Name: Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 ½ lb salmon, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ¾ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 2 teaspoons garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; ¼ cup honey; 2 teaspoons sesame seeds; 2 teaspoons chopped chives

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Looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels fancy enough for guests but is simple enough for a weeknight? Look no further than these Honey Garlic Salmon Bites! With their crispy texture, sticky honey glaze, and bold seasonings, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Pair it with rice and steamed veggies for a complete meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Salmon is already a superstar ingredient, packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein, but when you add a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze? It’s next-level delicious. This recipe takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans. Plus, it’s versatile—you can even swap the salmon for chicken or shrimp if you’re looking to mix things up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to whip up this dish:

1 ½ lb salmon (skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
¾ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
¼ cup honey
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
2 teaspoons chopped chives

These pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create a dish that’s packed with flavor and just the right amount of sweetness.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prep the Salmon

Start by patting the salmon cubes dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial because removing excess moisture ensures the salmon gets crispy when cooked. Once dry, season the cubes with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle about a tablespoon of olive oil over the salmon and gently massage the seasoning into the fish to ensure every piece is coated evenly.

Pro Tip: For even more flavor, let the salmon marinate in the seasoning mixture for 30 minutes to an hour if you have extra time.

2. Cook the Salmon

Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Place the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer in the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes, flipping them often until they’re crispy and golden on all sides. Once cooked, transfer the salmon to a plate and repeat with any remaining pieces.

3. Make the Honey Garlic Glaze

Using the same skillet (because who wants extra dishes?), add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil along with the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Then stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens into a glossy glaze.

4. Combine and Serve

Return the crispy salmon cubes to the skillet and toss them in the honey garlic glaze until they’re well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped chives on top for garnish.

Serve these sticky, flavorful bites over a bed of fluffy rice with steamed vegetables on the side. Enjoy every bite of this sweet-savory masterpiece!

Tips for Success

Dry Your Salmon: Removing excess moisture is key to achieving that crispy texture.
Even Cubes: Cut your salmon into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger make all the difference in flavor.
Add Heat: For a spicy twist, add cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or red pepper flakes to the glaze.
Air Fryer Option: Short on stovetop space? Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and cook the seasoned salmon cubes for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Customization Ideas

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is:

Make It Spicy: Add sriracha or chili paste to the glaze for an extra kick.
Swap Proteins: Not a fan of salmon? Try this recipe with chicken or shrimp! Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Go Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice.
Amp Up the Veggies: Toss steamed broccoli or snap peas directly into the skillet with the glazed salmon for an all-in-one dish.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of sweet honey, tangy rice vinegar, and savory soy sauce creates a perfectly balanced glaze that complements the richness of salmon. Meanwhile, garlic and ginger add depth and warmth, while paprika gives the seasoning blend a subtle smoky kick. Cooking the salmon in batches ensures every piece gets beautifully crispy without overcrowding the pan.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting friends or just want to treat yourself to something special on a Tuesday night, these Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are guaranteed to impress. The quick prep time and simple ingredients make this recipe approachable for cooks of all skill levels, while the bold flavors will have everyone asking for seconds.

So grab your skillet, fire up your stove (or air fryer), and give this recipe a try tonight—you won’t regret it! And don’t forget to serve it alongside rice and veggies for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome.

Let us know in the comments if you tried this recipe or made your own variations! Happy cooking!

Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

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This honey glazed salmon is easy enough for a weeknight meal yet perfect for serving guests. Pair it with rice and steamed veggies for a complete dinner.

Author: Sarah
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Diet: High-Protein

Instructions

Pat dry the salmon cubes with a paper towel and season them with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour about a tablespoon of oil and massage the salmon cubes.
Heat a heavy skillet with a tablespoon of oil, add the salmon cubes in a single layer, and cook for 4-5 minutes by flipping them often until crispy and golden. Transfer the cooked crispy salmon cubes to a plate and cook the remaining salmon.
To the same skillet, add the remaining oil and add garlic and ginger. Sauté for a minute.
Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes until it thickens.
Transfer the crispy salmon back to the skillet and toss it well with the sauce. Check for seasonings.

Serve the salmon bites over rice and enjoy.

Notes

Dry the salmon with paper towels to get rid of any extra moisture.
Cube the salmon into even pieces for even cooking.
Gently toss the salmon with seasoning until all the pieces are well coated.
Add cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend to give the salmon a spicy kick.
Allow the salmon to marinate in the seasoning mixture for 30 minutes to an hour if you have time.
Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
Easily make this in the air fryer. Preheat to 390°F and cook for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through.