Name: Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds skinless salmon fillets, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; 3 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 2 green onions, thinly sliced

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There’s something a little magical about a weeknight dinner that comes together in under 20 minutes yet tastes like you spent all evening in the kitchen. That’s exactly why Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are on repeat in my house. These golden, crispy little cubes of salmon are tossed in a sticky, garlicky glaze that strikes the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and zingy. Whether you’re serving them up over fluffy rice, piling them into lettuce wraps, or popping them right off the pan, Honey Garlic Salmon Bites will win hearts and taste buds every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients to pull off this flavor-packed dish. Each one plays a starring role, working together to create a harmonious balance of texture, richness, and irresistible color in every bite of Honey Garlic Salmon Bites.

Salmon fillets: Look for skinless, fresh salmon – the natural richness and tender texture are what make these bites so luscious.
Cornstarch: This is the key to getting those outside edges super crisp before the glaze goes on.
Olive oil: Just a little is all you need to help the salmon sear perfectly in the pan.
Low-sodium soy sauce: This brings umami depth and balances the honey’s sweetness without overwhelming the fish.
Honey: The star sweetener that helps create a glossy, sticky glaze everyone loves.
Rice vinegar: A splash of tang makes the sauce bright and keeps the flavors lively.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the glaze its signature punch – don’t skimp!
Fresh ginger: A little bit of ginger goes a long way for freshness and a subtle heat.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Turn up the heat if you like things spicy, or skip if you prefer milder bites.
Sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for delicious crunch and a touch of toasty flavor.
Green onions: Thinly sliced for a pop of bright color and mild onion bite as a garnish.

How to Make Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

Start by patting the salmon cubes dry with paper towels. This little step ensures the salmon gets ultra-crisp on the outside instead of steaming in the pan. Next, toss the cubes gently with cornstarch in a bowl, making sure every piece is evenly coated. The cornstarch forms a light barrier and helps those bites brown up beautifully.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s shimmering, add the salmon cubes in a single layer. Give each piece space so they turn golden instead of stewing in their juices. Cook the salmon for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning with tongs until they’re crisped up and just cooked through. Avoid overcooking – you want the centers juicy!

Step 3: Whisk the Sauce

While the salmon sears, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. You’re looking for a smooth, glossy mixture that combines savory, sweet, and zesty flavors, ready to work its magic as soon as the salmon is browned.

Step 4: Glaze the Bites

Pour the honey garlic sauce over the salmon in the skillet, tossing gently to coat all the bites. Let the sauce bubble and thicken for another 1 to 2 minutes – you’ll see it turn syrupy, clinging to each piece. This is that signature sticky finish you want for truly memorable Honey Garlic Salmon Bites.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately shower the salmon with sesame seeds and green onions while everything’s still hot. This last step adds both color and crunch, transforming the bites into a beautiful dish just begging to be eaten right away.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions is a must for Honey Garlic Salmon Bites, bringing color, freshness, and a gentle nuttiness to every bite. For even more flavor, try adding a tiny squeeze of lime or lemon just before serving to brighten things further!

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong with a mound of freshly steamed jasmine or basmati rice as a base, allowing the glaze to soak in just right. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a crisp cucumber salad, steamed broccoli, or even tucked into lettuce cups for a refreshing crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are just as at home on skewers for party platters as they are on top of rice bowls. Try piling them onto cooled noodles with pickled veggies for an Asian-inspired twist, or arranging them in lettuce wraps with shredded carrots and fresh cilantro for DIY hand-held parcels.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Garlic Salmon Bites keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure they’ve cooled completely before sealing to keep the glaze at its best texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the fully cooked and cooled salmon bites in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay tasty for about one month, although the glaze may lose some stickiness once thawed.

Reheating

To keep the bites juicy, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if the glaze seems thick. If you’re in a hurry, a minute or two in the microwave works too, but cover them loosely to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it extra dry for the best crispiness. Any lingering moisture can prevent that golden exterior from forming.

What’s the best substitute for rice vinegar?

If you’re out of rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar make a great stand-in. Either one will deliver the tangy lift the sauce needs without overwhelming the sweet and savory balance.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are generally a huge hit with kids, especially if you leave out the red pepper flakes for a milder version. The sweet glaze and bite-sized pieces are perfect for little hands.

Can I bake instead of pan-frying?

Definitely. Arrange the coated salmon cubes on a lined baking sheet, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, then broil for a couple of minutes to crisp them up before adding the glaze in a pan or broiling again.

What can I use instead of cornstarch?

Arrowroot powder or potato starch are excellent swaps for cornstarch in this recipe, and will deliver that same light, crispy coating on the salmon bites.

Final Thoughts

Don’t be surprised if these Honey Garlic Salmon Bites become your new go-to for fast, delightful dinners. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear from the plate—everyone will be asking when you’re making them again!

Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make Asian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner. Tender salmon pieces are coated in a sweet and savory glaze, then garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for a burst of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon Bites:

1 ½ pounds skinless salmon fillets, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce:

¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish:

1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 green onions, thinly sliced

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Instructions

Prepare Salmon: Pat the salmon pieces dry and coat with cornstarch.
Cook Salmon: Sear salmon in olive oil until golden.
Make Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Glaze Salmon: Pour sauce over salmon and cook until glazed.
Finish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.