Pin it
I discovered this amazing recipe when trying to jazz up our regular salmon dinners. These crispy honey garlic salmon bites have become our go to meal. The sweet sticky sauce coating each golden piece makes my mouth water just thinking about it. No more boring salmon dinners in our house!
What Makes This Recipe Special
Trust me when I say these salmon bites are a total game changer. The outside gets perfectly crispy while the inside stays juicy and tender. That sticky honey garlic sauce is absolutely addictive. My kids gobble these up faster than chicken nuggets and I can have dinner on the table in under 25 minutes. Win win!
Ingredients You'll Need
- Salmon: 1 pound of fresh, skinless salmon, cut into bite-sized chunks.
- Seasonings: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a flavorful crust.
- Olive Oil: For pan-frying to golden perfection.
- Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced for a bold, aromatic base.
- Sauce: Soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey for a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Garnishes: Sesame seeds and chopped chives for a finishing touch.
Pin it
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Salmon
- Pat salmon chunks dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up properly. Toss with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil to coat evenly.
- Cook the Salmon
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Sear the salmon pieces in batches, allowing them to cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar, stirring until the sauce begins to bubble and thicken.
- Toss and Finish
- Return the salmon to the skillet, tossing gently to coat each piece in the glossy sauce. Cook for an additional minute to ensure the flavors meld.
Pin it
My Kitchen Tricks
Want to know my secrets for perfect salmon bites? Always pat the fish dry first this gives you that gorgeous golden crust. I cook mine in two batches so they have plenty of room to get crispy. Oh and if your sauce gets too thick just splash in a bit of water. Keeping the pieces similar in size means they'll all cook at the same time.
Make It Your Own
Some nights I toss in whatever veggies I have handy broccoli and snap peas work great. When salmon's out of budget I make this with chicken instead. My husband loves it spicy so I add a squirt of sriracha to his portion. A squeeze of lime at the end brightens everything up beautifully.
Storing Leftovers
If you're lucky enough to have leftovers they'll keep in the fridge for three days. Just warm them up gently in a pan to keep that nice texture. Skip the microwave it makes the fish tough and nobody wants that.
Serving Ideas
We love piling these bites over fluffy rice that soaks up all the yummy sauce. Add your favorite veggies on the side and dinner's done. Sometimes I wrap them in lettuce leaves with avocado for a fresh twist. My kids call them salmon tacos!
Simply Delicious
This recipe has saved so many of our busy weeknight dinners. It's quick enough for hangry kids but fancy enough when friends come over. The honey garlic sauce wins everyone over and I love watching people's faces light up when they take that first bite.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why do I need to pat the salmon dry?
- Drying the salmon helps create a better crust when cooking. Moisture on the surface can prevent proper browning and make the fish steam instead of sear.
- → Can I cook this in an air fryer?
- Yes, you can cook these salmon bites in an air fryer at 390°F for 7-9 minutes. Just make sure to toss them with the sauce after air frying.
- → How do I know when the salmon is done?
- The salmon should be crispy on the outside and flake easily with a fork. The center should be slightly pink and moist but not raw.
- → Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
- You can prepare the sauce mixture ahead and reheat it when needed. Just combine it with freshly cooked salmon for the best texture and flavor.
- → What can I serve with these salmon bites?
- These salmon bites go great with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve them over a salad or with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.