Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe
If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that’s both quick and packed with flavor, this Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe will become your new secret weapon. Each bite-sized piece is caramelized in a sticky, homemade teriyaki sauce, creating a delicious contrast of savory, sweet, and a gentle zing from fresh ginger. These salmon bites come together in just 20 minutes, making them the ultimate answer for busy evenings or impressive appetizers. Whether you pile them over fluffy rice or sneak a few straight from the pan, you’ll find yourself craving this dish again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe truly shine is its straightforward list of ingredients, each chosen to deliver big flavor with minimal fuss. From the rich, buttery salmon to the glossy sauce, every component has a role to play in taste, texture, or color.
- Salmon fillet (1 pound, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes): Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture—frozen works too if well thawed.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): The backbone of the teriyaki; low-sodium keeps things balanced and lets the salmon shine!
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds that signature sticky sweetness and helps the sauce glaze beautifully.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Lifts the sauce with its gentle tang and keeps the flavors bright.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Just a touch infuses nutty aroma and depth—don’t skip it!
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Deepens the sweetness and caramelizes into a glossy finish.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For a savory punch that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Gives a subtle heat and zing, balancing sweetness.
- Cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water): Thickens the sauce to that perfect, clingy texture.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon, for cooking): Neutral flavor, ideal for pan-searing the salmon bites to golden perfection.
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (optional, for garnish): These add crunch, color, and a pop of fresh flavor to finish.
How to Make Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Up the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by grabbing a small saucepan and setting it over medium heat. Combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk it all together as the mixture warms up and comes to a gentle simmer—your kitchen will smell incredible! Once it’s simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry and keep whisking for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens into a glossy, pourable glaze. Take it off the heat and set aside; you’ll want this ready to go when your salmon is cooked.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon Bites
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the salmon cubes in a single layer. Give each piece room to brown—this helps them develop that gorgeous, golden crust. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until they’re cooked through and beautifully caramelized. The key is to avoid overcooking; salmon should be juicy and tender inside.
Step 3: Coat with Teriyaki Sauce
With your salmon bites perfectly seared, pour the thickened teriyaki sauce right over the top. Use a spatula or gentle toss to coat every piece evenly—the sauce will sizzle and cling to the salmon, creating a glossy, mouthwatering finish. Remove the skillet from the heat to avoid overcooking.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the teriyaki salmon bites to a serving platter or onto bowls of rice or veggies. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra punch of flavor and a pretty presentation. Serve hot, and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of sliced green onions are classic choices, adding nutty crunch and a fresh, peppery bite. For an extra flourish, try a scatter of finely diced red chili or a drizzle of sriracha for a little heat. Even a wedge of lime on the side can brighten up each bite, if you’re feeling adventurous!
Side Dishes
This Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice, but don’t stop there. Try it with garlic fried rice, nutty brown rice, or a medley of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers. For a lighter touch, serve alongside a crisp Asian slaw or tuck the salmon into lettuce cups for a fun, low-carb twist.
Creative Ways to Present
For something party-worthy, skewer the salmon bites onto small bamboo sticks and serve them as finger food at gatherings. You can also pile them into grain bowls with edamame, avocado, and pickled veggies, or roll them up in sushi-style hand rolls. The sweet-savory teriyaki glaze means these bites are just as good hot or at room temperature—perfect for meal prep or lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The sauce helps keep the salmon moist, so it’s just as delicious the next day. Just be sure to cool everything completely before sealing it up.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked salmon bites (without garnishes) for up to one month. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the salmon bites in a skillet over low heat, or microwave in short bursts, just until heated through. Add a splash of water or extra sauce if needed to keep them from drying out. The salmon reheats quickly, so keep an eye on it to maintain that tender bite.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry with paper towels before cutting and cooking. This helps achieve that perfect golden crust and prevents excess moisture in the pan.
Is there a gluten-free option for the teriyaki sauce?
Yes, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Everything else in the Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I cook the salmon bites in the air fryer?
Definitely! Arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for about 6 to 8 minutes, shaking halfway through. Toss with the sauce after cooking for easy cleanup and delicious results.
What can I substitute for honey?
If you prefer, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of honey. Both will provide a lovely sweetness and help the sauce achieve that classic glossy finish.
How do I avoid overcooking the salmon?
Watch the salmon closely and remove it from the pan as soon as it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque. Cooking it for just 2 to 3 minutes per side is usually perfect for bite-sized pieces—overcooking can make it dry, so trust your instincts and keep an eye on the pan!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try this Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe as I am to share it. With its irresistible glaze and quick prep, it’s sure to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation. Give it a go and let those bold, sweet, and savory flavors win you over—happy cooking!
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Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Teriyaki Salmon Bites are a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring tender salmon cubes glazed in a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, they cook up in just 20 minutes and can be served over rice or steamed vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
Instructions
- Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Continue cooking and stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Salmon Bites: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon cubes in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the salmon pieces are golden and cooked through.
- Combine Salmon and Sauce: Pour the thickened teriyaki sauce over the cooked salmon bites. Toss gently to coat the salmon evenly with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve the teriyaki salmon bites hot over steamed rice or vegetables.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in half of the teriyaki sauce for 15 to 30 minutes before cooking.
- Air fryer or oven-roasting methods can be used as alternative cooking methods for the salmon.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
