Honey Butter Salmon is an irresistible dish that combines the rich, savory flavor of salmon with the sweetness of honey and the richness of butter. The result is a mouthwatering combination of sweet, spicy, and savory notes, making this dish a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or even a special occasion. The salmon fillets are pan-fried until crispy on the outside, then coated in a delectable honey-butter sauce that adds depth and complexity to every bite.
This recipe is quick and easy, taking only about 15 minutes to prepare from start to finish. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish will impress anyone you serve it to.
Why Honey Butter Salmon?
Salmon is not only delicious but also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins, making it a nutritious option for any meal. The addition of honey and butter in this recipe enhances the natural flavor of the fish, creating a rich, sticky glaze that elevates the overall experience. The sweet and savory sauce balances the richness of the salmon and adds a lovely caramelized touch.
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to rice or even mashed potatoes. It’s easy to customize with additional spices or flavorings to suit your taste.
Ingredients for Honey Butter Salmon
Before you start, make sure you have the following ingredients:
Salmon Fillets: Choose skinless fillets for easy cooking and to allow the sauce to soak into the fish. You can also use skin-on fillets if preferred.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the level of salt in the dish. It adds a rich, smooth texture to the sauce.
Honey: Use runny honey to ensure it blends easily into the sauce. Honey provides sweetness that contrasts with the savory elements of the soy sauce and garlic.
Soy Sauce: Light soy sauce adds a savory, salty note that balances out the sweetness of the honey.
Rice vinegar: adds acidity to the sauce, cutting through the richness of the butter and honey. Apple cider vinegar is also a good substitute.
Chili Flakes: These provide the “hot” element in the sauce. Adjust the amount to suit your preferred spice level.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a savory depth to the sauce, complementing the sweetness of the honey.
Olive Oil: A little olive oil for pan-frying the salmon and creating a golden, crispy crust.
Salt and pepper—for seasoning the salmon before cooking.
How to Make Honey Butter Salmon
Making honey butter salmon is easy and quick. Follow these simple steps to create this flavorful dish:
1. Prepare the Salmon
Start by taking your salmon fillets out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you cook them. This allows the salmon to come to room temperature, ensuring it cooks evenly. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season both sides of the fillets generously with salt and pepper.
2. Pan-Fry the Salmon
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down if you’re using skin-on fillets. Cook for about 3 minutes on the first side, until a golden crust forms. Flip the fillets over and cook for an additional minute on the other side. The salmon should be almost cooked through at this point, with the center still slightly translucent.
3. Add Butter and batter.
Lower the heat to medium and move the salmon fillets to one side of the pan. Add the butter to the empty side of the pan. As it melts, tilt the pan to pool the butter on one side. Use a spoon to baste the salmon with the melted butter for 1-2 minutes. This will enhance the flavor and help the salmon cook evenly.
4. Prepare the Honey Butter Sauce
Remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside on a plate. In the same pan, lower the heat to low-medium. Add the garlic and chili flakes to the leftover butter in the pan. Sauté for 10-20 seconds, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Then, stir in the honey, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should thicken into a syrupy consistency that will coat the salmon beautifully.
5. Combine the Salmon and Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened, return the salmon to the pan and spoon the sauce over the top. Allow the salmon to rest in the sauce for another minute or so, letting the flavors meld together. For extra flavor, you can garnish the salmon with finely diced spring onions or fresh herbs like parsley.
Tips for Perfect Honey Butter Salmon
To ensure your Honey Butter Salmon turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
1. Use Fresh Salmon
Fresh salmon fillets provide the best flavor and texture for this recipe. Look for fillets with vibrant pink or orange flesh, which indicates freshness. If you’re buying frozen salmon, make sure it’s properly thawed before cooking.
2. Don’t Overcook the Salmon
Overcooking salmon can lead to dry, tough fish. For perfectly cooked salmon, aim for a slightly crispy crust on the outside with a tender, flaky interior. The salmon will continue to cook slightly after you remove it from the pan, so it’s okay if it’s slightly underdone when you take it off the heat.
3. Baste the Salmon
Basting the salmon with melted butter during cooking helps infuse the fish with rich, savory flavors. The butter also helps achieve that golden, crispy crust. Be sure to tilt the pan to pool the butter on one side so that you can spoon it over the fillets.
4. Adjust the Spice Level
The level of spice in the sauce is entirely up to you. If you prefer a milder version, start with a small amount of chili flakes (around 1/2 teaspoon) and taste the sauce before adding more. If you like things spicier, add more chili flakes until you achieve the perfect level of heat.
5. Let the Salmon Rest
After cooking, let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fillet, ensuring it remains moist and tender. It also gives the sauce time to soak into the fish, enhancing the flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
While the classic version of Honey Butter Salmon is incredibly flavorful on its own, you can always experiment with different ingredients or substitutions to customize the recipe to your taste.
1. Add Herbs for Extra Flavor
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill to the butter sauce. These herbs can complement the sweetness of the honey and the richness of the butter, giving the dish a fresh, aromatic finish.
2. Try a Different Sweetener
While honey is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other sweeteners to change the flavor profile:
Maple Syrup: For a slightly different sweetness, try using maple syrup in place of honey. It adds a deep, caramel-like flavor that pairs wonderfully with salmon.
Agave Nectar: A good option for those looking for a lower glycemic index alternative to honey. Agave nectar provides a mild sweetness without overpowering the dish.
3. Use Soy Sauce Variations
You can experiment with different types of soy sauce to change the flavor of the sauce:
Tamari: A gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, tamari provides a similar savory flavor with less salt.
