Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Sheet Pan dinners are the kind of meals you’ll make once and crave forever. There’s something satisfying about the way a single pan handles everything—from roasting tender salmon filets to bubbling that spicy, buttery glaze into something unforgettable. When I first threw together this Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Sheet Pan recipe, I was just trying to clean out the fridge. What I ended up with? A new staple that hits hard with bold flavor, but is easy enough for a Tuesday night.
The key is the hot honey glaze—homemade, thickened to just the right consistency, and rich with butter, lemon, soy sauce, and a pop of chili heat. You’ll spoon it generously over roasted salmon during the final minutes of baking, letting the sauce caramelize beautifully. What makes this Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Sheet Pan shine isn’t just the flavor. It’s the ease, the speed, and how everything—from prep to plate—happens without stress.
I’ve tested a lot of salmon recipes over the years, and this one stands out. Whether I’m serving it with jasmine rice or crisped veggies, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. In the next few sections, I’ll share exactly how to make it and answer common questions—like whether hot honey pairs well with fish (yes, it does), and what side dishes turn it into a full dinner.
Table of Contents
The Story Behind This Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Sheet Pan
One Lazy Night, One Sheet Pan, One Perfect Recipe
The first time I made this Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Sheet Pan, I was staring at a few salmon filets and didn’t want to fuss. No marinating. No side pots. Just flavor, fast. I had some leftover honey, chili flakes, and half a lemon in the fridge. I melted it all together with butter and soy sauce, and it clicked. That sauce wasn’t just good—it was addictive.
Since then, this sheet pan recipe has earned a spot on my weekly dinner board. It’s reliable, quick, and feels a lot fancier than it is. If you enjoy dishes like this Miso Honey Chicken Asparagus Sheet Pan or crave spice like in my Spicy Garlic Butter Noodles, this salmon belongs in your kitchen.
Why This Sauce Makes the Salmon Pop
The glaze isn’t just a topping—it’s the soul of the dish. When brushed over the salmon before the final roast, it thickens and clings in the oven, adding rich flavor and slight char at the edges. It’s sweet, spicy, savory, and buttery all at once. You can even make extra and drizzle it over rice, broccoli, or anything begging for a flavor boost.
The best part? One pan, minimal cleanup, big flavor. Coming up next, I’ll show you how to build the sauce and cook the salmon just right.
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Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Sheet Pan – Sweet & Spicy in One Pan
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Ready in 30 minutes, this Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Sheet Pan recipe brings the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory—all made on one tray with minimal cleanup. Juicy salmon fillets are glazed with a buttery hot honey sauce and baked until perfectly caramelized.
Ingredients
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
¼ cup honey
½ teaspoon chili flakes
1 tablespoon soy sauce
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
⅓ cup water
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
For the Salmon:
4 salmon fillets
Salt & pepper, to taste
4 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine honey, chili flakes, soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of butter, lemon juice, and water. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Thicken the Sauce:
Remove from heat and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Return to medium heat and cook for another 5 minutes until thickened. Stir in the remaining cold tablespoon of butter. Let the sauce cool.
Prepare the Salmon:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Season with salt and pepper, then brush with olive oil.
Bake First Round:
Bake the salmon for 15 minutes.
Glaze & Finish:
Remove from oven. Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of the hot honey glaze over each fillet. Let some drip onto the tray for caramelization. Return to the oven and bake for 5 more minutes.
Serve:
Serve salmon hot over rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables. Drizzle with extra glaze if desired.
Notes
Use wild salmon for best texture and flavor.
Make extra sauce—it pairs well with chicken or roasted vegetables.
Store any leftover sauce in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sheet Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 540
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 08
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Sheet Pan, hot honey salmon, easy salmon dinner, sweet and spicy salmon, weeknight salmon recipe, Salmon, soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice
How to Make This Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Sheet Pan Perfect Every Time
The Sauce Is the Star of This Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Sheet Pan
To get the full experience of this Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Sheet Pan, start with the sauce. That sweet, spicy glaze brings the entire dish together. You’ll only need a few ingredients: honey, chili flakes, soy sauce, lemon juice, unsalted butter, water, and a simple cornstarch slurry for thickness.
Begin by simmering the honey, chili flakes, lemon juice, soy sauce, and most of the butter in a saucepan. Let it cook gently for five minutes, then stir in the cornstarch and water mixture. This is where the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Finish it off with a bit more cold butter for richness and let it cool slightly while you prepare the salmon.
This sauce not only adds deep flavor but caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s the signature element of the Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Sheet Pan, giving it that sticky, golden finish. If you like saucy dishes like the Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites, you’ll appreciate how much flavor this glaze adds in minutes.
Salmon Filets Done Right in the Oven
Now it’s time to get your salmon ready. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line your baking tray with parchment paper. This keeps cleanup easy and allows for perfect caramelization.
Lay the salmon filets on the tray, skin-side down. Season with salt and pepper, then brush with olive oil to help the filets roast evenly. Bake for 15 minutes to start. At this stage, the salmon is just beginning to cook through, and the surface is ready for the glaze.
After 15 minutes, remove the pan and spoon 1–2 tablespoons of hot honey sauce over each filet. Let a little drip onto the tray so it bubbles and crisps around the edges. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes.
