Honey-Chili Salmon with Fluffy Rice

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the salmon:

Salmon or other firm fish fillets – 4 (140–170 g / 5–6 oz each)

Salt – 1 teaspoon

Black pepper – ½ teaspoon

Paprika (optional) – ½ teaspoon

Garlic cloves, minced – 3

Honey – ¼ cup (60 ml)

Soy sauce – 3 tablespoons

Fresh lime juice – 2 tablespoons

Chili flakes – ½–1 teaspoon

Neutral oil – 1 tablespoon

Butter – 1 tablespoon

Sesame seeds – 1 tablespoon (optional)

Spring onions or coriander, chopped – 2 tablespoons

For the rice:

Long-grain or jasmine rice – 1½ cups

Water or stock – 3 cups

Salt – ½ teaspoon

Butter or oil – 1 tablespoon

Garlic clove, minced – 1 (optional)

Instructions:

Rinse rice until water runs mostly clear. Add to a saucepan with water or stock, salt, and butter or oil. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook on low until liquid is absorbed. Rest covered 5–10 minutes, then fluff.

Pat fish dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Let stand at room temperature while you prepare the glaze.

Whisk garlic, honey, soy sauce, lime juice, and chili flakes in a small bowl. Adjust sweetness, heat, or acidity to taste.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place fillets in the pan (skin-side down if applicable) and sear 3–4 minutes, until golden underneath.

Reduce heat to medium, flip the fish, add butter and pour in the honey-chili mixture. Simmer and baste the fish with the sauce until just cooked and the glaze thickens slightly.

Let fish rest briefly off the heat. Serve over fluffed rice, spooning extra glaze on top. Garnish with sesame seeds, herbs, and lime wedges.

Nutrition (Calories)Approx. 500–600 calories per serving, best for a balanced main meal with a side of vegetables or salad. Add extra greens to lighten and stretch portions.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Calories: 499

Notes

Pro Tip:
Remove the fish from the pan just before it looks fully done; it will finish cooking in the residual heat and stay moist and tender.