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Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

honey garlic salmon bites - featured image

These honey garlic salmon bites are crispy, sticky, and packed with bold flavor, making them a quick and impressive dinner option ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, they feature tender salmon cubes tossed in a sweet-savory sauce and finished with a restaurant-style crispy coating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) fresh salmon fillet, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish, optional)
  • Lime wedges (for serving, optional)
  • Cooked rice, noodles, or lettuce leaves (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels. Season with salt and black pepper, tossing gently to coat.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and sesame oil (if using). Set aside.
  3. Sprinkle cornstarch evenly over the salmon cubes and toss gently to coat.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon cubes in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
  5. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy on the bottom. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until just cooked through and crispy.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the salmon bites and gently toss to coat.
  7. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until thickened and sticky. Remove from heat.
  8. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Serve hot with lime wedges over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.

Notes

Pat the salmon very dry for maximum crispiness. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos. Air fryer method: cook at 400°F for 7-8 minutes, shaking halfway. Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Leftovers keep well for 2 days but are best fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic salmon, salmon bites, crispy salmon, quick dinner, Asian salmon, weeknight meal, gluten-free option, air fryer salmon, healthy salmon recipe