Spicy Baked Salmon Recipe

Salmon is one of the most popular fish that people enjoy on a regular basis and it has plenty of health benefits worth bragging about. Healthline refers to salmon as one of the most nutritious foods available, which is really saying something. There's no doubt that salmon is full of wonderful nutrients, and it's packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which help decrease inflammation and aid with brain health. Who doesn't love a food that's heathy and tasty? 

Another plus? This recipe comes with a wonderful spice blend to add even more flavor to the fish.

Recipe developer Catherine Brookes put together this fantastic recipe to level up your salmon game. "The combo of ingredients in the spicy glaze goes so well with salmon! It really makes it so moreish!" Brookes raves. And as to how she came up with the recipe? "I was looking for a way to spice up simple baked salmon using ingredients I already had in the kitchen." So you can thank Brookes' pantry staples for helping make this recipe come to life. 

Once you're ready to begin, gather all the ingredients. Pick up salmon fillets, salt, chili powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, garlic cloves, lime juice, honey, and butter.

That's all you need to make this spicy baked salmon. 

This recipe requires the use of your oven, so go ahead and preheat yours to 400 F. This allows plenty of time for it to get nice and hot while you do the rest of the prep work.

Now, take out the salmon filets and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Based on your own flavor preferences, sprinkle a little salt over the top of each fillet.

Here's where your melody of spices come into play. Add the chili powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, garlic, lime juice, honey, and butter to a small saucepan. "A little lime juice in the glaze adds a bit of a fresh citrus kick that balances the honey and spice well," Brookes says.  

Turn the heat to medium and cook the mixture for a few minutes until the butter is melted and the spices are fragrant. "The sauce is spicy, sweet, and garlicky with a slight hint of citrus," Brookes notes. 

Take out a baking sheet and lightly grease it to prevent the salmon from sticking to the bottom when the fish cooks. Use a brush to coat each piece of salmon with the glaze.

Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, depending on how well you like your salmon cooked.

Once you remove the salmon from the oven, you can plate it and serve as you wish. This is a great main course, but we also think it would be a great addition to a salad. Brookes also provides a few other serving suggestions. "With rice and [a] salad or roasted [veggies] is always my go-to, but it's great with baby potatoes or noodles too," she suggests. 

Anything left? "Usually [salmon is] best served right away, but you could keep [it] for the next day and reheat [it] in the oven," Brookes notes.