These Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish that’s perfect for both weeknight meals and entertaining guests. Made with tender, golden salmon tossed in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze, this dish pairs beautifully with rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love These Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, these salmon bites cook up fast, making them ideal for busy nights.
- Flavor-packed: The combination of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey creates a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors.
- Healthy & Light: Salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making this dish both nourishing and satisfying.
- Versatile: These bites are delicious on their own or served over rice, making them perfect for a variety of meal settings.
Ingredients
- Salmon: 1 ½ lb of fresh salmon, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- Seasoning: 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ¾ tsp salt, 1 tsp ground black pepper
- Olive Oil: 3 tbsp, divided
- Aromatics: 2 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp grated ginger
- Sauce Ingredients: 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, ¼ cup honey
- Garnishes: 2 tsp sesame seeds, 2 tsp chopped chives
How to Make Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat dry the salmon cubes with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Toss the cubes with the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Massage the seasoning into the salmon.
- Pan-sear the Salmon: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes, flipping often until the salmon is crispy and golden on all sides. Transfer the cooked salmon to a plate and set aside. Repeat with the remaining salmon cubes.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining oil, followed by the garlic and ginger. Sauté for 1 minute, then stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens to a glaze-like consistency.
- Combine: Return the crispy salmon bites to the skillet and toss them well with the honey garlic sauce. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Serve: Garnish the salmon with toasted sesame seeds and chopped chives. Serve over rice, and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Salmon Bites
- Dry the Salmon: Ensure the salmon cubes are patted dry to remove excess moisture, which helps the salmon crisp up when cooking.
- Even Cubes: Cut the salmon into even-sized cubes for consistent cooking.
- Optional Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning for a spicy twist.
- Marinate: For enhanced flavor, let the salmon marinate in the seasoning for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking.
- Air Fryer Option: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F and cook the salmon cubes for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Alternative Proteins: This recipe works well with chicken or shrimp. Adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! You can use frozen salmon for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge and pat it dry before cooking.
Is salmon a healthy option?
Yes, salmon is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health and overall wellness.
How do I remove the skin from salmon?
To remove the skin, start at the corner and gently slide a sharp knife between the flesh and skin. You can also ask your fishmonger to remove the skin for you.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The microwave is a great option for reheating them.
Can I freeze these salmon bites?
For best results, freeze the seasoned, uncooked salmon cubes. Store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Nutrition Info
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Enjoy these Honey Garlic Salmon Bites as a flavorful, healthy meal that’s quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for dinner guests! Pair it with rice, vegetables, or your favorite sides for a complete, satisfying dish.