
Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are a quick, easy, and flavorful way to enjoy salmon. These tender, juicy pieces of salmon are coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, then pan-seared to crispy perfection. Whether served as an appetizer, a light dinner, or added to salads and bowls, these salmon bites are sure to impress with their balance of sweetness and umami. Plus, they’re quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, making them a great choice for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are bursting with flavor, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory with every bite. The honey provides a delicious sweetness that’s complemented by the savory garlic and a touch of soy sauce. The salmon gets crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. It’s a versatile recipe that works great for appetizers, served with rice, or even on top of a salad. Plus, it only takes about 20 minutes to make, making it a quick and healthy option for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
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4 salmon fillets (skinless, boneless, and cut into bite-sized pieces)
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2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
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3 tablespoons honey
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2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
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1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional for extra flavor)
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
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1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Salmon: Cut the salmon fillets into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside.
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Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, grated ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce mixture. Set aside.
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Cook the Salmon: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon bites to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the salmon for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The salmon should flake easily with a fork. If cooking in batches, remove the cooked salmon and set aside.
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Add the Sauce: Once the salmon bites are cooked, pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the same skillet. Stir to coat the salmon bites in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and caramelize slightly.
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Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of fresh lemon for extra flavor. These honey garlic salmon bites are delicious on their own, or served with rice, noodles, or a salad.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
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Total Time: 15-20 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites: Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
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Add Vegetables: Serve the honey garlic salmon bites with roasted or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a complete meal.
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Honey Garlic Salmon Bowls: Serve these salmon bites over rice or quinoa, and top with veggies, avocado, and a drizzle of the remaining sauce for a flavorful bowl.
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Citrusy Twist: Add a tablespoon of orange juice or zest to the sauce for a fresh citrusy kick.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover honey garlic salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much during storage, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up while reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking and pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
2. Can I make this dish in the oven instead of on the stovetop?
Yes, you can bake the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. Then, toss the salmon in the honey garlic sauce after baking.
3. Can I use a different fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other fish like cod or tilapia, but salmon works best for this dish due to its rich texture and flavor. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish.
4. Can I make this recipe without soy sauce?
Yes! You can use coconut aminos for a soy-free version, or a low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to cut down on salt.
5. How do I know when the salmon is cooked?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer to check.
6. Can I add more sauce to this recipe?
Absolutely! If you like a more saucy dish, you can double the honey garlic sauce ingredients and cook it in the skillet with the salmon for an even richer flavor.
7. Can I prepare the honey garlic sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in the skillet before serving.
8. What can I serve with honey garlic salmon bites?
Serve these salmon bites with steamed rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. They also go wonderfully in tacos or wraps!
9. Can I freeze honey garlic salmon bites?
While you can freeze the cooked salmon, the texture may change upon reheating. If you plan to freeze, store the cooked salmon in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
10. How can I make these salmon bites crispy?
To make the salmon bites extra crispy, try searing them for a few extra minutes on each side until golden brown, or coat the salmon pieces lightly in flour or cornstarch before cooking.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are a delicious, quick, and easy way to enjoy salmon in a savory, sweet sauce. These tender, juicy bites are packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. Whether you’re serving them on their own, with rice, or as part of a larger meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a healthy and mouthwatering dish that everyone will love!
PrintHoney Garlic Salmon Bites
Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are a quick, easy, and flavorful way to enjoy salmon. These tender, juicy pieces of salmon are coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, then pan-seared to crispy perfection. Whether served as an appetizer, a light dinner, or added to salads and bowls, these salmon bites are sure to impress with their balance of sweetness and umami. Plus, they’re quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, making them a great choice for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (skinless, boneless, and cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional for extra flavor)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Cut the salmon fillets into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, grated ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce mixture. Set aside.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon bites to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the salmon for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The salmon should flake easily with a fork. If cooking in batches, remove the cooked salmon and set aside.
- Add the Sauce: Once the salmon bites are cooked, pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the same skillet. Stir to coat the salmon bites in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and caramelize slightly.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of fresh lemon for extra flavor. These honey garlic salmon bites are delicious on their own, or served with rice, noodles, or a salad.
Notes
Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites: Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Add Vegetables: Serve the honey garlic salmon bites with roasted or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a complete meal.
Honey Garlic Salmon Bowls: Serve these salmon bites over rice or quinoa, and top with veggies, avocado, and a drizzle of the remaining sauce for a flavorful bowl.
Citrusy Twist: Add a tablespoon of orange juice or zest to the sauce for a fresh citrusy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg