Spicy and Sweet Firecracker Salmon with Garlic and Honey Glaze

Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this Best Firecracker Salmon recipe! This dish features tender salmon fillets, coated in a bold mixture of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and sriracha, giving it a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors

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Spicy and Sweet Firecracker Salmon with Garlic and Honey Glaze
Chef profile

JUE

Enjoy home-cooked meals made with love and shared from a family kitchen.

Chef's Essential Tips

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Storing Leftovers:
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently at a low temperature to avoid overcooking the fish.
Serving with Sides:
Serve the firecracker salmon alongside steamed vegetables and a grain of your choice. This balance creates a wholesome meal that's satisfying on multiple levels.
Garnishing the Dish:
Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the salmon just before serving. This not only boosts flavor but also adds visual appeal.
Resting the Salmon:
Allow the salmon to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This step lets the juices redistribute, keeping the fish moist.
Broiling for Crispiness:
During the last few minutes of baking, switch the oven to broil. This high heat will caramelize the glaze and crisp the skin beautifully.
Basting the Salmon:
Use a brush to apply the glaze generously over the salmon fillets before placing them in the oven. Save some glaze for later basting or drizzling over the finished dish.
Seasoning the Salmon:
After drying the salmon, season it generously with salt and pepper. This enhances the natural flavors and ensures a well-rounded taste profile.
Making the Glaze:
Combine honey, soy sauce, sriracha, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar in a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated. A well-blended glaze will evenly coat the salmon and provide a harmonious flavor.
Prepping the Salmon:
Start by selecting the freshest salmon available; look for bright, moist fillets with no fishy odor. Pat the salmon dry to ensure crispy skin when cooked. Use a sharp knife to carefully check for and remove any pin bones.
Spicy and Sweet Firecracker Salmon with Garlic and Honey Glaze

The Complete Guide to Mastering Firecracker Salmon

Storing Leftovers:
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently at a low temperature to avoid overcooking the fish.
Serving with Sides:
Serve the firecracker salmon alongside steamed vegetables and a grain of your choice. This balance creates a wholesome meal that's satisfying on multiple levels.
Garnishing the Dish:
Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the salmon just before serving. This not only boosts flavor but also adds visual appeal.
Resting the Salmon:
Allow the salmon to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This step lets the juices redistribute, keeping the fish moist.
Broiling for Crispiness:
During the last few minutes of baking, switch the oven to broil. This high heat will caramelize the glaze and crisp the skin beautifully.
Basting the Salmon:
Use a brush to apply the glaze generously over the salmon fillets before placing them in the oven. Save some glaze for later basting or drizzling over the finished dish.
Seasoning the Salmon:
After drying the salmon, season it generously with salt and pepper. This enhances the natural flavors and ensures a well-rounded taste profile.
Making the Glaze:
Combine honey, soy sauce, sriracha, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar in a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated. A well-blended glaze will evenly coat the salmon and provide a harmonious flavor.
Prepping the Salmon:
Start by selecting the freshest salmon available; look for bright, moist fillets with no fishy odor. Pat the salmon dry to ensure crispy skin when cooked. Use a sharp knife to carefully check for and remove any pin bones.
Pro Chef Secrets
Salmon is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but if reheating, do so at a low temperature to maintain moisture.
If time allows, let the salmon marinate in the glaze for 30 minutes before cooking to intensify the flavor.
For the crispiest skin, ensure your salmon is as dry as possible before cooking.
Avoid flipping the salmon during cooking to keep it intact and prevent it from breaking apart.
Spicy and Sweet Firecracker Salmon with Garlic and Honey Glaze

Spicy and Sweet Firecracker Salmon with Garlic and Honey Glaze

Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this Best Firecracker Salmon recipe! This dish features tender salmon fillets, coated in a bold mixture of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and sriracha, giving it a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. The crispy skin contrasts beautifully with the succulent fish, creating an unforgettable texture experience. Perfect for weeknight dinners, special family gatherings, or a romantic date night, this salmon dish is sure to impress. People love it for its quick preparation and explosive flavors, which make every bite a burst of happiness. Serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or rice to complete the meal and savor the deliciousness. Firecracker Salmon not only tastes amazing but also brings people together, creating memorable culinary moments.

Spicy and Sweet Firecracker Salmon with Garlic and Honey Glaze
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Ingredients

For the Salmon:
01
4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each), skin-on preferred for extra crispiness
02
1/4 cup honey, adds sweetness that balances the spice and enhances caramelization
03
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, for umami flavor and moisture
04
2 tablespoons sriracha, providing the signature heat of the firecracker sauce
05
2 tablespoons olive oil, helps to crisp the skin and adds richness
06
2 cloves garlic, minced, for aromatic depth
07
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated, adds warmth and spice
08
1 tablespoon rice vinegar, providing a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness
09
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish and a nutty flavor
10
2 green onions, sliced, for a fresh herbal note and color contrast
For Serving:
11
Steamed broccoli or asparagus, for a healthy vegetable side
12
Cooked rice or quinoa, to soak up the sauce

Instructions

01
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will crisp up the salmon skin beautifully while cooking the fish evenly.
02
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, sriracha, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar. This sauce will create the sweet and spicy glaze for your salmon.
03
Step 3: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin when cooking. Season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper.
04
Step 4: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy clean-up and to prevent sticking.
05
Step 5: Brush the prepared sauce generously over the top of the salmon fillets, reserving some for basting later.
06
Step 6: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness. The salmon should flake easily with a fork when done.
07
Step 7: During the last 5 minutes, switch your oven to broil for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the glaze. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
08
Step 8: Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for extra tenderness.
09
Step 9: While resting, prepare your vegetables or grains according to package instructions, if necessary.
10
Step 10: Serve the firecracker salmon hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, alongside your chosen sides.