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Sticky Honey Butter Salmon with Creamy Chili Dip

Sticky Honey Butter Salmon with Creamy Chili Dip

Sticky Honey Butter Salmon with Creamy Chili Dip is a quick and flavorful dish featuring succulent salmon glazed with a sweet and buttery honey sauce, perfectly balanced by a creamy, mildly spicy chili dip. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, delivering a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy notes in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon and Glaze

  • 4 salmon fillets (fresh or thawed, skin on or off)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Chili Dip

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons chili sauce or chili paste (adjust based on spice preference)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley, dill, or cilantro
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors, then set aside.
  2. Make the Sticky Honey Butter Glaze: In a small saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the honey, minced garlic, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Allow the mixture to bubble gently until the glaze thickens slightly and the garlic becomes fragrant.
  3. Cook the Salmon: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side down (if skin is on) and cook for about 4 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip the fillets, then pour the honey butter glaze over them, spooning the glaze repeatedly as the salmon cooks for another 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and beautifully sticky.
  4. Prepare the Creamy Chili Dip: While the salmon cooks, combine mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) with chili sauce or paste in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of chili paste to suit your preferred spice level, then add a pinch of salt and a splash of lemon juice to brighten the dip.
  5. Plate and Serve: Arrange the sticky honey butter salmon on plates and serve alongside a generous dollop of creamy chili dip. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired, and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Use the freshest salmon available for the best texture and flavor.
  • Do not overcook the salmon; remove from heat when it flakes easily to maintain moisture.
  • Add the honey butter glaze near the end of cooking to allow it to thicken on the salmon without burning.
  • Adjust the chili paste gradually in the dip to achieve your desired spice level.
  • Allow the salmon to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, honey butter, chili dip, quick dinner, healthy, seafood, spicy dip, pan-seared salmon, weeknight meal