Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe
Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are the kind of dish that instantly elevates any night—whether you’re making a speedy weeknight dinner or hoping to impress some last-minute guests. Each tender cube of salmon is caramelized with a glossy, garlicky honey glaze, striking that irresistible balance of savory and sweet. The sticky sauce clings perfectly to each bite, while fresh garnishes add a burst of color and crunch. Get ready to fall in love with the mouthwatering flavor, speedy cook time, and all-around crowd-pleasing power of these Honey Garlic Salmon Bites!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of simple ingredients come together for big, bold flavor. Every element brings its own special note—bright, fresh, sticky, or just plain delicious. Don’t skip a thing—each one plays a part in the magic!
- Salmon fillet, skinless: Use fresh, center-cut salmon for the juiciest, most tender bites—cut into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Honey: This brings a beautiful sticky sweetness to the glaze, helping everything caramelize wonderfully.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Keeps things salty but not overpowering, so the dish tastes balanced, not too salty.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic is essential—it infuses the entire dish with aromatic warmth and depth.
- Rice vinegar: Adds just the right spark of tang, brightening the honey’s sweetness and balancing the richness.
- Olive oil: For perfect searing—it helps golden up those salmon cubes and keeps them super moist.
- Sesame oil: Just a little gives everything a distinctive nutty aroma that screams “takeout favorite.”
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Want a hint of heat? Go for it! Add less or more depending on your spice comfort zone.
- Cornstarch: This tiny addition is the secret to the luscious, glossy sauce that clings to every bite.
- Water: Used to mix with the cornstarch for the perfect silky smooth sauce consistency.
- Sliced green onions & sesame seeds: These garnishes make the finished Honey Garlic Salmon Bites pop visually (and flavor-wise!) at the table.
How to Make Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
Step 1: Make the Marinade
Start by whisking together the honey, soy sauce, freshly minced garlic, rice vinegar, olive oil, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if you love a little kick). This marinade is where all the signature flavor for your Honey Garlic Salmon Bites starts—think sweet, tangy, savory, and slightly spicy all in one bowl.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
Place your cubed salmon into a shallow dish or large resealable bag and pour half of the flavorful marinade over the fish. Toss gently—don’t break up those perfect salmon cubes!—then let it all soak in for at least 20 minutes in the fridge. This not only seasons the salmon but helps keep each bite moist and tender during cooking.
Step 3: Sear the Salmon Bites
Once the salmon is done marinating, gently shake off any excess liquid and, for a little extra crisp, pat each piece dry with a paper towel. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high. Once hot, add the salmon bites in a single layer. Sear each side for about 2–3 minutes until they turn delectable golden brown and are just cooked through. Work in batches if needed—crowding the pan makes them steam, not sear!
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
While the salmon is working its magic in the skillet, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer. Whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth, then stir this slurry into the simmering sauce. Cook for a minute or two more, stirring the whole time, and watch as it transforms into a shiny, irresistible glaze.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
Transfer the golden salmon bites to a serving dish and immediately drizzle them with your thick, glistening honey garlic sauce. Generously sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds—each bite will look like a little jewel. Serve immediately for maximum wow factor!
How to Serve Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a beautiful garnish! A scattering of finely sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds provide a little crunch and a lot of visual appeal. You could even add a few cilantro leaves for extra color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Honey Garlic Salmon Bites shine brightest when paired with simple, soothing sides. Fluffy steamed jasmine rice is a no-brainer for soaking up all that sauce, or go low-carb with cauliflower rice. For vibrancy and crunch, try pairing with quickly stir-fried bok choy, snap peas, or a crisp slaw. They’re fantastic tossed onto greens for a fun Asian-inspired salad, too!
Creative Ways to Present
Serving a crowd? Thread each bite onto a toothpick for easy party appetizers, or layer over sushi rice in a DIY poke bowl. If you’re feeling fancy, spoon Honey Garlic Salmon Bites into lettuce cups for Asian-inspired wraps. They even make an unexpected but completely delicious taco filling—top with slaw, extra scallions, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Garlic Salmon Bites store beautifully and taste just as lovely the next day. Place cooled bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keep a little extra sauce on hand if you have it—it will soak into the salmon and heighten the flavor for your second round!
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cooled salmon bites (without garnishes) in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a nonstick skillet over low heat to keep the salmon tender, drizzling in an extra splash of water or reserved sauce if needed. You can also microwave them in short bursts at 50 percent power, but be careful not to overcook, as salmon can dry out. Fresh garnishes make leftovers feel brand new!
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for Honey Garlic Salmon Bites?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the salmon dry before cubing and marinating. Removing excess moisture helps the bites sear beautifully and prevents them from turning soggy in the pan.
Is there an easy gluten-free swap for this recipe?
Yes—just use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and double-check that your rice vinegar and other condiments are gluten-free. Everything else is naturally gluten-free, making these bites a breeze for most diets.
Can I make Honey Garlic Salmon Bites in the air fryer?
This dish adapts well to the air fryer! Coat the marinated salmon cubes lightly with oil, arrange in a single layer in the basket, and air fry at 400°F for about 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway for even cooking. Finish with the thickened sauce as directed.
What’s the best type Main Course
Use any mild, pourable honey you love. Lighter honeys let the garlic and soy flavor shine, while darker varieties lend a deeper, slightly more complex flavor to your Honey Garlic Salmon Bites. Raw honey works just as well as regular!
Can I prep anything ahead to save time?
Definitely! You can cube the salmon and mix the marinade a day ahead. Hold off on actually marinating the fish until about 30 minutes before you want to cook, so the texture stays perfect. You can also slice garnishes and measure other ingredients in advance for a speedy dinnertime assembly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s both ridiculously easy and guaranteed to impress, Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are about to become your go-to. Each bite is the perfect mix of sweet and savory, tender and caramelized—just begging to be scooped up with rice or popped straight from the pan. Give them a try and watch them disappear!
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Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are a delightful blend of sweet and savory, with tender salmon pieces coated in a flavorful honey garlic sauce. Perfect as a party appetizer or a main dish served with rice and veggies.
Ingredients
Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish:
- sliced green onions
- sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, olive oil, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Marinate salmon in half of the mixture for 20 minutes.
- Cook Salmon: Sear marinated salmon in a skillet until golden on both sides.
- Prepare Sauce: Simmer reserved marinade, thicken with cornstarch mixture, and drizzle over cooked salmon.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- For a crispier texture, lightly coat salmon in cornstarch before cooking.
- Pair with rice, veggies, or salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
