Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, apple cider vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2 minutes to meld the flavors, then remove from heat.
Brush the hot honey mixture generously over the salmon fillets.
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Variations & Tips
For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the hot honey mixture to introduce a subtle smokiness. If you prefer milder heat, adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste. For added texture, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley over the finished dish. This recipe can also be adapted for the grill – simply baste the salmon with the hot honey mixture and cook over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side.
