Description
These crispy honey garlic salmon bites are golden, caramelized, and coated in a sticky-sweet glaze with punchy garlic. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re a foolproof, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s both easy and crave-worthy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (about 450g) skinless salmon fillets, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp neutral oil (such as avocado or canola)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil (optional)
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch cubes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add salmon cubes to a mixing bowl and sprinkle with cornstarch. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly, shaking off excess.
- Heat a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add neutral oil and let it get hot and shimmering.
- Add the coated salmon pieces in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy on the bottom.
- Flip each piece gently and cook another 2–3 minutes, turning as needed, until all sides are crisp and salmon is just cooked through (internal temp 125–130°F for medium). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Pour off most of the oil from the pan, leaving about 1 tsp. Lower heat to medium.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce bubble for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened and glossy. If too thick, add a splash of water.
- Turn off the heat and stir in sesame oil (if using).
- Return salmon bites to the pan and toss gently to coat in the glaze. Cook for another 30 seconds to set the glaze.
- Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and lemon wedges if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Pat the salmon very dry before coating for maximum crispiness. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed. The glaze thickens quickly; add a splash of water if it seizes. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to revive crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4 oz cooked salmon bites
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Protein: 24
Keywords: salmon bites, honey garlic salmon, crispy salmon, easy salmon recipe, weeknight dinner, Asian salmon, skillet salmon, quick dinner, healthy salmon, gluten-free salmon