Why This Recipe Works

To jazz up salmon, we brushed a simple but impactful glaze onto the fillets and used the same base as a sauce to serve at the table. We whisked together honey and hot sauce with a little garlic powder and cayenne and reserved some for the sauce. We then stirred cornstarch into the remainder for the glaze, heating the mixture in the microwave to thicken it so that it would adhere to the fish. The honey is a reducing sugar that quickly triggered the Maillard reaction as the salmon broiled, resulting in beautiful browning. Fluffy white rice and a fresh, bright cucumber salad completed the meal.

Before You Begin

For even cooking, use fillets that are of similar thickness. Add the cayenne for a glaze with a bit more kick.

Instructions

Place 1 cup long-grain white rice in fine-mesh strainer set over bowl. Rinse under running water, swishing with your hands, until water runs clear. Drain thoroughly. Bring rice and 1½ cups water to boil in small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, uncovered, until water level drops below surface of rice and small holes form, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until rice is tender and water is fully absorbed, about 15 minutes. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Whisk ⅓ cup honey; ⅓ cup hot sauce; ½ teaspoon table salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; and ⅛ teaspoon cayenne, if using, in bowl until spices are dissolved. Transfer ¼ cup to microwave-safe bowl and set remainder aside for serving. Combine ½ teaspoon cornstarch and remaining 1 teaspoon water in small bowl, then stir into honey mixture. Microwave until thickened, about 1½ minutes, stirring halfway through. Let cool for 5 minutes.

Adjust oven rack 6 inches from broiler element and heat broiler. Line rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with vegetable oil spray. Dry 4 salmon fillets with paper towels then season with ½ teaspoon salt. Arrange fillets skin side down on prepared sheet, spaced 1 inch apart. Brush tops and sides of fillets with microwaved honey glaze.

Broil until centers are still translucent when checked with tip of paring knife and register 125 degrees (for medium-rare), 10 to 12 minutes, brushing salmon with remaining glaze and rotating sheet halfway through broiling.

Whisk 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar and remaining ½ teaspoon salt together in bowl. Add 1 English cucumber, halved lengthwise and sliced ¼ inch thick; ⅓ cup cilantro leaves; and 1 shallot, halved and sliced thin, and toss until evenly coated. Spoon rice onto large platter and arrange salmon on top. Garnish with extra cilantro leaves. Serve with cucumber salad and reserved sauce.