Crispy salmon coated in a rich, spicy-sweet honey garlic glaze and served with roasted vegetables and fluffy rice—this 30 Minute Chili Honey Garlic Salmon Bowl is a weeknight dream. It’s flavorful, nourishing, and comes together with minimal effort, all on a single sheet pan. Each bite brings a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love how simple yet satisfying this dish is. The salmon turns golden and crisp in the oven while the chili honey garlic sauce caramelizes beautifully. The spicy creamy sauce adds a cooling contrast to the bold flavors, making every spoonful irresistible. Plus, it’s a 30-minute meal that feels gourmet, perfect for both busy weeknights and casual entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, cut into bite-size chunks
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon chipotle powder or cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to spice preference)
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cups broccoli florets or chopped asparagus (or a mix)
• Avocado wedges, for serving
• Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Chili Honey Garlic Sauce

• ⅓ cup tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 6 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 3–4 tablespoons chili paste (gochujang recommended)
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

Spicy Creamy Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1–2 tablespoons gochujang
• 2 teaspoons honey

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Grease a large sheet pan with olive oil.
2. Season the salmon: On one side of the pan, toss salmon chunks with ½ teaspoon ground ginger, chipotle or cayenne, chili flakes, and 2 tablespoons olive oil until evenly coated.
3. Prepare the vegetables: On the other side of the pan, toss broccoli or asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Bake: Roast for 10–15 minutes, or until salmon is nearly cooked through and vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Make the honey garlic sauce: In a bowl, whisk together tamari, honey, garlic, ginger, chili paste, green onions, and sesame oil.
6. Make the spicy creamy sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, gochujang, and honey until smooth.
7. Glaze the salmon: Remove vegetables from the sheet pan. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the salmon, toss gently, and return to the oven for 5 more minutes until the sauce caramelizes and sticks to the fish.
8. Serve: Arrange salmon and vegetables over rice or coconut rice. Top with avocado wedges, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of spicy creamy sauce.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Protein Swap: Substitute the salmon with shrimp, firm white fish, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Vegetable Options: Try bell peppers, snap peas, or baby bok choy instead of broccoli or asparagus.
• Grain Base: Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lighter twist.
• Extra Crunch: Add crushed peanuts or cashews on top before serving.
• Milder Version: Reduce chili paste and omit chili flakes for a gentler heat profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1–2 minutes until heated through. For best results, reheat the salmon separately from the sauces to preserve texture.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the sauce may separate and the fish can become dry.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw the salmon completely before cooking and pat it dry to remove excess moisture.

2. What can I use instead of gochujang?

You can substitute with sriracha or chili garlic paste for a similar spicy flavor.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use tamari instead of soy sauce, the recipe is fully gluten-free.

4. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of the oven?

Absolutely. Pan-sear the salmon and vegetables in batches over medium-high heat, then toss with the sauce at the end.

5. What type of rice pairs best with this bowl?

Coconut jasmine rice or simple steamed white rice complement the spicy-sweet flavors beautifully.

6. Can I make the sauces ahead of time?

Yes, both sauces can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

7. How spicy is this dish?

It has a medium level of heat. You can adjust by reducing or increasing the amount of chili paste or flakes.

8. Can I use air fryer instead of the oven?

Yes, cook the salmon in an air fryer at 400°F for about 10 minutes, then toss with sauce and cook another 2–3 minutes.

9. What’s the best way to get the sauce to stick to the salmon?

Bake the salmon again after coating it with the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens and caramelizes.

10. Can I use honey alternatives?

Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar will work, but honey gives the best glaze and flavor balance.

Conclusion

These 30 Minute Chili Honey Garlic Salmon Bowls are a perfect mix of convenience and indulgence. The combination of spicy-sweet sauce, tender salmon, and roasted vegetables makes it a standout dish that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Serve it over rice for a wholesome, satisfying meal that will easily become a weeknight favorite.

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