Description
Hot Honey Salmon is a quick and flavorful baked salmon dish coated with a sweet and spicy honey-mustard sauce. This recipe combines the warmth of red pepper flakes with the bright tang of lemon and garlic, creating a perfectly balanced main course. Served with a fresh green salad and crusty bread, it makes an easy yet impressive meal ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Hot Honey Sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup stoneground mustard
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
For the Salmon and Serving
- 1-2 pounds salmon filet (cut into 3-4 pieces)
- 4 cups salad greens
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 1 baguette
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the honey, stoneground mustard, minced garlic, lemon juice, kosher salt, red pepper flakes, and paprika. Stir until well mixed. Set aside a small portion of this sauce to use later as a salad dressing.
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
- Coat the salmon: Place the salmon pieces skin side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush or spoon the hot honey sauce generously over each piece, making sure they are well coated on top.
- Bake the salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness and preferred doneness. Towards the end, broil the salmon for 2-3 minutes to achieve a nicely browned, caramelized top layer.
- Prepare the salad: In a bowl, toss the salad greens with the reserved sauce, olive oil, and red wine vinegar to make a light, tangy dressing.
- Serve: Sprinkle extra red pepper flakes on the baked salmon for added heat if desired. Serve each salmon portion with lemon wedges, the dressed green salad, and warm, crusty buttered baguette slices for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Setting aside some sauce before coating the salmon allows you to use the same flavorful mixture as a salad dressing, bringing harmonious flavors to the entire meal.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- Broiling at the end to caramelize the sauce on top enhances both the appearance and flavor of the salmon.
- Using foil on the baking sheet makes cleanup quick and easy.
