepared tray for 15 minutes.

Step 06

Remove salmon from oven and spoon 15–30 ml hot honey sauce over each filet, letting surplus drip onto the tray. Return the salmon to the oven and bake for 5 minutes until caramelized.

Step 07

Serve salmon over steamed rice, drizzle with extra hot honey sauce, and garnish as desired.

Extra Cooking Tips

  1. Monitor the sauce while simmering to prevent scorching; the glaze should thicken but remain pourable.

Must-Have Tools

  • Saucier
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper

Allergen Information

Always check ingredient labels for allergens and seek expert advice if uncertain.
  • Contains fish, soy, and dairy.