If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, perfectly balanced between spicy heat and sweet honey glaze, let me introduce you to the Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe. This recipe turns simple salmon strips into a crispy, mouthwatering delight featuring a golden crust and a tantalizing hot honey sauce that coats every bite. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to share with friends, giving you that crispy texture and a flavor combo that’s downright addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing the Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe. Each one plays an essential role—whether it’s the smoky paprika adding depth or the honey bringing that irresistible glaze, these ingredients come together with ease to create something spectacular.
- 2 pounds salmon: Fresh, skinless, and cut into 1-inch strips or chunks for the perfect tender bite.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle savory note that enhances overall flavor complexity.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a gentle punch of aromatic garlic without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a smoky warmth that complements the heat.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential basics for seasoning and highlighting flavors.
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan (or flour): Parmesan adds umami and crunch; flour is a great substitute if you want a neutral coating.
- Olive oil or melted butter: Helps crisp the salmon beautifully while adding richness.
- 1/2 cup honey: Balances the heat with natural sweetness and creates that signature glossy sauce.
- 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce: Provides the spicy backbone—adjust to your preferred heat level.
- 1/2 to 3 teaspoons cayenne pepper: Start with half a teaspoon and add more to intensify the kick.
- 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder: Adds smoky depth along with a gentle heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the sauce with another layer of garlic flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Rounds out the sauce seasoning.
- Green onions, cilantro, or thyme: Fresh herbs for garnish that bring a pop of color and fresh aroma.
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season Your Salmon
Start by preheating your oven to 450° F and lightly oil a sheet pan. Place your salmon strips or chunks right on the pan, and sprinkle them with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly—this seasoning soak sets the flavor foundation.
Step 2: Add the Parmesan Coating and Oil
Next, sprinkle grated parmesan over the salmon to create that irresistible crust once cooked. If you prefer, you can substitute flour for parmesan to keep it simple while still achieving crispness. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over everything—it not only helps the salmon crisp but also adds a luscious richness you’ll adore.
Step 3: Bake Your Salmon for Crispy Perfection
Slide the sheet pan into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye out for a golden, crispy top—that’s your cue the salmon tenders are ready. This short baking time ensures tenderness inside while delivering that satisfying crunch outside.
Step 4: Craft the Signature Hot Honey Sauce
While the salmon is baking, warm the honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until everything melds together into a silky, spicy-sweet sauce. Avoid boiling—warm is perfect to keep all the flavors vibrant.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
As soon as the salmon is out of the oven, either drizzle the warm hot honey sauce directly over the tenders or serve it on the side for dipping. If your sauce thickens while waiting, just rewarm it gently to keep it pourable. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and a shower of fresh herbs like green onions, cilantro, or thyme for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh, vibrant garnishes will elevate your Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe instantly. I love a scatter of sliced green onions or chopped cilantro—both add a bright contrast to the spicy-sweet sauce. A few sprigs of thyme also add a lovely aromatic lift and a pop of joyous green color.
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, pair these salmon tenders with sides that balance the heat and sweetness. Creamy mashed potatoes or a cooling cucumber salad work beautifully to mellow the spiciness. Roasted vegetables bring an earthy element, while fluffy rice or quinoa soak up any leftover sauce, making every bite memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Serve your Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe as finger food at your next get-together for a crowd-pleaser that’s fun to eat. You can also turn these tenders into a taco filling with fresh slaw and avocado slices or lay them over a fresh salad for a lighter lunch that’s still packed with flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your salmon tenders in an airtight container in the fridge. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their crispness and flavor, so they stay as delicious as when freshly made. Eat within 2 days for the best taste.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked salmon tenders, but be aware the texture might soften slightly upon thawing. To freeze, arrange tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This way, they won’t stick together, and you can grab just what you need later.
Reheating
To bring back some of that crispiness, reheat your salmon tenders in a 375° F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crunchy texture—the oven method warms them through while maintaining a delightful exterior.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning to get that perfect crispy finish.
What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I skip the cayenne pepper?
Definitely. You can reduce or omit the cayenne and hot sauce to make it milder, and the honey will still bring sweetness and richness to the dish.
Is parmesan necessary, or can I make this gluten-free?
Parmesan adds a great savory crunch, but if you need gluten-free, stick with gluten-free flour or almond meal as a crunchy coating alternative.
Can I make the hot honey sauce in advance?
Yes! You can make the sauce up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just warm it gently before serving.
What’s the best way to cut salmon for tenders?
Cut skinless salmon into roughly 1-inch strips or chunks. Try to keep pieces uniform in size so they cook evenly and stay juicy inside.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe is truly a standout that blends simple ingredients with bold, exciting flavors. Whether it’s an easy weeknight treat or part of a feast for friends, these tenders promise crispy, spicy, sweet satisfaction in every bite. Give it a try—I bet it will become one of your go-to favorites sooner than you think!
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Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender salmon strips coated with a blend of spices and parmesan, baked to crispy perfection, and drizzled with a spicy, sweet hot honey sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner that balances heat and sweetness with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Salmon and Coating
- 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, 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
Garnish
- Green onions, cilantro, or thyme, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly rub a sheet pan with olive oil or melted butter to prevent sticking and help with crisping.
- Coat the Salmon: Place 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 if preferred). Gently toss the salmon on the pan to coat each piece with the spices and parmesan.
- Add Oil and Bake: Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the coated salmon pieces to help them crisp up during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and crispy on top.
- Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce: While the salmon bakes, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper (starting with 1/2 teaspoon and adjusting to taste), chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small sauce pot. Warm gently over low heat, stirring until well combined. Do not bring to a boil to preserve flavor and texture.
- Serve: Once the salmon tenders are done baking, drizzle the warm hot honey sauce generously over them or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. If the sauce thickens upon standing, gently rewarm it on the stove before serving.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle with additional sea salt and fresh herbs such as green onions, cilantro, or thyme for a fresh, flavorful finish. Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy hot honey salmon tenders!
Notes
- You can substitute flour for parmesan if you want a more neutral coating, but parmesan adds a nice savory flavor.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the heat level in the sauce.
- If the hot honey sauce thickens too much, gently reheat it to regain a pourable consistency.
- Use fresh herbs such as green onions, cilantro, or thyme to add a bright contrast to the spicy, sweet sauce.
- Ensure salmon pieces are uniformly sized to bake evenly.
