Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites Recipe
When you’re craving something crispy, flavorful, and a little bit addictive, Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites are absolutely the answer. Golden on the outside, buttery-tender in the middle, with a punch of toasty sesame and fresh salmon flavor in every bite, this dish is a weeknight hero but also fancy enough to serve friends. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate party appetizer, a crowd-pleasing family meal, or just an excuse to break out some spicy mayo, you’ll find yourself making Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity! Each ingredient plays a starring role, ensuring every bite is bursting with balanced flavors and textures. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need for these Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites:
- Salmon Fillet: Go for fresh, skinless salmon for the best flavor and a tender, flaky bite; be sure to cut it into even 1-inch cubes for uniform cooking.
- All-Purpose Flour: This sets up the crust for maximum crunch by helping the egg and panko mixture stick perfectly to your salmon nuggets.
- Eggs: Lightly beaten eggs create the essential glue between the flour and the panko-sesame crust for that satisfying exterior.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko delivers that signature light, flaky crispiness, making these bites irresistible (don’t swap for regular breadcrumbs!).
- Sesame Seeds: White or black sesame seeds add a nutty aroma and striking speckles—plus an extra layer of crunch.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a mellow, savory backdrop that complements the sweetness of the salmon and the richness of the crust.
- Salt: Boosts all the flavors, so don’t skip this—it’s key for balancing taste.
- Black Pepper: A little hint of heat and sharpness keeps every bite lively and interesting.
- Olive Oil: Use this for either baking or pan-frying; it helps get the crust golden and delicious (add more if you love it extra crisp!).
- Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh citrus at the end brings everything to life and brightens the flavors.
- Chopped Green Onions: For a pop of color and a gentle allium note; always sprinkle generously before serving!
How to Make Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for quick cleanup and nonstick insurance. This little bit of prep helps your Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites bake up perfectly, and you’ll be grateful for how easily they slide right off the pan when it’s time to eat!
Step 2: Dry and Cube the Salmon
Gently pat your salmon pieces dry with paper towels—removing excess moisture ensures the coating sticks and crisps up. Next, cut your fillet into uniform 1-inch cubes; this not only looks charming but also guarantees each bite cooks evenly with a tender, juicy center.
Step 3: Set Up Your Dredging Station
Arrange three shallow bowls in a row: one with flour, one with your beaten eggs, and one that combines the panko breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mixing the crust ingredients together ensures each salmon bite gets an even sprinkle of those aromatic, crunchy elements—no dull bites here.
Step 4: Coat the Salmon Bites
Working one at a time, coat each salmon cube in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dunk it into the beaten eggs to moisten, and finally roll (or press lightly) in the panko-sesame mixture. This triple-dip method gives Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites their signature crispy edge—so don’t rush this step.
Step 5: Arrange and Add Olive Oil
Nestle the coated salmon bites on your lined baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t touching for an even bake. Drizzle or brush the tops with olive oil to help the crust turn gorgeous and golden; you’ll see them sizzle up in the oven, creating those irresistible crunchy tips!
Step 6: Bake or Pan-Fry
Slide the tray into your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until the panko crust is browned and the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Prefer them even crispier? Instead, heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet and pan-fry the bites over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Either method gives you drool-worthy results!
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Once out of the oven (or skillet), hit these beauties with a squeeze of fresh lemon and scatter over plenty of chopped green onions. Your Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites are now ready to delight as a party snack, speedy dinner, or showstopping meal addition.
How to Serve Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites
Garnishes
Dress up your platter with a cascade of vibrant green onions, a scattering of extra sesame seeds, and bright lemon wedges alongside. These little touches make each Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bite pop visually and bring a fresh, zesty contrast to the salmon’s richness.
Side Dishes
Serve warm as an appetizer, or transform them into a meal by pairing with steamed jasmine rice, a crisp Asian slaw, or roasted vegetables. Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites also shine alongside a bowl of simple miso soup or tossed green salad for a complete, nourishing dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Thread your cooked salmon bites onto skewers for an adorable finger food, or pile them in lettuce cups for refreshing bite-sized wraps. For a party, arrange them on a platter with a trio of dipping sauces (think: spicy mayo, teriyaki glaze, or garlic aioli) and let everyone mix and match!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites left over, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The crust will soften slightly, but the flavor remains delicious and the bites make a fantastic protein-packed snack!
Freezing
For longer storage, arrange cooled salmon bites on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll maintain quality for up to 2 months; just be sure to label and date. When you’re ready to enjoy, follow the reheating instructions below.
Reheating
To revive the crispiness, reheat Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this tends to soften the fantastic panko crust. If they were frozen, add a few extra minutes to the reheating time—no need to thaw!
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it extra dry before cutting and dredging. This ensures the panko and sesame crust sticks and becomes nice and crispy, giving you the same delicious bite as with fresh salmon.
Is there a gluten-free alternative to panko and flour?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, which are widely available. You’ll still get the same crispy magic on your Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites.
What dipping sauces go best with these salmon bites?
Spicy mayo is a classic, but you can mix things up with teriyaki glaze, honey mustard, or even a wasabi-infused yogurt sauce. Tart, creamy, or sweet—whatever tickles your taste buds will work beautifully with these bites!
Are these good for meal prep?
Definitely! Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites hold up well in the fridge and can be quickly reheated in the oven for a speedy lunch or dinner. Pack them in lunchboxes with a small container of dipping sauce and some fresh veggies for a complete, nourishing meal.
Can I air-fry the salmon bites?
Yes, the air fryer is perfect here! Arrange the coated salmon bites in a single layer and spray with a little oil. Cook at 390°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until crisp and cooked through. They’ll come out extra crunchy and beautifully golden.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fall in love with a new go-to, bring Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites into your kitchen. They’re simple to make, endlessly versatile, and completely irresistible for people of all ages. Give them a try, and see just how quickly they disappear!
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Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites are a delightful combination of crunchy panko, nutty sesame seeds, and tender salmon, perfect for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main course, these bites are sure to impress with their crispy texture and flavorful profile.
Ingredients
Salmon Bites:
- 1 pound skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (white or black)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or more if pan-frying)
Serving Suggestions:
- lemon wedges
- chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon pieces dry with paper towels.
- Set up the dredging stations: Prepare three shallow bowls with flour, beaten eggs, and panko-sesame mixture.
- Dredge the salmon: Coat each salmon cube in flour, then egg, and finally the panko-sesame mixture.
- Bake the salmon: Arrange the coated salmon on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Optional pan-frying: For a crispier texture, pan-fry the salmon bites in olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Serve: Serve warm with lemon wedges and green onions.
Notes
- These salmon bites are versatile and can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or as part of a main meal.
- Pair them with dipping sauces like spicy mayo, teriyaki glaze, or garlic aioli for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking or Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 5 to 6 bites
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
