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If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances crunch, sweetness, and a daring touch of heat, look no further than the Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe. These tender strips of succulent salmon, coated in a flavorful panko crust and drizzled with a luscious hot honey glaze, create an irresistible combination that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this recipe offers a sensational blend of textures and tastes that feel both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to making this dish shine. Each component plays an essential role in enhancing the salmon’s natural flavor while adding crunch, warmth, and a subtle sweet fire.
- Salmon fillets: Skinless and boneless, cut into strips for easy, bite-sized tenders.
- Panko breadcrumbs: For that irresistibly crispy coating that gives great texture and a golden finish.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the breading adhere smoothly to the salmon.
- Eggs: Beaten to create the perfect sticky base for the breading.
- Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth that enhances the overall flavor.
- Onion powder: Brings a delicate sweetness and aromatic quality.
- Paprika: Offers a smoky undertone and subtle color.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that boost all the flavors just right.
- Olive oil: Drizzled to help crisp the breading in the oven beautifully.
- Hot honey: The signature ingredient combining sweet honey with spicy kick for that unforgettable glaze.
- Apple cider vinegar (optional): Adds a touch of tanginess to balance the heat and sweetness.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for a fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens every bite.
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or greasing it lightly. This ensures easy cleanup later and helps the tenders bake evenly. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then slice the fillets into long, tender strips perfect for coating and baking.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Creating an efficient breading station makes the process smooth and enjoyable. In one shallow dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavorful notes into every bite. Place the flour in a second dish and the beaten eggs in a third. Having this setup allows you to coat each tender evenly and quickly.
Step 3: Coat the Salmon Strips
Each salmon tender needs careful attention to get that perfect crispy crust. First, dredge the strips in flour and shake off the excess. Then dip them into the beaten eggs for that sticky binding effect. Finally, press the salmon firmly into the panko breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they’re fully coated so you get maximum crunch when baked.
Step 4: Bake the Salmon
Arrange the breaded salmon strips neatly on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over them to encourage a lovely golden crisp. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and the breading turns a beautiful golden brown. A quick check for doneness is that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
While your salmon is baking, bring the signature shine to this dish—the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan, gently warm the hot honey with optional apple cider vinegar. This mixture melds sweetness with vibrant heat and a hint of tang, perfectly complimenting the crispy salmon. Stir occasionally and adjust spiciness by adding a bit more hot sauce if desired.
Step 6: Drizzle and Toss
Once the tenders come out of the oven, don’t let them cool down—immediately drizzle the hot honey glaze over the top. For even coverage, you can gently toss the tenders in the glaze to coat every crispy nook and cranny. This finishing touch takes the entire dish from great to unforgettable.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley atop the salmon tenders for a burst of color and a fresh herbal note. Serve immediately to enjoy the full contrast of hot, sweet, crispy, and tender flavors.
How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice, but feel free to add lemon wedges or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you want to dial up the brightness or heat. A light dusting of finely chopped green onions also works wonderfully to add texture and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
These salmon tenders pair amazingly with roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, which bring earthy flavors that complement the sweet heat. Alternatively, a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or even fluffy steamed rice will cradle the flavors perfectly and balance the richness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve the salmon tenders atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside a quinoa pilaf. You can also make crispy salmon sliders by placing tenders in soft rolls with fresh lettuce and pickles for a fun handheld option. The versatility of the Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe means you can dress it up or keep it casual.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep nicely for up to 2 days, though the breading may soften a bit. Reheat carefully to bring back some crispiness.
Freezing
Freezing cooked salmon tenders isn’t ideal as the texture can change, but if you do freeze them, wrap each tender individually and store in a freezer-safe bag. Use within a month for best taste and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftover or thawed salmon tenders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to crisp up the coating again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crispy, as it tends to make the breading soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh honey instead of hot honey?
Absolutely! You can use regular honey and simply mix in your preferred hot sauce to create a custom hot honey glaze that suits your spice tolerance perfectly.
What type of salmon works best for this recipe?
Skinless, boneless salmon fillets work best because they’re easier to cut into tenders and coat evenly. Wild-caught or farmed salmon both perform well—it’s about your flavor preference and availability.
Can I pan-fry the salmon tenders instead of baking?
Yes, pan-frying is a great alternative if you want a quicker cook time and extra crispiness. Use a generous amount of oil and cook over medium heat until golden and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Is this recipe spicy enough for kids?
The level of heat depends on the hot honey you choose. If cooking for kids, use mild honey or reduce the hot sauce to keep the glaze just mildly sweet with a hint of warmth.
What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs can be used, although the texture will be less crunchy. For a gluten-free option, try almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about the Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe that makes it a personal favorite to whip up anytime. From the golden crunchy coating to the sweet-spicy honey glaze that ties everything together, this dish delivers on both comfort and excitement. I can’t wait for you to try it out and see how it becomes a fast favorite in your kitchen, just as it has in mine!
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Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders are a deliciously crunchy and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender salmon strips breaded with seasoned panko and baked to golden perfection. Tossed in a spicy-sweet hot honey glaze with a hint of tangy apple cider vinegar, they’re perfect for a quick and impressive meal.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (skinless, boneless, cut into strips or tenders)
Breading
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup hot honey (or regular honey mixed with hot sauce to taste)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and cut them into strips or tenders.
- Set Up the Breading Station: In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another shallow dish, place the flour. In a third dish, beat the eggs.
- Coat the Salmon: Dredge each salmon strip in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in the panko breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure an even coating.
- Bake the Salmon: Arrange the breaded salmon tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil to help them crisp up. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the breading is golden and crispy. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Make the Hot Honey Glaze: While the salmon is baking, prepare the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the hot honey (or honey mixed with hot sauce) and apple cider vinegar. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and well combined. Adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce if desired.
- Drizzle the Glaze: Once the salmon tenders are done baking, remove them from the oven. Drizzle the hot honey glaze generously over the crispy salmon tenders, or toss the tenders in the glaze to coat evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the salmon tenders with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. These tenders pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a salad, or rice.
Notes
- Ensure salmon tenders are cut to uniform size for even cooking.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote easy cleanup.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity in the glaze to your desired spice level.
- Make sure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the salmon tenders for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
