Description
Before we get into the pan-seared magic of this dish, I just want to say: thank you for showing up—for yourself, your family, your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for one or a full house, you deserve meals that feel special and doable at the same time. These Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are that kind of recipe.
They’re crispy on the outside, buttery-soft inside, and coated in the most addictive honey garlic glaze. Ready in under 30 minutes, but full of restaurant-level flavor, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, date nights, or anytime you want something that feels a little extra.
Ingredients
For the salmon:
- 1 lb fresh salmon, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for crisping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
For the honey garlic glaze:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or rice vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon water (to thin if needed)
- Optional garnish: sesame seeds, green onions, cilantro
Instructions
-
Prep the Salmon
Pat the salmon dry and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently with cornstarch until evenly coated—this gives a golden, crisp exterior when seared. -
Sear the Salmon
Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon cubes in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to a plate. -
Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, lemon juice, and sriracha. Pour into the same skillet and simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened. -
Toss the Salmon
Return the salmon bites to the skillet and toss gently in the sauce until fully coated and glossy. -
Serve Immediately
Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy every sticky, crispy, flavorful bite.
Notes
- Salmon size matters: Try to cut the cubes as evenly as possible (about 1-inch pieces). This ensures they cook uniformly and stay tender inside.
- Cornstarch is key: It’s what gives these salmon bites that irresistible, crispy coating that the sticky glaze clings to.
- Adjust the sauce to taste: More honey for sweetness, more soy sauce for savory depth, or a dash of lemon or vinegar for extra tang.
- Don’t walk away from the glaze: It thickens fast! Keep the heat medium-low and stir constantly once it starts to bubble.
- Make it your own: Add a touch of ginger, swap in maple syrup, or finish with fresh herbs—the base is flexible, so have fun with it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Seared, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 70mg