Hot Honey Butter Salmon

Name: Hot Honey Butter Salmon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless salmon fillets (about 7oz/200g each); 1/3 cup honey; 6 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or any mild vinegar); 1.5 tbsp soy sauce (not dark); Garlic, chili flakes, salt, and pepper to taste

Published: December 18, 2025

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 15 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, butter, and spices creates a mouthwatering glaze that enhances the natural taste of the salmon.
Versatile Pairing: Serve it with your choice of sides—rice, vegetables, or salad—to create a complete meal tailored to your taste.
Health Benefits: Salmon is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish not just delicious but also nutritious.
Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your preference for heat.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this scrumptious recipe, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Non-stick pan
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board
Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

Non-stick pan: Prevents the salmon from sticking while cooking, allowing for easy flipping and cleanup.
Spatula: Ideal for gently flipping the salmon without breaking it apart.
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures you use the right amounts of ingredients for consistent results.

Ingredients

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)

For Flavoring

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

Seasoning & Cooking

Salt & Pepper, (as needed)
Olive Oil, (as needed)

Optional Garnish

finely diced Spring Onion, (to serve)

How to Make Hot Honey Butter Salmon

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This step ensures flavor absorption and helps achieve a nice crust during cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Salmon

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets upside-down in the pan:
1. Cook for about 3 minutes until a golden crust forms.
2. Flip them over carefully using a spatula and fry for an additional minute.

Step 3: Baste with Butter

Move the fillets to one side of the pan:
1. Add butter to the bottom of the pan.
2. Tilt the pan slightly to baste the salmon with melted butter for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown on that side.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

Reduce heat to low-medium:
1. Add finely diced garlic and chili flakes; sauté for about 10-20 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
2. Stir in honey, rice vinegar, and soy sauce.
3. Simmer gently, stirring frequently until thickened to a thin caramel consistency (about 5 minutes). Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 5: Final Touches

Return the salmon fillets back into the pan:
1. Baste them with sauce until evenly coated.
2. Serve with your preferred amount of sauce drizzled over top and garnish with finely diced spring onions if desired.

Enjoy your delectable Hot Honey Butter Salmon!

How to Serve Hot Honey Butter Salmon

Serving Hot Honey Butter Salmon is all about enhancing its sweet and spicy flavors. This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and garnishes, making it a delightful centerpiece for your meal.

With Fresh Salad

Mixed Greens – A simple salad of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the salmon.
Cucumber Salad – Crunchy cucumbers drizzled with rice vinegar provide a refreshing contrast to the warm salmon.

On Rice or Quinoa

Steamed Rice – Fluffy steamed rice absorbs the delicious honey butter sauce, creating a satisfying bite.
Quinoa Pilaf – A nutty quinoa pilaf adds texture and nutrition while soaking up the flavors from the salmon.

With Vegetables

Grilled Asparagus – Tender grilled asparagus adds a smoky flavor that balances the sweetness of the honey butter.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts provide a hearty and slightly bitter note, enhancing the dish.

Topped with Aromatics

Fresh Herbs – Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the salmon for an aromatic finish.
Lemon Zest – A touch of lemon zest brightens the dish, adding a citrusy note that cuts through the richness.

How to Perfect Hot Honey Butter Salmon

Perfecting Hot Honey Butter Salmon involves attention to detail in cooking and seasoning. Follow these tips for best results:

Bold Seasoning – Don’t skimp on seasoning your salmon fillets. Salt and pepper enhance overall flavor.
Patience in Cooking – Cook salmon on medium-high heat to develop a golden crust without overcooking inside.
Baste Generously – Use the hot honey butter sauce to baste the salmon while cooking, ensuring maximum flavor infusion.
Check Doneness Carefully – Look for flakiness at the center; this indicates perfectly cooked salmon.
Adjust Spice Level – Taste your sauce before adding the salmon; adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Butter Salmon

Pair your Hot Honey Butter Salmon with these delicious side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Each option brings unique flavors that complement this standout dish.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting base for your salmon.
Sautéed Green Beans – Quick sautéed green beans add color and crunch, providing a fresh element to your plate.
Couscous Salad – A light couscous salad mixed with cherry tomatoes and herbs offers texture and brightness.
Cauliflower Rice – For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice serves as an excellent substitute while allowing flavors to shine through.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes – The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with hot honey flavors.
Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn adds a sweet crunch that harmonizes with the sticky glaze of the salmon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Hot Honey Butter Salmon can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

Boldly skipping the seasoning: Always season your salmon fillets well with salt and pepper before cooking. This enhances the flavor significantly.
Boldly overcrowding the pan: When frying salmon, ensure not to crowd the pan. This prevents even cooking and can lead to steaming instead of searing.
Boldly ignoring the basting step: Basting with butter enhances the flavor and moisture. Don’t skip this crucial step for a rich taste.
Boldly rushing the sauce: Allow the sauce to thicken properly on low heat. A rushed sauce may not achieve that perfect caramel consistency.
Boldly overcooking the salmon: Keep an eye on cooking time. Salmon cooks quickly, and overcooking can lead to a dry texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Consume within 2-3 days for best quality.

Freezing Hot Honey Butter Salmon

Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Hot Honey Butter Salmon

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth as needed to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hot Honey Butter Salmon?

Hot Honey Butter Salmon is a flavorful dish featuring salmon fillets coated with a sweet and spicy honey butter glaze that is both sticky and delicious.

How do I make Hot Honey Butter Salmon less spicy?

To reduce spiciness, simply decrease the amount of chili flakes you use or omit them entirely. You can also add extra honey for sweetness.

Can I use other fish for this recipe?

Yes! While salmon works wonderfully, you can substitute it with trout or any firm white fish that suits your taste.

What should I serve with Hot Honey Butter Salmon?

This dish pairs beautifully with sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad for a complete meal.

How long does it take to prepare Hot Honey Butter Salmon?

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 15 minutes, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Butter Salmon is truly a versatile dish that combines sweet and spicy flavors in one bite. It’s easy to customize by adjusting spice levels or pairing it with different sides. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card