Sriracha Honey Salmon with Rice

Name: Sriracha Honey Salmon with Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 salmon fillets; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup jasmine rice; 2 cups water; 1 tablespoon butter; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Fresh & Wholesome Recipes

I absolutely love this Sriracha Honey Salmon with Rice recipe! Combining the heat of Sriracha with the sweetness of honey creates an incredible flavor balance that elevates the salmon. The simplicity of the preparation means I can whip this dish up on any busy weeknight, yet it feels fancy enough for special occasions. Plus, serving it over fluffy rice makes it comforting and satisfying. If you haven't tried this dish yet, you're in for a treat!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-07T23:37:28.505Z

When I first experimented with Sriracha and honey, I knew I was onto something special. The combination creates a glaze that caramelizes beautifully while the salmon cooks. I suggest adjusting the Sriracha to suit your spice tolerance—add more for a fiery kick or reduce it for a subtle warmth.

Additionally, I find that letting the salmon marinate for even 10 minutes amplifies the flavors significantly. Pairing it with perfectly steamed rice, garnished with fresh herbs, turns this dish into a delightful meal that’s both quick and exquisite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A sweet and spicy glaze that caramelizes perfectly.
Quick prep and cook time make it a weeknight favorite.
Deliciously paired with fluffy rice for a satisfying meal.

Mastering the Marinade

The marinade for the Sriracha Honey Salmon is essential for infusing flavor. The honey not only provides sweetness but also helps to create a beautiful caramelization when cooked, making the salmon’s exterior glossy and slightly crispy. Be sure to mix the marinade until well combined; this ensures the flavors blend evenly and coat the salmon snugly. If you prefer a less fiery version, you can cut the Sriracha in half or substitute it with chili garlic sauce for a milder heat profile.

Once the salmon is marinated, it's crucial to let it sit for the recommended time. Ten minutes is typically sufficient for the flavors to penetrate, but for a more robust taste, extending the marinade to 30 minutes can deepen the flavor without compromising the fish's texture. If you have fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions, they can be added to the marinade for an extra layer of flavor.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Salmon

Cooking the salmon requires some attention to heat levels. Using medium-high heat in your skillet will help achieve that coveted crispy skin without overcooking the fish. Look for a nice golden color on the edges after about 4-5 minutes before flipping. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; if you're cooking more than two fillets, do it in batches to maintain a consistent cooking temperature and achieve that delightful sear.

If you're concerned about doneness, an instant-read thermometer can be a lifesaver. Salmon is perfectly cooked at an internal temperature of 145°F. For a slightly firmer texture, aim for 135°F and allow it to rest for a few minutes, as the fish will continue to cook off the heat. This technique ensures you don't end up with overcooked, dry salmon.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serving this Sriracha Honey Salmon over fluffy jasmine rice creates a wonderful balance of textures and flavors, but don't hesitate to switch it up! Quinoa or couscous can serve as nutritious alternatives. For added color and nutrition, consider garnishing with steamed broccoli or sautéed bok choy, which also complements the dish’s spicy-sweet profile beautifully. You can also introduce a squeeze of lime over the top just before serving for a zesty finish.

If you're making this dish for meal prep, the salmon re-heats well! Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, wrap the cooled cooked salmon tightly and store it for up to three months. Just remember to defrost it in the fridge overnight before reheating to avoid drying it out. This recipe is versatile enough to be enjoyed in a salad or as part of a rice bowl throughout the week.

Ingredients

Gather the following fresh ingredients for an amazing meal:

For the Salmon

2 salmon fillets
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice

1 cup jasmine rice
2 cups water
1 tablespoon butter
Salt to taste

Ensure all ingredients are measured and prepped for best results.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal:

Prepare the Marinade

In a small bowl, mix together honey, Sriracha, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt. This will be the glaze for your salmon.

Marinate the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Allow to marinate for about 10 minutes.

Cook the Rice

In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the jasmine rice, a tablespoon of butter, and salt to taste. Cover and reduce heat to low, cooking for about 15 minutes until tender.

Cook the Salmon

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add the marinated salmon fillets, cooking for about 4-5 minutes on each side until crispy and cooked through.

Serve

Serve the salmon over a bed of rice, drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan on top for extra flavor.

Enjoy your delicious creation!

Pro Tips

For an added crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving. Fresh cilantro or green onions can also enhance the dish visually and add extra flavor.

Ingredient Importance

Each ingredient in the glaze serves a specific purpose. Honey not only adds sweetness but also enhances the brown sugar-like caramelization during cooking. Sriracha contributes heat and complexity; it’s more than just spice. Soy sauce gives umami depth and balances the sweetness of the honey. Together, they make the salmon incredibly flavorful while keeping it moist during cooking.

Selecting high-quality salmon is crucial for this dish. Fresh, skin-on fillets will yield the best result, as the skin crisps up beautifully in the skillet. Look for salmon that has a bright, moist appearance; dull or dry skin may indicate a lack of freshness. If you can, go for sustainably sourced salmon for both flavor and environmental considerations.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your salmon is sticking to the skillet, it might be that the oil isn’t hot enough when you add the fillets. Ensure the oil is shimmering before laying the fish down. Another common issue is overcooked salmon, which leads to a dry texture. Remember, salmon cooks quickly, and carryover cooking should be taken into account, so it’s wise to pull it off the heat just before reaching the desired doneness.

If you're concerned about the heat level from Sriracha being too strong, always taste your marinade before applying it to the fish. You can adjust the spice by adding more honey if it’s too hot, or incorporating a splash of lime juice for acidity that brightens the flavors without adding heat.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe is straightforward if you're entertaining or meal prepping. For every additional salmon fillet, you can simply double the marinade ingredients for even coverage. To ensure each piece is properly coated, use a large dish for marinating, and don't hesitate to adjust cooking times based on thickness—thicker fillets will require an additional minute or two per side.

If you're preparing a larger batch of rice, the general rule is to use twice the amount of water as rice. Just remember to manage the boil and simmer times accordingly, ensuring that the water absorbs completely. You might also want to explore different rice variations, such as brown rice, which requires more water and a longer cooking time, adding a nutty flavor and chewy texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of fish?

Yes, this glaze works well with other fish such as trout or tilapia.

→ Is this dish spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted by varying the amount of Sriracha used.

→ Can I make this recipe in advance?

While the salmon is best fresh, you can marinate it a few hours ahead of cooking.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

You can add steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the meal.