Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances crunchy, spicy, and sweet flavors, you absolutely must try this Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe. Picture tender, flaky salmon strips boasting a golden, crispy exterior, coated with a smoky spice mix, and then finished with a luscious drizzle of hot honey sauce that kicks things up a notch. It’s the kind of dish that effortlessly elevates weeknight dinners or impresses guests with minimal fuss. I’m so excited to share this recipe with you because it’s not only full of bold flavors but also incredibly simple to whip up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe, you only need a handful of basic ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to build depth, texture, and vibrant flavor. These essentials combine to give the salmon a crispy crust, a smoky warmth, and a sticky-sweet finish that’s downright addictive.
- Salmon (2 pounds, cut into 1 inch strips or chunks): Fresh, firm salmon is the star of the dish, providing tender, rich flavor and omega-3 goodness.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon, plus 1/2 teaspoon for sauce): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the salmon.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon, plus 1/2 teaspoon for sauce): Brings a warm, savory undertone that enhances the seafood’s natural flavor.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives the tenders a beautiful smoky aroma and a hint of earthiness that’s essential for that crispy crust.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that amplify every other ingredient and balance the heat.
- Grated parmesan or flour (3 tablespoons): Parmesan adds umami and helps with the crust, while flour provides a light crisp coating.
- Olive oil or melted butter: Coats the salmon to encourage browning and adds richness.
- Honey (1/2 cup): The base of the sauce, offering sweetness that tames the heat and glazes the salmon beautifully.
- Hot sauce (2-3 tablespoons): Choose your favorite for the perfect spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- Cayenne pepper (1/2 to 3 teaspoons, to taste): Adds vibrant heat and brings the sauce to life; start mild and adjust gradually.
- Chipotle chili powder (3/4 teaspoon): Contributes a smoky, slightly spicy flavor with a hint of complexity.
- Fresh herbs (green onions, cilantro, or thyme for garnish): A fresh pop of color and bright herbal notes to finish the dish.
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season Your Salmon
First things first, preheat your oven to 450° Fahrenheit and lightly oil a sheet pan to prevent sticking. Place the salmon strips or chunks on the pan, making sure they’re in a single layer so each piece gets evenly cooked and crispy. Sprinkle the salmon evenly with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and grated parmesan or flour. Gently toss everything together right on the pan, coating each tender to build that seasoned crust we want.
Step 2: Crisp Up the Salmon
Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the seasoned salmon pieces. This fat is the secret to a golden, crispy exterior that seals in juiciness. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the salmon—the edges should be nicely browned and the surface crisp, while the inside remains tender and flaky.
Step 3: Whip Up the Hot Honey Sauce
While the salmon is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce for maximum flavor punch. In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Warm the mixture gently over low heat, letting the ingredients meld without boiling. This creates a sticky, spicy glaze that perfectly balances sweetness with heat.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Once the salmon tenders are out of the oven and sizzling with crispiness, you can either drizzle the warm hot honey sauce over them or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. If the sauce cools and thickens, just give it a gentle warm-up to restore that luscious texture. Finish by sprinkling fresh green onions, cilantro, or thyme over the top for a fresh herbal pop.
How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your salmon with fresh herbs like green onions, cilantro, or thyme adds a burst of color and brightness that perfectly offsets the spicy-sweet sauce. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also elevate the flavors, making each bite pop even more. These simple touches turn a delicious dish into a stunning presentation.
Side Dishes
To complement the Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe, consider pairing it with fluffy jasmine rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts work beautifully too, as they soak up some of the hot honey sauce, creating harmonious flavors on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual meal, you can serve the salmon tenders as finger food on a platter with small bowls of hot honey sauce for dipping. Another fun idea is to place the tenders on toasted buns or sliders, topped with a crisp slaw for a spicy-sweet seafood sandwich. Either way, the recipe shines in any setup!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salmon tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the crust as crispy as possible, you might want to keep the sauce separate until ready to serve or reheat.
Freezing
Freezing cooked salmon tenders is possible but not ideal for texture, as the crispy exterior can soften. If you choose to freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw thoroughly in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe is in a hot oven or air fryer at about 375° Fahrenheit for 5–7 minutes to revive crispiness without drying the fish. Reheat the sauce gently on the stove and drizzle when serving for best results.
FAQs
Can I use other fish instead of salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! While salmon works wonderfully with its rich flavor and texture, firm white fish like cod or haddock can also be delicious when prepared with this crispy coating and hot honey sauce.
What if I don’t have parmesan for the coating?
No worries! The recipe calls for parmesan or flour, so you can simply use all-purpose flour to help create the crispy crust if you prefer or omit parmesan due to dietary restrictions.
How spicy is this Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe?
The heat level is flexible depending on how much cayenne and hot sauce you add. Starting with 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne is mild and adds warmth, but feel free to adjust upward for more kick to suit your taste buds perfectly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the flour for a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or cornstarch, and ensure your hot sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free too.
What does the chipotle chili powder add to the sauce?
Chipotle chili powder brings a smoky, slightly sweet depth that balances the honey’s sweetness and the cayenne’s heat, enriching the overall flavor without overwhelming the salmon’s natural taste.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings joy to the dinner table with every bite. The harmony of textures and bold, balanced flavors makes it a personal favorite I can’t recommend enough. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these salmon tenders will wow with their crispy exterior and irresistible spicy-sweet glaze. I hope you dive in and enjoy making this recipe as much as I love sharing it!
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Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders are a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish featuring tender salmon strips baked to a perfect crisp and coated with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish combines savory seasoning with a fiery honey glaze accented by smoked paprika, cayenne, and chipotle. Serve garnished with fresh herbs for a flavorful and impressive meal that’s perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasoning
- 2 pounds salmon, cut into 1 inch strips or chunks
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan (or all-purpose flour as substitute)
- Olive oil or melted butter, as needed for coating
Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1/2 – 3 teaspoons cayenne pepper (start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste)
- 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Garnish
- Green onions, cilantro, or thyme, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450° F (232° C) and lightly rub a sheet pan with olive oil or melted butter to prevent sticking and help with crisping the salmon.
- Prepare the Salmon: Place the salmon strips or chunks on the prepared sheet pan. Sprinkle evenly with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, grated parmesan (or flour), salt, and black pepper. Gently toss the salmon pieces to coat them well with the seasoning and parmesan. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over to ensure a crispy texture once baked.
- Bake the Salmon: Slide the sheet pan into the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Bake until the salmon is cooked through and has a crispy top layer, checking for doneness by the salmon’s opaque appearance and slightly firm texture.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: While the salmon is baking, warm all sauce ingredients—honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder—in a small sauce pot over low heat. Stir occasionally until combined and heated through but do not allow the sauce to boil to preserve the honey’s natural flavor.
- Serve: Once the salmon is done, either drizzle the warm hot honey sauce generously over the crispy tenders or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. If the sauce thickens upon standing, gently rewarm it on the stove before serving. Garnish with fresh green onions, cilantro, or thyme and a sprinkle of sea salt for added flavor. Enjoy immediately for best texture and taste.
Notes
- You can substitute parmesan with all-purpose flour if you prefer a dairy-free option, but parmesan adds a nice savory crispness.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your heat preference; start with the smallest amount if you prefer mild spice.
- The hot honey sauce can be made ahead and gently rewarmed before serving.
- Using fresh herbs like green onions, cilantro, or thyme adds freshness and color to the dish.
- Make sure not to overbake the salmon to avoid dryness; salmon cooks quickly and is best moist inside with a crispy crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
