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.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with dip
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: salmon, honey butter, chili dip, quick dinner, healthy, seafood, spicy dip, pan-seared salmon, weeknight meal