| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 365 | 13g | 3g | 18g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 17g | 0g | 34g | 0.75g |
As a born and bred Southern Belle from the ever-charming Charleston, South Carolina, food for me has always been much more than sustenance. It’s a love language, a gathering point, and a historical narrative that tells of my roots and traditions. One favorite dish that perfectly captures my culinary philosophy is the Honey and Chili Pepper Glazed Salmon. It’s a delightful fusion of Southern and coastal seafood influences with a touch of Asian flair, borrowed from the soy sauce. Its sweet and spicy flavors captivate my taste buds and remind me of my childhood, rich with Southern cuisine and coastal seafood. 
The Heart-Healthy Star: Salmon
Salmon is the hero of this divinely tasting dish. Apart from it being an absolute treat for the taste buds, it is also chock-full of nutritional benefits. It is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for improving heart health and reducing inflammation. Furthermore, according to Mayo Clinic, eating salmon can help lower blood pressure and reduce risks of heart attack and stroke. The guilt-free enjoyment of this dish makes it an even more compelling favorite of mine.
The Sweeter Side: Honey
One component of this recipe that adds a beautiful sweetness to the richness of the salmon is honey. Honey has been recognized for both its culinary and medicinal properties for centuries. Studies, such as this one from the National Library of Medicine, have touted honey as an antioxidant powerhouse. It’s nature’s sweet nectar I indulge guiltlessly knowing it’s giving my immune system a much-needed boost.
Pairing it up with the heat from the chili peppers, and brightness from the lime juice makes this Honey and Chili Pepper Glazed Salmon an unforgettable dish. If you’re a fan of classic Southern dishes with a twist, you might find this recipe shares a flavor profile with Honey Sriracha Glazed Meatballs or Hot Honey Glazed Fried Chicken. It’s also a fantastic main course to serve alongside savory Southern sides like Collard Greens or Cornbread.
In conclusion, this recipe not only reminds me of my Southern coastal upbringing, but its harmonious blend of sweet and spicy notes, with the richness of salmon, truly makes it one of my all-time favorites. The bonus is, it’s a well-rounded, heart-healthy recipe, perfect for those who are seeking dishes that are tasty but won’t compromise their health. Adorned with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro just before serving, the Honey and Chili Pepper Glazed Salmon is a dish that I hold dear and I am sure you all will too!
What You’ll Need
- 6 fillets of Salmon (about 4 – 6 ounces each)
- 1/2 cup Honey
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 Chili Peppers, finely minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 Lime, juiced
- 2 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- A handful of fresh Cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Method
Step One
First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Then, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean-up, and place the salmon fillets on the sheet.
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and chili peppers, sautéing them until they are fragrant. This should take about 2 minutes.
Step Three
Add honey, soy sauce and lime juice to your garlic and chili mixture. Cook this on low heat for another 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly into a glaze.
Step Four
Once your glaze is ready, generously brush it over each of your salmon fillets. Make sure each fillet is thoroughly coated for maximum flavor. Season with both salt and pepper to your taste.
Step Five
Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake your salmon for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Step Six
Remove the salmon from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Honey and Chili Pepper Glazed Salmon!
