Get ready to fall in love with Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites—little cubes of salmon seared to golden perfection, and tossed in a sticky-sweet, garlicky glaze that’s impossible to resist. These bites have all the flavor of your favorite restaurant dish, ready in under 30 minutes, and are perfect for both busy weeknights and impressing dinner guests!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Flavorful: From start to finish, these salmon bites are on your table in just 25 minutes, bursting with a sweet-savory glaze you’ll want to lick from the skillet.
- Minimal Prep, Maximum Impact: No need for marinating or fussy prep—just season, sear, toss, and enjoy melt-in-your-mouth results.
- Versatility at Its Best: Serve the Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites as a main, appetizer, or bowl topper for everything from rice to salads.
- Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Each salmon cube is perfectly glazed, golden, and garnished—a dish that looks as impressive as it tastes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of pantry staples transform salmon into a show-stopping dish. Every ingredient plays a big role in boosting flavor, creating a sticky glaze, and delivering crave-able little bites of perfection.
- Salmon (1½ lb, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes): The star of the show—fresh salmon gives the bites tender, flaky texture and rich flavor. Removing the skin ensures even crisping on all sides.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Adds subtle warmth and gorgeous color to the salmon’s crust. Smoked paprika works too for a hint of smokiness.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp) & Onion Powder (1 tsp): These two together create a savory backbone, ensuring flavor in every bite.
- Salt (¾ tsp) & Ground Black Pepper (1 tsp): Amplifies all the other spices, and black pepper gives a soft kick of heat.
- Olive Oil (3 tbsp, divided): For searing the salmon to a crisp golden crust and for building a luscious glaze.
- Garlic (2 tsp, minced): For fresh, punchy flavor that’s key in the sticky honey garlic sauce.
- Ginger (1 tsp, grated): Adds zippy brightness and brings out the best in the honey-glazed sauce.
- Soy Sauce (3 tbsp): Brings deep umami and saltiness, balancing the sweetness of honey.
- Rice Vinegar (2 tbsp): A splash of acidity wakes up the flavors and prevents the glaze from becoming too sweet.
- Honey (¼ cup): The magic ingredient for a sticky, golden, glossy glaze that hugs every salmon bite.
- Sesame Seeds (2 tsp) & Chopped Chives (2 tsp): Finishing touches for crunch and freshness—absolutely worth the sprinkle!
Variations
The best part about Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites is how easy they are to personalize—feel free to make them your own! Whether you want extra heat, a gluten-free option, or a totally different protein, the possibilities are deliciously endless.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the glaze for fiery heat lovers.
- Gluten-Free: Simply swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep everything gluten-free without losing flavor.
- Lemon-Ginger Twist: Toss in a squeeze of lemon along with the ginger for an extra bright, citrusy pop.
- Swap the Protein: Try the same sweet-savory glaze using cubed tofu or chicken thighs for a fun spin on the classic.
How to Make Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites
Step 1: Season and Prep the Salmon
First, gently pat your salmon cubes dry with a paper towel—this step is key for crispy bites instead of soggy ones! Next, sprinkle on the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, then drizzle over a tablespoon of olive oil. Massage the spices and oil right into the cubes so every single bite is seasoned inside and out.
Step 2: Sear Salmon Bites Until Golden
Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron works beautifully!) with a tablespoon of olive oil. Lay out the salmon cubes in a single layer and sear for 4–5 minutes, flipping every so often, until all sides are crispy and beautifully golden. Work in batches if you need to—the key is not to crowd the pan, so every piece gets its moment to shine. Transfer cooked salmon to a plate and repeat with remaining pieces if needed.
Step 3: Build the Irresistible Glaze
In the same skillet, add the last tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about a minute until fragrant—it’ll smell amazing! Pour in the soy sauce and rice vinegar, then swirl in the honey. Let the sauce simmer and bubble for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and turns glossy.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Finally, add the crispy salmon bites back into the skillet, letting them soak up every bit of the honey garlic glaze. Gently toss to coat, making sure each cube is perfectly sticky and shiny. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh chives. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or anything you love!
Pro Tips for Making Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites
- Extra-Crispy Edges: Make sure to let the salmon cubes sear undisturbed for a minute before flipping—this gives them an irresistible crust that holds up to the glaze.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan! Give each salmon bite a bit of breathing room when searing. If you pile them in, they’ll steam instead of crisp—work in batches if your skillet is on the small side.
- Perfectly Thick Glaze: Let the honey garlic sauce bubble and reduce until it coats the back of a spoon; the richer it gets, the more luscious your salmon bites will be.
- Rest, Then Toss: Let the salmon bites cool for a minute on a plate before returning to the pan—this helps keep the cubes sturdy when you toss them in the glaze.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites
Garnishes
Finish your gorgeous Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of freshly chopped chives or scallions. For extra color and a pop of freshness, try snipped cilantro or a scatter of thinly sliced red chili. Not only do garnishes add flavor, but they make your dish camera-ready too!
Side Dishes
These salmon bites are dreamy over fragrant jasmine or sticky rice, but don’t stop there! Pair them with garlicky stir-fried greens, a crisp cucumber salad, or even noodles tossed in a slick of sesame oil. For a lighter meal, pile them high on a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites into dazzling party skewers with a quick threading and an extra brush of glaze, or use them as the star protein in colorful grain bowls. For appetizer hour, offer them on small lettuce cups or little taco shells—a guaranteed conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salmon bites will keep perfectly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store them with any leftover glaze and garnish just before serving for peak flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked salmon bites, but keep in mind that their crispness will fade after thawing. For best results, freeze the unglazed, cooked salmon cubes, then reheat and add glaze fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
Gently reheat salmon bites in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the glaze needs loosening. Avoid the microwave if possible—it can dry out the salmon or make the glaze rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen salmon for these Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat dry the salmon before cubing and seasoning—this helps the edges crisp up in the pan and ensures the seasoning clings beautifully.
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How do I prevent my salmon bites from sticking to the pan?
Preheat your skillet well and ensure there’s a thin, even coating of oil before adding the salmon. Don’t move the cubes too soon; once they develop a crust, they’ll naturally release from the pan.
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Can I make Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites ahead for meal prep?
Yes! You can cube and season the salmon ahead of time and even pre-make the glaze. Cooked salmon bites taste best fresh, but you can refrigerate and gently reheat them for quick weeknight lunches.
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What’s the best way to cut salmon for even bites?
Use a sharp knife and cut across the grain into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures each piece cooks evenly and soaks up the glaze for perfectly tender bites.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites—they’re the kind of recipe that disappears lightning-fast, every single time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, you’ll love how easy, bold, and beautiful this dish is. Give it a go, and let the sweet-and-savory magic win over your kitchen!
Print
Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bite Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
These Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are a delightful combination of crispy, flavorful salmon cubes coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Ingredients
Salmon Bites:
- 1 1/2 lb salmon, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons chopped chives
Instructions
- Season and Cook Salmon: Pat dry salmon cubes and season. Cook in a skillet until crispy.
- Prepare Sauce: Saute garlic and ginger. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine Salmon and Sauce: Toss crispy salmon in the sauce until coated.
- Serve: Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and chives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
