Description
Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Tenders are tender strips of salmon marinated in a flavorful blend of buttermilk and spices, coated in a crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan crust, and baked to golden perfection. Finished with a drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey, this dish offers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making it an irresistible main course that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon Tenders
- 1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray or oil for baking/frying
Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 1/2 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Marinate the Salmon: In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Submerge the salmon strips into this mixture and let them marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture will provide a crunchy and flavorful crust for the salmon.
- Coat the Salmon: Remove each salmon strip from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each strip thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating for maximum crispiness.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the coated salmon strips on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray them with cooking oil to promote browning and crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping each tender halfway through the cooking time to bake evenly.
- Broil for Crunch: For an extra crispy finish, broil the salmon tenders for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of baking. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Make the Hot Honey: While the salmon bakes, gently warm the honey in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the hot sauce and red pepper flakes, mixing well to combine the sweet and spicy flavors.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm hot honey sauce over the crispy salmon tenders just before serving for a delicious finishing touch.
Notes
- For an alternative cooking method, air fry the salmon tenders at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes until crispy.
- Adjust the spiciness by reducing the amount of hot sauce or omitting the red pepper flakes for a milder version.
- Pair the hot honey salmon with ranch dressing or a cool yogurt dip to balance the heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
