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Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 67 reviews
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon recipe features perfectly seared salmon fillets coated in a flavorful blend of smoked paprika, garlic, and cayenne pepper, then glazed in a sweet and spicy honey garlic sauce. This quick and delicious dish is garnished with toasted sesame seeds, green onions, and lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness, making it an ideal healthy weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

Salmon and Seasoning

  • 4 salmon fillets, 8 oz each, center cuts, skin removed
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ¾ tsp fresh ground black pepper, adjust to taste
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper, adjust to taste

Sauce

  • ¼ cup honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced or chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsps water
  • ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ½ tsp chili flakes, adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1½ tsp cornstarch
  • ½ tsp ginger powder (optional)

Garnishes (Optional)

  • Green onion, chopped
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Lemon wedges


Instructions

  1. Prepare the salmon: Remove the skin from the salmon fillets and slice them into 8 oz pieces if not already portioned. Pat the fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
  2. Season the salmon: In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, fresh ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Season both sides of each salmon fillet evenly with the spice blend.
  3. Make the sauce: In a separate small bowl or cup, combine honey, minced garlic, water, lemon juice, low-sodium soy sauce, onion powder, cornstarch, chili flakes, ginger powder (if using), and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Stir well until smooth and set aside for cooking.
  4. Sear the salmon: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Once hot, add the salmon fillets and sear without moving them for 5 minutes, allowing a golden crust to form on the bottom.
  5. Flip and cook: Carefully flip the salmon and cook the other side for another 5 minutes, ensuring the salmon is cooked through but still moist inside.
  6. Add sauce and glaze: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over the salmon in the pan. Let the sauce cook and thicken for 2 to 3 minutes, occasionally spooning the thickened glaze over the salmon to coat it nicely.
  7. Serve and garnish: Remove the salmon from heat and transfer to serving plates. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onion, and lemon wedges to add freshness and extra flavor before serving.

Notes

  • For best results, use center-cut salmon fillets with skin removed. Skin-on salmon can be used but adjust cooking time as needed.
  • You can adjust the cayenne pepper and chili flakes to control the spiciness of the dish.
  • If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey slightly.
  • Serve with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
  • The sauce contains cornstarch which helps it thicken quickly; ensure the sauce simmers properly to activate the thickening.