Coconut Aminos: For a soy-free alternative, coconut aminos offer a milder, slightly sweeter flavor that works well in this sauce.
4. Add Vegetables
If you want to add more nutrition and flavor to the dish, try incorporating some vegetables. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli pair perfectly with the rich flavors of the honey butter salmon.
Serving Suggestions
Honey Butter Salmon is versatile and can be paired with a wide range of side dishes to create a complete meal. Here are a few ideas for sides that go perfectly with the sweet, savory flavors of the salmon:
1. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are a great choice to serve with honey butter salmon. Their slight bitterness contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the sauce, creating a well-rounded dish.
2. Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting and hearty side dish to complement the salmon. The rich texture of the potatoes pairs wonderfully with the honey butter sauce.
3. Steamed Rice
A simple bowl of steamed white or brown rice is an excellent base to soak up the extra sauce from the salmon. You can also serve the salmon on a bed of wild rice for added texture and flavor.
4. Fresh Salad
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the salmon. Consider adding some avocado, cucumber, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor.
5. Garlic Bread
For an extra indulgent side, serve honey butter salmon with a slice of garlic bread. The garlicky, buttery bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful sauce.
Storing Leftovers and Reheating Honey Butter Salmon
While Honey Butter Salmon is best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Here’s how to properly store and reheat it:
Storing Leftovers
Cool the Salmon: Allow the salmon to cool to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator. This helps maintain its texture and prevents condensation from forming.
Airtight Container: Store the leftover salmon in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If possible, store the sauce separately to prevent the salmon from becoming too soggy.
Refrigeration: Keep the leftovers in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. If you’re not able to eat it within this timeframe, freezing is not recommended due to the delicate nature of the sauce.
Reheating
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Stovetop: Reheat the salmon in a skillet over low heat. Add a small amount of water or broth to the pan to keep the salmon moist while reheating.
Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave the salmon on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
FAQs On Honey Butter Salmon
1. Does honey go well with salmon?
Yes, honey pairs beautifully with salmon. The sweetness of the honey complements the rich, savory flavor of the salmon, creating a balanced taste profile. Honey also helps create a sticky glaze that caramelizes when cooked, adding a lovely texture and depth to the fish.
2. What is honey butter sauce made of?
Honey butter sauce is made by combining butter, honey, and additional ingredients to enhance flavor. In the case of honey butter salmon, the sauce typically includes soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and chili flakes. These ingredients provide a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce that complements the richness of the salmon.
3. What does Gordon Ramsay put on his salmon?
Gordon Ramsay often uses simple, fresh ingredients to enhance the flavor of salmon. He recommends seasoning it with salt, pepper, and olive oil. For added richness, he frequently pairs salmon with sauces like hollandaise, beurre blanc, or even a fresh herb butter. Ramsay also emphasizes the importance of not overcooking the salmon, allowing it to remain moist and tender.
4. Which sauce goes best with salmon?
The best sauce for salmon depends on the flavor profile you’re aiming for. Some popular options include:
Lemon butter sauce: A light and zesty option that enhances the natural flavor of salmon.
Dill sauce: A creamy sauce made with fresh dill and often served with salmon, adding a refreshing, herby flavor.
Garlic cream sauce: Rich and savory, this sauce adds depth to the salmon’s flavor.
Teriyaki sauce: A sweet and salty Asian-inspired sauce that pairs well with grilled or pan-seared salmon.
5. Can I use other fish for honey butter sauce?
Yes, you can use other fish varieties like trout, tilapia, or cod in place of salmon. However, keep in mind that different fish will have slightly different textures and flavors. Salmon works especially well with honey butter sauce due to its rich, fatty texture, but lighter fish will also benefit from the sweet and savory glaze.
Honey Butter Salmon Recipe Card
Ingredients:
4 boneless skinless salmon fillets (around 7 oz/200g each)
1/3 cup (110g) honey
6 tbsp (90g) unsalted butter
2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1.5 tbsp soy sauce (light soy sauce)
1-2 cloves garlic, finely diced
1/2 – 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to preference)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Olive oil, as needed for cooking
Finely diced spring onions (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Pan-Fry the Salmon: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets and cook for about 3 minutes, or until a golden crust forms on the first side. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional minute on the other side. Move the fillets to the top of the pan, leaving space at the bottom for the butter.
Add Butter and Baste: Add the butter to the bottom of the pan. Once the butter melts, tilt the pan slightly and baste the salmon with the melted butter for 1-2 minutes. Remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside.
Make the Honey Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add garlic and chili flakes to the remaining butter in the pan. Sauté for 10-20 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant. Stir in honey, vinegar, and soy sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and reduce to a syrupy consistency.
Combine and Serve: Return the salmon to the pan and spoon the honey butter sauce over the fillets. Let the salmon rest in the sauce for a minute before serving. Garnish with finely diced spring onions, if desired.
Notes:
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for more control over the saltiness of the dish.
Chili Flakes: Adjust the amount of chili flakes to suit your desired spice level. Start with 1/2 tsp and add more if needed.
Salmon: Always let the salmon come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Serving Ideas: This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or a light salad.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
Calories: 499 kcal
Carbohydrates: 23.93g
Protein: 41.84g
Fat: 26.1g
Saturated Fat: 12.57g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.28g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7.18g
Trans Fat: 0.77g
Cholesterol: 138mg
Sodium: 346mg
Potassium: 782mg
Fiber: 0.1g
Sugar: 23.06g
Vitamin A: 766 IU
Vitamin C: 0.6mg
Calcium: 26mg
Iron: 0.99mg
