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Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are a quick and flavorful main course or appetizer perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Bite-sized salmon pieces are marinated in a savory-sweet sauce made with honey, garlic, and soy sauce, then cooked to caramelized perfection. Serve them over a bed of white rice or as part of a salmon bowl with fresh veggies for a meal that’s as delicious as it is versatile.
Salmon recipes are some of my favorites because they’re packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and loads of flavor. These honey garlic salmon bites come together in minutes with minimal ingredients and deliver maximum taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea or an easy appetizer, this recipe will be a hit with the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: The salmon cooks in under 5 minutes on medium heat, making it perfect for weeknight meals or last-minute gatherings.
- Packed with Flavor: Sweet honey, tangy lemon, and savory garlic create a marinade that soaks into every bite of salmon for the best results.
- Versatile Pairings: Serve over jasmine rice, a bed of greens, or enjoy as a protein-packed appetizer.
- Great for Meal Prep: These bite-sized salmon pieces reheat beautifully, making them ideal for make-ahead lunches or dinners.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
These Honey Garlic Salmon Bites use simple, fresh ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
- Fresh Salmon Fillets: Use wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and texture, but Atlantic salmon works well too. Remove the salmon skin before cutting into bite-size pieces for even cooking.
- Honey: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness. You can substitute with maple syrup or even hot honey for a spicy kick.
- Soy Sauce: Balances the sweetness of the honey. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness, or substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic packs in the flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the marinade. Lime juice or rice vinegar can be used as substitutes.
- Avocado Oil: This oil has a high smoke point, perfect for getting a good sear. Olive oil is also a great alternatives.
- Sesame Seeds & Green Onions: Optional, but they make a lovely garnish for added texture and flavor.
How To Make Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, and garlic until combined. Add a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
2. Prep the Salmon: If you haven’t already, remove the skin from the salmon fillets by gently sliding a knife between the flesh and the skin. Cut the fillets into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they’re all roughly the same size for even cooking.
3. Marinate the Salmon: Add salmon cubes to the marinade, tossing gently to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes.
4. Cook the Salmon: Heat avocado oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon cubes in a single layer, leaving space between for even cooking. Cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for another 2 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
5. Caramelize the Sauce: Pour the remaining marinade into the skillet and cook for 30-45 seconds until slightly thickened. Drizzle over the cooked salmon.
5. Serve: Transfer salmon bites to a serving platter and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: Ensure the salmon is perfectly cooked by checking for an internal temperature of 140°F.
- For Even Cooking: Cut the salmon into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over jasmine rice, as a salmon bowl with veggies like cucumbers and avocado, or steamed broccoli and shredded carrots, or as an appetizer with a creamy dip like bang sauce or sweet chili sauce.
Storage and Make Ahead Instructions
Refrigerate Leftovers: Store cooked salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
Freeze for Later: Place cooled salmon bites in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.
Make Ahead: Prep the marinade and salmon cubes up to 12 hours in advance and refrigerate. Cook just before serving for the freshest flavor.
Other Recipes to Try
Looking for more flavorful easy recipes? Check out these delicious options:
Did you try this easy salmon bites recipe? Leave a recipe rating and review below.
Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 lbs fresh salmon fillets, cut into 1" pieces
- 2 tsp avocado oil
- sesame seeds, for serving (optional)
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Combine lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, and garlic in a large bowl, whisking to combine.
- Prep the Salmon. If the skin is still on the salmon fillets, gently slide a sharp knife between the flesh and the skin to remove it. Once the skin is removed, cut the fillets into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Add the cubed salmon to the bowl and toss gently until evenly coated in sauce. If time allows, cover with plastic wrap and allow to marinate at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes or so for even coverage.
- Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet set over medium heat until shimmering. Add the salmon in a single layer, leaving a bit of space between pieces, reserving any marinade left in the bowl. Cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes, until the salmon is browned and releases easily from the pan. Carefully flip and continue to cook for another 2 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through to 140F, and the edges are caramelized.
- Carefully transfer the salmon to a serving platter. Add any remaining marinade in the bowl to the skillet and bring it to a boil, then cook for 30-45 seconds, until thickened slightly. Pour over the salmon. Serve as desired, garnished with sesame seeds and lemon wedges.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
