Introduction

Looking for a salmon dish that checks all the boxes—quick, flavorful, and healthy? Say hello to Honey Garlic Salmon Bites. These irresistible little cubes of perfectly seared salmon are coated in a sticky, savory-sweet glaze that’ll have you licking your plate clean.

Whether you’re making dinner for two, meal prepping lunches, or impressing dinner guests, this recipe will not let you down. Let’s dig in and see why this bite-sized beauty deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.

Reasons to Love This Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe

There’s a lot to appreciate about this dish:

It’s weeknight-friendly. From fridge to fork in under 30 minutes? Yes, please.
Balanced and bold flavors. The combo of garlic, ginger, honey, and soy sauce is unmatched.
Customizable. You can tweak the spice level or even swap out salmon for other proteins.
Healthy doesn’t mean boring. Omega-3s and lean protein wrapped in a crave-worthy glaze? You’re winning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s your shopping list to create this honey garlic magic:

Salmon (1½ lb) – Skin off and cubed into 1-inch chunks
Paprika (1 tsp) – Adds smoky warmth
Garlic Powder (1 tsp) – Boosts savory depth
Onion Powder (1 tsp) – For rounded flavor
Salt (¾ tsp) – Brings everything together
Black Pepper (1 tsp) – Adds a mild kick
Olive Oil (3 tbsp) – For searing and sauce
Garlic (2 tsp, minced) – Aromatic powerhouse
Ginger (1 tsp, grated) – Adds zest and brightness
Soy Sauce (3 tbsp) – The umami backbone
Rice Vinegar (2 tbsp) – A mild acidic balance
Honey (¼ cup) – Sweetness with a hint of floral
Sesame Seeds (2 tsp) – Crunchy and nutty finish
Chives (2 tsp, chopped) – For garnish and freshness

Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

Feeling creative? These swaps and additions keep things fresh:

Spicy twist – Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the seasoning.
Citrus vibe – A splash of orange juice in the sauce adds a zesty contrast.
No rice vinegar? – Try apple cider vinegar instead.
Maple in place of honey – A deeper, earthier sweetness.
Go gluten-free – Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Change the protein – Shrimp, chicken, or even tofu work great here.

Tools You’ll Need

To pull this dish together, you don’t need fancy gadgets. Just these basics:

Nonstick or cast iron skillet – For a perfect sear
Sharp knife – For cubing salmon
Cutting board
Mixing bowls
Tongs or spatula – To flip the bites easily
Grater or microplane – For fresh ginger

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making honey garlic salmon bites couldn’t be easier. Here’s the breakdown:

Step 1: Season the Salmon

Pat the salmon dry with paper towels—moisture is your enemy if you want crisp edges. Toss the cubes in a bowl with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add a tablespoon of oil and gently mix until all pieces are coated.

Step 2: Pan Sear Until Crispy

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon in a single layer. Let it sear for 4–5 minutes, flipping gently to brown all sides. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed. Transfer to a plate once golden and cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Let it sizzle for about a minute. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until it reduces and thickens.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Return the salmon bites to the skillet and gently toss to coat them evenly in the sticky glaze. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped chives for texture and color.

What to Serve with Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

These salmon bites are endlessly versatile. Here are some delicious pairings:

Steamed Jasmine rice – A neutral base to soak up all that glaze.
Stir-fried veggies – Think snap peas, bell peppers, or bok choy.
Garlic noodles – For an indulgent carb-y match.
Asian slaw – Adds crunch and brightness to balance the richness.
Miso soup – Great for a cozy dinner combo.

How to Store Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

Let the bites cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, microwave them on medium power until just warm. You can also reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.

Can I Freeze Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

Yes—but for best texture, freeze before cooking. Season and portion the salmon cubes into freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed as directed.

Cooked salmon bites can also be frozen, but keep in mind they may lose some of their crispiness after thawing and reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen salmon?
Absolutely. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge, pat it dry, and proceed with the recipe.

What’s the best way to remove the skin from salmon?
Use a sharp knife, starting at the tail end. Slide the blade between the skin and flesh, angling slightly downward.

Is this dish spicy?
Not at all—unless you add spice! You control the heat level by adding chili flakes or cayenne.

How do I make it more kid-friendly?
Skip the black pepper and tone down the garlic if needed. Serve with rice or noodles for an easy-to-eat dinner.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The microwave works best to retain moisture. A quick reheat in a skillet also works if you add a splash of water.

Two Resources

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	380 kcal
Protein	35g
Carbs	18g
Fat	18g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	14g
Sodium	720mg

Conclusion

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, these Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are a total win. Easy, flavorful, and healthy, they come together fast and are endlessly adaptable. From lunch bowls to fancy dinner plates, this dish earns its place in your rotation.

Try it once and you’ll find yourself coming back to it over and over again.

Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

Author: sellie
Total Time: 25min
Yield: 4servings
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Salmon

Fresh or frozen salmon: Skinless and boneless works best. Cube it into 1-inch pieces for quick cooking.

Seasonings

Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder: For warmth and depth.
Salt and black pepper: To bring everything together.

Oil and Aromatics

Olive oil: You’ll need a bit to pan-fry and sauté.
Fresh garlic and ginger: These two bring major flavor and aroma to the dish.

Liquid Ingredients

Soy sauce: For umami richness.
Rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang.
Honey: Gives the glaze its signature sweetness and shine.

Garnishes

Toasted sesame seeds and chopped chives: They add texture, color, and a little elegance.

Instructions

Step 1 – Season the Salmon Cubes

Start by patting the salmon pieces dry with a paper towel. This helps them get that irresistible crispy crust. Toss the cubes in a bowl with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil and gently coat each piece.

Step 2 – Pan Fry the Salmon

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit more oil. Arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer—no crowding. Cook them for 4 to 5 minutes, turning often until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Transfer the cooked salmon to a plate and repeat with the rest if needed.

Step 3 – Prepare the Honey Garlic Glaze

Using the same skillet, add your minced garlic and grated ginger to the remaining oil. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Stir and let the sauce bubble gently for 3 to 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.

Step 4 – Combine Everything Together

Add the crispy salmon bites back into the pan and toss them in that glossy glaze. Make sure each piece is well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Fresh garlic and ginger make all the difference in flavor. Pre-minced or jarred versions won’t give the same bold punch.
Adjust sweetness to your taste — reduce honey slightly for a more savory glaze or add a splash more for extra caramelization.

Prep Time: 10min
Cook Time: 15min
Category: Main dish
Method: Pan-searing, simmering
Cuisine: American, Asian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4-5 salmon bites)
Calories: 300kcal
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 60mg