The Star Players: Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1.5 pounds skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish (Optional but Recommended):
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the Salmon:
- Cut the Salmon: Pat the salmon cubes dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown nicely.
- Season Simply: In a bowl, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is coated evenly.
Whip Up the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- Combine the Goodness: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Thicken It Up: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. This will create a slurry that thickens the sauce beautifully. Add the slurry to the honey garlic mixture and whisk until well combined.
Cook the Salmon Bites:
- Sear to Perfection (Stovetop Method): Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon bites in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to work in batches.
- Get that Color: Sear the salmon for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Don’t overcook them, or they’ll become dry!
- Coat in Sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet with the cooked salmon bites. Stir gently to coat each piece evenly.
- Simmer and Thicken: Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy. Keep stirring gently to prevent sticking.
The Finishing Touches:
- Garnish Generously: Sprinkle the Honey Garlic Salmon Bites with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve Immediately: Serve these delicious bites immediately over rice, noodles, or as an appetizer.
Oven-Baked Method (for Hands-Off Cooking)
Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Arrange the Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake to Perfection:
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Coat in Sauce: Transfer the baked salmon bites to a bowl and pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over them. Toss gently to coat.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, and serve immediately.
Air Fryer Option (for Crispy Goodness)
Prep the Air Fryer:
- Preheat (Optional): Some air fryers recommend preheating. If yours does, preheat to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd! You may need to work in batches.
Air Fry to Crispy Tenderness:
- Air Fry: Air fry for 6-8 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Coat in Sauce: Transfer the air-fried salmon bites to a bowl and pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over them. Toss gently to coat.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, and serve immediately.
Tips and Tricks for Salmon Bite Success
Don’t Overcook the Salmon!
This is the golden rule of cooking salmon. Overcooked salmon is dry and tough. Use a thermometer to ensure it reaches 145°F (63°C) internally. Remember, it will continue to cook slightly after you remove it from the heat.
Pat the Salmon Dry
Before seasoning, pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear and prevents them from steaming in the pan.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan (or Air Fryer)
Overcrowding the pan or air fryer lowers the temperature and causes the salmon to steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets good contact with the heat.
Adjust the Sweetness and Spice
Taste the honey garlic sauce before adding it to the salmon and adjust the sweetness or spice to your liking. Add more honey for a sweeter sauce, or more red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
Make it Gluten-Free
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Add Some Veggies
Toss some broccoli florets, bell pepper pieces, or snap peas into the skillet with the salmon bites during the last few minutes of cooking for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions: More Than Just an Appetizer
Over Rice or Noodles
Serve the Honey Garlic Salmon Bites over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or your favorite noodles. The sauce will soak into the rice or noodles, making every bite extra delicious.
In a Salad
Add the salmon bites to a bed of mixed greens with your favorite vegetables and a light vinaigrette for a healthy and satisfying salad.
In Tacos or Wraps
Flake the salmon bites and use them as a filling for tacos or wraps. Top with shredded cabbage, avocado, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
As an Appetizer
Serve the salmon bites on skewers as an appetizer at your next party. Your guests will love them!
Make-Ahead Tips and Storage
Prepare the Sauce Ahead
You can make the honey garlic sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This saves you time when you’re ready to cook the salmon.
Store Leftovers Properly
Store leftover Honey Garlic Salmon Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Freezing is Not Recommended
Freezing cooked salmon can change its texture and make it mushy. It’s best to enjoy these bites fresh.
Why You’ll Love These Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
These Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and incredibly easy to make. They’re a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious appetizer to impress your guests, this recipe has you covered. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to experience salmon in a whole new way!
What’s the best way to prevent the salmon bites from becoming dry?
The golden rule is to avoid overcooking the salmon. Use a thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Also, remember to pat the salmon dry before searing and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper searing instead of steaming.
Can I make the Honey Garlic Salmon Bites gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting tamari for soy sauce.
How long can I store leftover Honey Garlic Salmon Bites?
You can store leftover Honey Garlic Salmon Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Can I prepare the honey garlic sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the honey garlic sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This can save you time when you’re ready to cook the salmon.
Easy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Paper towels
- Mixing bowls (small and medium)
- Whisk
- Large skillet or baking sheet or air fryer
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Parchment paper (for baking option)
- Air fryer (for air fryer option)
- Thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce low sodium preferred
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is coated evenly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add the slurry to the honey garlic mixture and whisk until well combined.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon bites in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to work in batches.
- Sear the salmon for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet with the cooked salmon bites. Stir gently to coat each piece evenly.
- Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy. Keep stirring gently to prevent sticking.
- Sprinkle the Honey Garlic Salmon Bites with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or as an appetizer.
- For Oven-Baked Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place seasoned salmon bites in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through. Transfer to a bowl and toss with honey garlic sauce. Garnish and serve.
- For Air Fryer Option: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C), if required. Place seasoned salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, don’t overcrowd. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly crispy. Transfer to a bowl and toss with honey garlic sauce. Garnish and serve.
