These crispy honey garlic salmon bites are a tasty treat! The salmon is coated in a sweet and sticky honey garlic sauce that makes every bite a little piece of heaven.
Cooking these bites is super easy! I love serving them as a fun appetizer or snack. They disappear quickly at my house, so I always make a bit extra. Who could resist that lovely glaze? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon works best for this recipe. If you’re looking for a substitute, try firm fish like trout or tuna. Frozen salmon is also an option; just make sure to thaw it properly before cooking.
Olive Oil: While I recommend olive oil for its flavor, you can use vegetable or canola oil. These oils have a higher smoke point and are great for frying.
Honey: The sweetness of honey is essential here. If you’re vegan or have honey allergies, maple syrup or agave nectar can work as substitutes, though they’ll give a slightly different taste.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds depth, but for a gluten-free option, use tamari. You can also opt for coconut aminos for a soy-free choice.
Rice Vinegar: This adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar can be a decent substitute—just use a little less, as it’s stronger.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crispy Salmon Bites?
Achieving that crispy texture while keeping the salmon tender inside is key. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure to pat the salmon cubes dry before seasoning. This helps them crisp up better.
- Heat the oil well before adding the salmon cubes. A hot skillet creates the crispy shell you want.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if necessary. Keeping space allows each piece to get that golden crust.
- Flip gently. Let one side cook well before tossing them to avoid breaking the pieces.
- After cooking, remove the salmon and let it rest for a minute before tossing it in the sauce. This helps maintain its texture!
Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-size cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Time Needed:
You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and around 10 minutes for cooking, totaling around 20 minutes. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a busy weekday dinner or a tasty snack!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Start by patting the salmon cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them get crispy when cooked. Season lightly with salt and pepper for flavor.
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Give it a minute to heat up properly; this ensures a nice sear on the salmon.
3. Cook the Salmon:
Once the oil is hot, add the salmon cubes in a single layer. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes without moving them. This will help create a lovely golden crust on one side.
4. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Carefully flip the salmon cubes over and cook for another 2 minutes until they are golden brown and just cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
5. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant, but be careful not to burn it!
6. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar (if you’re using it). If you like a bit of heat, add sriracha or chili flakes here. Stir everything well to combine.
7. Thicken the Sauce:
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook while stirring constantly. The sauce will thicken and become glossy. This should take just a minute or so.
8. Combine Salmon and Sauce:
Return the crispy salmon bites to the skillet. Gently toss them in the honey garlic sauce until they are fully coated. Heat together for an additional minute.
9. Serve:
Serve these delicious salmon bites over a bed of cooked white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds to add crunch and flavor.
Enjoy your crispy, sweet, and savory honey garlic salmon bites!
FAQ for Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely before cutting it into cubes. Thaw in the fridge overnight or place the sealed salmon in cold water for a quicker option.
What Should I Serve With the Salmon Bites?
These salmon bites are fantastic over cooked white rice! You could also serve them with steamed vegetables, quinoa, or even in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to maintain their texture.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Yes! You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce. If you prefer it mild, simply omit these ingredients altogether!