This second bake is where the transformation happens. The glaze thickens and darkens, clinging to the salmon while slightly charring in the corners of the pan. It’s a key moment in the Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Sheet Pan process, delivering that irresistible sticky bite in every forkful.
For fans of roasted meals with bold sauce finishes, this recipe offers the same satisfaction you’d find in the Mexican Street Corn Chicken Bowls. It’s easy, flavorful, and filling—all baked on a single tray.
A Few Bonus Tips
Use wild salmon if you can—it holds up beautifully to the glaze. Make a double batch of the sauce and store leftovers in the fridge for chicken, tofu, or even roasted veggies. And if you want to turn this Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Sheet Pan into a full dinner, serve it over rice or couscous with something crisp and green on the side.
What to Serve with Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Sheet Pan
Best Side Dishes for Your Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Sheet Pan
Pairing your Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Sheet Pan with the right sides takes the meal from tasty to unforgettable. Since the salmon is sweet, spicy, and rich, balance is key. Start with a base like jasmine rice, brown rice, or even garlic mashed potatoes. The starch absorbs that glossy glaze and complements the buttery texture of the fish.
Steamed or roasted vegetables also shine here. Think crispy roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed broccolini, or charred asparagus. The contrast of crisp veggies with the sticky salmon is perfect. You can also throw sliced zucchini or bell peppers right onto the sheet pan during the second bake for extra ease. It’s a great way to keep everything on one tray, making the Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Sheet Pan dinner even simpler.
Want something cool to balance the heat? Try a light cucumber salad or a crunchy slaw with a vinegar base. That brightness cuts through the glaze and refreshes the palate. It’s the same idea behind why creamy pasta like this Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta works well with spicy mains—it’s about contrast.
Flavor Combos That Always Work
This Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Sheet Pan hits that perfect intersection of savory, spicy, and sweet. Because of that balance, it’s easy to pair with a variety of flavors. A great addition to the table could be a citrus-forward beverage—think sparkling lemon water or even a chilled glass of white wine.
When you’re thinking about rounding out the dish, look to elements with crunch, cream, or acid. Something like a Greek yogurt cucumber dip or even a simple lemon-herb yogurt on the side can really cool down the spice without overpowering the glaze.
If you’re making this for guests, add a side of crusty garlic bread or a grain salad with quinoa, parsley, and lemon vinaigrette. These layers give the meal texture and dimension, making it more satisfying. Recipes like the Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole show how hearty sides can really anchor bold main dishes.
For weeknights, this Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Sheet Pan holds its own with just rice and greens. But if you’re feeding a crowd, consider turning it into a full spread with multiple sides for mixing and matching. The beauty of this recipe is how flexible it is—you can keep it simple or dress it up.
Don’t forget to drizzle any leftover glaze over everything. It acts like a finishing sauce that ties all the components together and gives every bite a little zing. And yes, it’s totally fine to lick your fingers afterward.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Sheet Pan is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes: easy cleanup, bold flavor, fast cook time, and flexibility in how you serve it. Whether you’re a fan of spicy-sweet combinations or just need a new weeknight staple, this dish delivers every time. The homemade glaze adds complexity, the sheet pan setup saves time, and every bite is packed with contrast—tender salmon, sticky sauce, and a hint of heat.
It’s become one of my most-requested dinners, and I’m sure it’ll earn a regular place in your rotation too. Don’t forget to double the glaze—you’ll want more for tomorrow.
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FAQs
What goes well with honey glazed salmon?
When making a Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Sheet Pan, you’ll want to serve it with sides that balance its bold, spicy-sweet flavor. Steamed jasmine rice is a top pick because it soaks up that hot honey glaze without competing. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini add texture and freshness. A light salad with lemon vinaigrette or a yogurt-based cucumber slaw helps mellow the heat. If you’re cooking for guests, include something creamy or grainy, like couscous or quinoa, to round out the meal.
What is the best pan to use to cook salmon?
A rimmed sheet pan lined with parchment paper or foil works best for a Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Sheet Pan recipe. It allows for even heat distribution and catches the bubbling glaze without mess. Make sure your sheet pan is large enough to avoid crowding the salmon filets, which helps them roast—not steam. For extra flavor, you can toss some sliced veggies right onto the same pan during the final 5 minutes. This method is great for quick cleanup and consistent results, similar to what you’d find with our Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Spicy Corn.
Does hot honey taste good on salmon?
Yes, hot honey absolutely works on salmon. The sweetness of honey balances the natural richness of the fish, while the chili adds a kick that keeps each bite interesting. In this Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Sheet Pan, the glaze thickens in the oven and caramelizes just enough to create a sticky finish with crispy edges. It’s sweet, spicy, savory, and satisfying—all the things you want in one meal.
Is Mike’s Hot Honey good on salmon?
Mike’s Hot Honey can work well if you’re short on time. While we prefer making the glaze from scratch for this Hot Honey Glazed Salmon Sheet Pan (because of the butter, lemon, and soy layers), using Mike’s can be a quick shortcut. Just brush it over the salmon during the final minutes of roasting. For full flavor, though, the homemade sauce brings much more depth. If you enjoy flavor-forward meals like the 5-Ingredient Keto Butter Chicken, you’ll appreciate how the homemade glaze transforms this dish.