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
Scale
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
