Description
Succulent salmon meets sweet-spicy hot honey glaze in this Mediterranean-inspired culinary delight. Crisp exterior and tender fish promise a quick, elegant dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
Spices and Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Glaze and Liquid Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Sriracha or Franks Red Hot)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Thoroughly blot salmon fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp exterior during cooking.
- Massage olive oil onto each fillet, creating a light, even coating that will help seasonings adhere and promote optimal caramelization.
- Generously sprinkle salt, freshly ground black pepper, smoky paprika, and garlic powder across the salmon’s surface, building layers of complex flavor.
- Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat, allowing the cooking surface to reach an ideal temperature for searing the fish.
- Carefully place seasoned salmon fillets skin-side down, allowing them to cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the skin turns golden and crispy.
- Gently flip the fillets and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the fish is just cooked through and remains tender and moist.
- While salmon finishes cooking, prepare the hot honey glaze by whisking together honey, red pepper flakes, and a touch of apple cider vinegar for balanced heat and tang.
- In the final minute of cooking, brush the salmon generously with the spicy honey mixture, creating a glossy, caramelized coating that enhances the fish’s natural richness.
- Remove salmon from heat and let rest for a moment, allowing the glaze to set and flavors to meld before serving immediately.
Notes
- Ensure salmon is completely dry before seasoning to achieve a crispy exterior and prevent steaming.
- Select fresh, high-quality salmon with a vibrant color and minimal fishy smell for the best flavor profile.
- Customize spice blend by experimenting with different herbs like dill, thyme, or adding a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
- Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast-iron pan to prevent sticking and create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg