Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors? Hot honey salmon bowls are the latest culinary trend, offering a delightful combination of tender Hot honey salmon bowls glazed with spicy honey, served over wholesome grains and fresh vegetables. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients and Preparation Steps
Here’s everything you need to create these mouthwatering Hot honey salmon bowls at home.
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup tri-color quinoa or rice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 6 oz fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 (4 oz) skinless salmon fillets, cut into chunks
- 1/4 tsp salt
Fresh Toppings:
- 1/2 English cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion (optional)
- 1/4 cup pitted Castelvetrano olives, sliced (optional)
Mustard Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp salt
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
Bring water and quinoa to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain any excess water and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
In a bowl, whisk together honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and 2 tablespoons of water. Set aside.
Step 3: Steam the Green Beans
In a skillet, add about 1 inch of water and bring to a simmer. Add the trimmed green beans and steam for 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Sear the Salmon
Heat olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Season salmon with salt and sear for 2 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove from the skillet.
Step 5: Coat Salmon with Hot Honey
Pour the prepared honey mixture into the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Return the salmon to the pan, tossing to coat evenly in the sticky glaze.
Step 6: Make the Mustard Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, parsley, dill, honey, black pepper, and salt.
Step 7: Assemble Your hot honey salmon bowls
Divide the cooked quinoa into bowls. Top with glazed salmon, green beans, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and optional onions or olives. Drizzle with the mustard dressing and enjoy!
The Best Time to Savor Your Hot Honey Salmon Bowl
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, right after assembling, when the salmon is warm and the glaze is at its stickiest. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a nutritious lunch, or even a weekend gathering with friends. Pair it with a refreshing drink like Golden Milk for a balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Honey Salmon Bowls
Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?
Yes! You can swap quinoa for rice, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
How spicy is the hot honey glaze?
The glaze has a mild kick from cayenne pepper, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less according to your preference.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the quinoa, prep the veggies, and make the dressing ahead. Store everything separately in the fridge and assemble when ready to eat.
What other proteins can I use?
Chicken, tofu, or shrimp would work well with this glaze. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Hot Honey Salmon Bowls
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Servings
2
Category
Comfort food
Spicy, sweet, and oh-so-delicious! These hot honey salmon bowls feature perfectly seared salmon coated in a sticky, spicy honey glaze, served over fluffy quinoa with crisp veggies and a tangy mustard dressing. A must-try for your next meal!
Ingredient
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup tri-color quinoa or rice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 6 oz fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 (4 oz) skinless salmon fillets, cut into chunks
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 English cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion (optional)
- 1/4 cup pitted Castelvetrano olives, sliced (optional)
Mustard Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp salt
Instructions
- First, bring water and quinoa to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain excess water and set aside.
- Next, whisk honey, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and 2 tbsp water in a bowl. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, steam green beans in a skillet with 1 inch of simmering water for 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- After that, heat olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Season salmon with salt and sear for 2 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove from skillet.
- Then, pour the honey mixture into the skillet, cooking until bubbly and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Return salmon to the pan, tossing to coat in the sticky sauce.
- For the dressing, whisk olive oil, vinegar, Dijon, parsley, dill, honey, pepper, and salt in a bowl.
- Finally, assemble bowls with quinoa, salmon, green beans, cucumber, tomatoes, and optional onions or olives. Drizzle with mustard dressing and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 723
- Fat: 43g
- Carbs: 59g
- Protein: 30g
Pro Tips
For extra crunch, top your bowl with toasted sesame seeds or crushed nuts!
Pro Tips for Perfect Hot Honey Salmon Bowls
Want to make sure your hot honey salmon bowls turn out perfectly every time? Follow these expert tips to enhance the flavor, texture, and presentation of your dish.
- Pat the salmon dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful, crispy sear.
- Use high-quality honey for the best balance of sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper in the glaze.
- Cook the quinoa in broth instead of water for added flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the salmon—cook in batches if necessary.
- Let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
- Double the honey glaze if you love extra sauce for drizzling.
- Swap out veggies based on what’s in season—try roasted sweet potatoes or bell peppers.
- Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron to prevent the honey glaze from sticking.
- For a crunchier texture, top with toasted sesame seeds or crushed nuts before serving.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them while keeping their delicious texture and flavor intact.
- Refrigeration: Store salmon, quinoa, and veggies separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating the salmon: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes to keep it crispy.
- Reheating quinoa: Microwave with a splash of water for 30 seconds to rehydrate.
- Refreshing the dish: Add fresh veggies and an extra drizzle of dressing after reheating to bring back the flavors.
Perfect Pairings for Hot Honey Salmon Bowls
Enhance your meal with these delicious side dishes and beverages that perfectly complement the flavors of your hot honey salmon bowl.
- Miso Salmon – Try a different take on flavorful salmon dishes.
- Butternut Squash Soup – A warm and comforting side for cooler evenings.
- Italian Bread – Perfect for soaking up the extra honey glaze.
- Golden Milk – A soothing drink that balances out the spicy-sweet flavors.
- Classic Waffles – An unexpected but delightful pairing for brunch lovers.
Now that you have everything you need to create the perfect Hot Honey Salmon Bowls, it’s time to put your skills to the test! Whether you’re making this for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out in the comments below! We’d love to hear your tips, tweaks, and favorite ways to enjoy this dish.
Don’t forget to snap a photo of your beautiful bowl and tag us on social media using #HotHoneySalmonBowls—we might feature your creation!
Looking for more delicious and healthy meal ideas? Check out our collection of easy and flavorful recipes, including Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake and Oyakodon Japanese Chicken & Egg Rice Bowl. Plus, sign up for our newsletter to get exclusive recipes straight to your inbox.
Happy cooking!