Honey Garlic Salmon Bites: The Ultimate 20-Minute Recipe

Get ready to transform your weeknight dinners with these irresistible Honey Garlic Salmon Bites. This recipe delivers perfectly tender, flaky salmon pieces coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce, all cooked to crispy perfection. If you’re looking for a meal that is quick, packed with flavor, and sure to impress, you’ve found it. These bites are a game-changer for busy evenings.

The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and speed. In less than 20 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table. The honey garlic sauce is made with just a handful of pantry staples, but it creates a flavor that is absolutely addictive. Serve them over rice, with roasted vegetables, or as a delicious appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe

This isn’t just another salmon recipe; it’s destined to become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s the perfect combination of ease and elegance.

• Incredibly Fast: From prep to plate in under 20 minutes, it’s the ideal solution for hectic weeknights.
• Packed with Flavor: The honey garlic sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, creating a glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the salmon.
• Perfectly Crispy Texture: We’ll show you the secret to getting that perfect crispy sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and flaky.
• Versatile Serving Options: These salmon bites are amazing on their own, but also shine in rice bowls, salads, or tacos. For a low-carb meal, they pair wonderfully with some sautéed vegetables (coming soon).

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Salmon Bites

You only need a few simple ingredients to create these phenomenal Honey Garlic Salmon Bites. The focus is on fresh, high-quality components to let the flavors shine.

For the Salmon:

• Salmon Fillet: Use a high-quality, skinless salmon fillet. King, Sockeye, or Atlantic salmon all work well.
• Avocado Oil: A high smoke point oil is essential for getting a good sear without burning.
• Cornstarch: This is the secret ingredient for an extra crispy coating on the salmon.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To season the salmon perfectly.

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best, most aromatic flavor.
• Honey: The star of the sauce, providing that signature sweetness and stickiness.
• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the honey.
• Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a warm, zesty kick.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For a subtle hint of heat. Adjust to your preference.

How to Make Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps to achieve crispy, juicy, and flavor-packed salmon bites every single time. It’s a straightforward process that delivers incredible results.

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

First, pat the salmon fillet completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving a crispy exterior. Cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes. In a medium bowl, toss the salmon cubes gently with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until they are lightly coated.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set the sauce aside for later.

Step 3: Sear the Salmon

Heat the avocado oil in a large non-stick skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the salmon bites in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the fish.

Step 4: Glaze and Serve

Reduce the heat to low and pour the honey garlic sauce over the salmon in the skillet. Gently toss the salmon bites to coat them completely in the sauce. Let the sauce simmer for about 1-2 minutes, or until it has thickened and beautifully glazes each piece. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions and serve immediately.

Tips for the Crispiest Salmon Bites

Want to ensure your Honey Garlic Salmon Bites have that perfect crispy finish? Here are some expert tips.

• Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: It creates a light, protective crust that crisps up beautifully when seared.
• Ensure the Pan is Hot: A hot pan is essential for a quick, hard sear that locks in moisture and creates a crispy exterior.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the salmon in batches if needed. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the salmon to steam instead of sear.
• Pat the Salmon Dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. A dry surface is non-negotiable for a good sear. If you enjoy crispy fish, our Garlic Parmesan Crusted Halibut (coming soon) is another must-try recipe.

Serving Suggestions

These Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are incredibly versatile. Here are a few of our favorite ways to serve them:

• Rice Bowls: Serve over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice with a side of steamed broccoli or Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts (coming soon).
• Salads: Add them to a fresh green salad for a delicious and healthy protein boost.
• Tacos: Pile them into warm tortillas with a crunchy slaw and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
• Appetizer: Serve them on a platter with toothpicks for an easy and elegant party appetizer.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spice it Up: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or gochujang to the sauce for an extra kick of heat.
• Add Citrus: A squeeze of fresh lime or orange juice in the sauce can add a bright, zesty flavor.
• Different Protein: This honey garlic sauce is also fantastic on chicken, shrimp, or even tofu. Try our Creamy Coconut Garlic Shrimp (coming soon) for another quick seafood dinner.

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Can I make honey garlic salmon bites in the air fryer?

Yes, absolutely! To make them in the air fryer, prepare the salmon as directed. Place the bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway through. Toss the cooked salmon with the prepared sauce immediately after.

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How do I get my salmon bites crispy?

The key to crispy salmon bites is threefold: 1) Pat the salmon completely dry with paper towels. 2) Toss the salmon cubes in a light coating of cornstarch. 3) Sear them in a hot pan with enough oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

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How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through to help them crisp up again. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the salmon rubbery.

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What is the best type of salmon to use for salmon bites?

For the best results, use a high-quality, firm, skinless salmon fillet. Atlantic, Sockeye, or King salmon are all excellent choices as they hold their shape well when cut into cubes and cooked.

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What should I serve with honey garlic salmon bites?

These salmon bites are incredibly versatile. They pair wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or on top of a fresh salad for a light and healthy meal.

Enjoy Your New Favorite Salmon Recipe!

These Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are a true testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular. We are confident this will become one of your go-to recipes for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below! For more recipe inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest.

Honey Garlic Salmon Bites: The Ultimate 20-Minute Recipe

These irresistible Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are incredibly quick and easy to make! Get perfectly tender, flaky salmon coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce, all cooked to crispy perfection in under 20 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Asian

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs skinless salmon fillet cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1/3 cup honey
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp ginger freshly grated
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

• 1 Large Non-Stick Skillet
• 2 Mixing Bowls

Method

 

1. Pat the salmon fillet completely dry with paper towels. Cut into 1-inch cubes. In a medium bowl, toss the salmon cubes with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until lightly coated.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
3. Heat the avocado oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon bites in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
4. Reduce heat to low and pour the honey garlic sauce over the salmon. Gently toss to coat. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure the salmon bites get crispy.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or air fryer to maintain crispiness.