Sticky Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
These Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are a delicious and easy way to enjoy salmon, perfect for a quick dinner with white rice on the side.
Each bite-sized piece is coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks, giving the salmon a sticky, flavorful finish. Serve them over fluffy white rice to soak up all that sauce, and you’ve got a meal that’s as simple as it is satisfying.
The first time I made these salmon bites, I couldn’t believe how quickly they came together. I love that they’re easy to make but feel a little special—great for a weeknight meal that doesn’t feel rushed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Sweet and Savory Glaze – The honey garlic sauce caramelizes as it cooks, adding a sticky, golden coating to each piece of salmon.
- Perfect with Rice or Veggies – These salmon bites are great over rice, but they also pair well with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or even as a salad topping.
The first time I made these salmon bites, I was looking for something quick that still felt like a treat.
I didn’t expect them to be this good! Now, I love making them anytime I’m craving something a little sweet and salty.
One thing I’ve learned along the way—make sure the pan is hot enough to get that nice caramelized finish on each piece. It’s worth the extra minute or two for that perfectly golden crust.
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board and Knife: For cutting the salmon into bite-sized pieces
- Small Bowl: For mixing the honey garlic sauce
- Large Skillet: To cook the salmon and simmer the sauce
- Spatula or Tongs: For flipping the salmon bites and coating them in the sauce
- Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients
Ingredients List (with Substitutions)
This honey garlic salmon bites recipe keeps things simple. You only need a few basics to get that sticky, caramelized glaze and tender bites of salmon that are perfect over rice or veggies.
- Salmon Fillets: Skinless and cut into bite-sized pieces – any fresh salmon works well.
- Paprika, Garlic Powder, and Onion Powder: Adds warm, savory flavors to the salmon. Smoked paprika can add a smoky flavor if desired.
- Fish Sauce: Adds umami depth when used as a marinade – you can skip it if you prefer a simpler flavor.
- Avocado Oil: Ideal for high-heat cooking and adds a mild, nutty flavor.
- Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger for an aromatic glaze.
- Soy Sauce: For a salty, umami flavor – tamari or coconut aminos can be used as gluten-free substitutes.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds tanginess that balances the honey; apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar work as alternatives.
- Honey: Provides sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize beautifully.
- Sesame Seeds: For garnish, adding a nutty flavor and extra texture.
- Green Onions and Scallions: Sliced for garnish
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
Use Skinless Salmon
Skinless fillets make it easier to cut and cook evenly, but you can also remove the skin after cooking if using skin-on.
Instructions
Making these salmon bites is quick and straightforward, ideal for busy weeknights or when you want something flavorful without a lot of fuss. With just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready to go.
- Prepare the Salmon: Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place the salmon on a cutting board and cut it into bite-sized cubes, about 1 inch each.
- Marinate the Salmon: In a large mixing bowl, toss the salmon cubes with 1 teaspoon of fish sauce, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon bites in a single layer and sear for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of avocado oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Salmon and Sauce: Return the seared salmon bites to the skillet and gently toss to coat each piece in the honey garlic sauce. Let the salmon cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the glaze clings to the salmon bites and they are fully coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salmon bites to a serving dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve warm as an appetizer or with rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
Top Tips for Honey Garlic Skillet Salmon Bites
- Quick Searing: Searing the salmon bites quickly over medium-high heat helps lock in moisture and gives a nice crust to each piece.
- Watch the Sauce: Once you add the honey to the skillet, the sauce can thicken quickly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning and to achieve the perfect glaze.
- Use Avocado Oil: Since the skillet is heated to a high temperature, avocado oil works best for its high smoke point.
You’ll Also Like
If you enjoyed these honey garlic salmon bites, here are a couple of other salmon dishes on the blog that you might like:
- Mediterranean Seared Salmon with Lemon Orzo – A fresh, light salmon dish with a hint of lemon, perfect for a Mediterranean twist.
- Sazón-Spiced Miso Butter Salmon (25-Minutes) – A quick and flavorful salmon recipe with a blend of sazón spices and rich miso butter for an Asian-inspired kick.
If you make these honey garlic salmon bites, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment or a recipe rating, and if you take a photo, tag me on Instagram.
It’s always fun to see how you’re enjoying these recipes in your own kitchen!
Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
Equipment
- 1 Cutting Board and Knife
- 1 Small Bowl
- 1 Large Skillet
- 1 Spatula or Tongs
- 1 Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb skinless salmon fillets cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tsp fish sauce optional
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp avocado oil divided
- 2 tsp garlic minced
- 1 tsp ginger grated
- 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup honey
Garnish
- 2 tsp sesame seeds for garnish
- 2 tbsp green onions or scallions chopped, for garnish
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Pat salmon fillets dry, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
- In a large bowl, toss salmon cubes with 1 teaspoon fish sauce, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon bites and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons avocado oil. Sauté garlic and ginger for 1-2 minutes. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey, and simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
- Return salmon to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and serve warm.
