These Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are little flavor bombs! With a crispy coating and a sweet honey garlic glaze, they’re sure to make your taste buds dance.
They cook up quickly, which is perfect for busy days or unexpected guests. I love serving them with rice or a fresh salad—it’s such a yummy combo!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillet is the star here. If you’re looking for alternatives, try trout or even tofu for a plant-based option! Frozen salmon works too; just thaw it properly before cooking.
Honey: For a vegan twist, use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of honey. Both will give a nice sweetness to the sauce!
Soy Sauce: If you’re watching your sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce. For gluten-free needs, tamari is an excellent substitute. You can also use coconut aminos if you prefer a milder flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a robust flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch. Just use a little less—about half a teaspoon.
Ginger: Fresh ginger brightens the dish, but you can leave it out if you don’t have any. Ground ginger also works in small amounts.
What’s the Best Way to Sear Salmon for a Crispy Texture?
Searing salmon properly locks in flavor and creates a tasty crust. Here’s how to do it:
- First, make sure the salmon is dry. Patting it with paper towels helps achieve that crispy outer layer.
- Heat your oil in the skillet until it’s hot, but not smoking. A non-stick surface helps prevent sticking.
- When adding the salmon, place the pieces with space in between to avoid steaming them.
- Let them sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes on one side before flipping. This helps develop that golden crust.
With just a little care, you’ll get crispy, delicious salmon bites every time! Remember, the key is patience while they cook!
Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and another 10-15 minutes for cooking, making it ready in under 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick dinner or an appetizer at your next gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Start by patting the salmon cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them get nice and crispy! Next, lightly season them with salt and pepper on all sides.
2. Sear the Salmon:
In a large non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned salmon cubes, making sure they have some space between them in the pan. Let them sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden and crispy on one side.
3. Flip and Cook:
Carefully flip the salmon pieces over and sear the other side for another 2 minutes. Once cooked, remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn!
5. Make the Sauce:
Add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and grated ginger (if using) to the pan. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Pour in the cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a nice glaze.
7. Combine and Warm:
Return the cooked salmon bites to the pan. Toss them gently in the honey garlic sauce to coat evenly, letting them heat through for an additional minute.
8. Serve with Rice:
To serve, place the salmon bites over a bed of cooked white rice. This makes for a delicious meal!
9. Garnish:
Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds all over the top for that extra burst of flavor and crunch.
Enjoy your Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites! They’re not only irresistible in taste but also rich in nutrients, making for a balanced meal that’s sure to delight!
FAQ for Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to completely thaw the frozen salmon first. The best way to do this is to place it in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also submerge the salmon in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for about an hour until thawed.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want to add some heat, consider mixing in a bit of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the honey garlic sauce. Start with a half teaspoon and adjust to your taste for a nice kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, ensuring they don’t become overcooked or dry out.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the salmon bites and make the sauce ahead of time. Just cook the salmon and sauce separately, then combine them just before serving to maintain their crispy texture!
