Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
Introduction
If you love bold flavors and crispy textures, these Hot Honey Salmon Tenders are a must-try. The combination of sweet honey and spicy heat perfectly complements the tender, flaky salmon. Plus, they come together quickly for an easy yet impressive meal.
Ingredients
- 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 flour)
- Olive oil or melted butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1/2 – 3 teaspoons cayenne pepper, use to your taste, starting with 1/2 teaspoon
- 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Green onions, cilantro, or thyme, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450° F. Lightly rub a sheet pan with olive oil or melted butter.
- Step 2: Place the salmon strips or chunks on the prepared sheet pan. Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, parmesan (or flour), salt, and black pepper evenly over the salmon. Gently toss to coat all pieces. Drizzle with a bit more oil or melted butter.
- Step 3: Bake the salmon in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the top is crispy and the salmon is cooked through.
- Step 4: While the salmon bakes, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder together over low heat. Do not boil; just warm until combined.
- Step 5: When the salmon is done, drizzle the warm hot honey sauce over the pieces or serve it on the side for dipping. If the sauce thickens too much, gently rewarm it on the stove.
- Step 6: Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, or thyme before serving. Enjoy your crispy, spicy-sweet salmon tenders!
Tips & Variations
- Use parmesan for a richer crust or flour for a lighter, crispier coating.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your heat preference, starting with a small amount if sensitive to spice.
- Try substituting hot sauce with sriracha for a different flavor profile.
- Serve over rice or salad greens for a complete meal.
Storage
Store any leftover salmon tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain crispiness, and warm the hot honey sauce before drizzling again.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salmon fillets instead of tenders?
Yes, you can cut salmon fillets into any size chunks or strips. Just be mindful of cooking time, as larger pieces may take a little longer to cook through.
Is it possible to make this recipe without baking?
You can pan-fry the seasoned salmon in a hot skillet with oil until crispy and cooked through, then toss with the hot honey sauce. However, baking ensures even cooking and a crispy finish with less oil.
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Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders recipe features tender salmon strips coated with smoky spices and parmesan, baked to a crispy perfection, then drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. Perfect as a flavorful and quick-to-make main dish, it’s an exciting twist on salmon that balances heat and sweetness with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 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 flour)
- Olive oil or melted butter, 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, 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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and lightly oil a sheet pan to prevent sticking.
- Season Salmon: Arrange the salmon strips or chunks on the prepared sheet pan. Sprinkle evenly with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and grated parmesan (or flour). Gently toss or coat the salmon pieces to ensure even seasoning. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the salmon to help crisp the exterior during baking.
- Bake Salmon: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Check for a crispy top and cooked-through salmon. The exact time may vary based on chunk size but ensure the salmon is tender and flakes easily.
- Make Hot Honey Sauce: While the salmon bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper (starting with 1/2 teaspoon), chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through but not boiling. Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred heat level.
- Serve: Once the salmon is done, either drizzle the warm hot honey sauce over the tenders or serve it on the side for dipping. If the sauce thickens upon standing, gently rewarm it on the stove. Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, or thyme and sprinkle lightly with sea salt or your preferred herbs.
Notes
- You can substitute grated parmesan with flour if desired, though Parmesan adds a nutty flavor and crispness.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount in the sauce to control the heat level.
- Use fresh herbs like cilantro or thyme to complement the sweet-spicy flavors.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the parmesan is free of additives or use gluten-free flour.
- If reheating leftovers, warm gently to avoid drying out the salmon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: salmon tenders, hot honey salmon, crispy salmon, baked salmon, spicy salmon, honey sauce, easy dinner
