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
Scale
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.
