Name: Irresistible Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites in 25 Min
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb. salmon filet, skin and bones removed, sliced into 1 inch (2.5cm) cubes; 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce; 1 Tablespoon lemon juice, fresh squeezed; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 3 Tablespoons honey; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 teaspoon minced or grated ginger; 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or 3/4 teaspoon sriracha; 1 Tablespoon avocado oil; 1 Tablespoon butter or dairy free butter; Sesame seeds (optional garnish); Chopped cilantro (optional garnish); Chili crisp oil, sriracha or garlic chili sauce (optional to make spicier)

Jump to Recipe

Okay, so picture this: it’s a crazy weeknight, you’re starving, and the thought of ordering takeout *again* makes you cringe. That’s where these Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites come in to save the day! Seriously, they’re ready in like, 25 minutes. We’re talking perfectly cooked salmon, all crispy and golden, coated in the most amazing honey garlic sauce. And the best part? It’s all done in one skillet – fewer dishes? Yes, please!

I’ve always been a huge fan of salmon, especially when it’s got that sweet and savory thing going on. Growing up, my mom would make a similar dish with chicken, but honestly, salmon just takes it to a whole new level. It’s flaky, it’s healthy-ish, and it soaks up all that yummy Asian-inspired flavor. Trust me, once you try these Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

Okay, so why should you even bother making these? Well, let me tell you, these little bites are seriously addictive! They’re packed with flavor and super easy to whip up. Here’s the lowdown:

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

Seriously, 25 minutes is all it takes! From fridge to table in less time than it takes to order a pizza. You can’t beat that for a busy weeknight!

Irresistible Honey Garlic Flavor

That sweet honey, that pungent garlic… it’s a match made in heaven! The salmon gets all caramelized and crispy in the pan. My favorite part is that it’s not too sweet, not too garlicky – just *perfect*.

Gluten-Free and Delicious

Yep, you read that right! These Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy them. And trust me, even if you’re not gluten-free, you won’t even miss the gluten. They’re just that good!

Ingredients for Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have in your pantry!

1 lb salmon filet, skin and bones removed, sliced into 1 inch (2.5cm) cubes – gotta have the star of the show!
1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce – that umami goodness
1 Tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice – trust me, fresh is best!
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – adds a little something special
3 Tablespoons honey – for that sticky-sweet glaze
2 teaspoons minced garlic – can’t have honey garlic without the garlic!
1 teaspoon minced or grated ginger – gives it a little zing
1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or 3/4 teaspoon sriracha – for a little kick!
1 Tablespoon avocado oil – for searing
1 Tablespoon butter or dairy-free butter – because butter makes everything better!
Sesame seeds & chopped cilantro (optional garnish) – for that extra touch!
Chili crisp oil (optional) – if you’re feeling extra spicy!

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How to Make Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

Okay, are you ready to get cooking? These Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are seriously easy to make, I promise! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal in no time.

Preparing the Honey Garlic Marinade

First things first, let’s make that amazing marinade! Grab a bowl and whisk together the tamari (or soy sauce), lemon juice, smoked paprika, honey, garlic, ginger, and chili garlic sauce (or sriracha). Keep whisking until that honey dissolves. Then, toss in your salmon cubes and let them marinate for about 5 minutes. Don’t worry if it’s not a long time – it’s enough to give them a ton of flavor!

Searing the Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

Now, for the crispy part! Heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the avocado oil and swirl it around. You want the pan hot enough so the oil spreads easily but not so hot it’s smoking, okay? Place the salmon cubes in the pan, making sure they’re not too crowded. Sear them for about 2 minutes, until they’re golden brown. If you’re using butter (and you totally should!), add it to the pan now and let it melt alongside the salmon.

Simmering in Honey Garlic Sauce

Time for the magic to happen! Flip each salmon cube over with a spatula – careful, they’re delicate! Pour the rest of that yummy marinade into the pan and let it come to a simmer. Mix it with the melted butter (if you used it) and let the salmon finish cooking for another minute or two. Tilt the pan to spread the sauce around and make sure all those salmon bites are coated in deliciousness!

Serving Your Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

Alright, they’re done! Take the salmon bites out of the pan and put them on a plate. Now, if the sauce is a little thin, don’t worry! Just put the pan back on the heat for another minute or two to let it thicken up. Use a brush or spoon to drizzle any extra sauce over the salmon bites. Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro. Serve those Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites right away and get ready for some serious yumminess!

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Tips for the Best Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

Want to make sure your Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are *perfect* every time? Here are a few little tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way!

Selecting the Right Salmon

Fresh salmon is key, people! Look for salmon that’s bright pink and firm, not dull or slimy. And definitely give it a sniff – it should smell like the ocean, not fishy!

Achieving Crispy Perfection

Don’t overcrowd the pan! Seriously, give those salmon bites some space so they can get nice and crispy. And don’t move them around too much – let them sear!

Adjusting the Honey Garlic Sauce

Sauce too thin? No problem! Just simmer it for a minute or two longer until it thickens up. Sauce too thick? Add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking. It’s your sauce, after all!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

Okay, so maybe you’re missing an ingredient or two. Don’t panic! Here are some easy swaps you can make for these Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites.

Tamari Alternatives

Out of tamari? No sweat! You can totally use regular soy sauce instead. Or, if you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos work great too! They’ve got a similar savory flavor.

Chili Garlic Sauce Options

Can’t find chili garlic sauce? Sriracha is a perfect substitute! Or, if you just want a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Easy peasy!

Serving Suggestions for Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

Okay, so you’ve got these amazing Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites… now what do you serve with them? Well, honestly, they’re great on their own, but if you want to make it a full meal, I’ve got some ideas! Some fluffy rice is always a good choice. Or, if you’re feeling noodles, try some lo mein or even just some simple buttered noodles. And don’t forget your veggies! Steamed broccoli or some stir-fried greens would be perfect.

Storing and Reheating Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

Okay, so you’ve made these Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites, and somehow, you have leftovers? First of all, wow, impressive! But don’t worry, they’re super easy to store. Just pop them in an airtight container and stick them in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 3 days, but honestly, they’re so good, I doubt they’ll last that long! To reheat, you can microwave them (but they might get a little soft), or you can pan-fry them for a minute or two to crisp them up again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

Got questions about these Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites? I got you! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked, so you can make these perfectly every time!

Can I use frozen salmon?

Totally! Just make sure you thaw it completely before you start cooking. I usually put it in the fridge overnight. And pat it dry with paper towels before you cube it – that’ll help it get nice and crispy in the pan. Nobody wants soggy salmon!

How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the pan?

A hot pan and enough oil are your best friends here! Make sure your skillet is nice and hot before you add the salmon. And don’t be shy with the avocado oil. Also, don’t move the salmon around too much when it’s searing. Let it sit and get a nice crust before you flip it!

Can I make this spicier?

Oh, you want some heat? I like your style! You can totally add more chili garlic sauce or sriracha to the marinade. Or, drizzle some chili crisp oil over the finished salmon bites. Just be careful, a little goes a long way! You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites: Nutritional Information

Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist! These numbers are just estimates, and they can totally vary depending on the brands and ingredients you use. So, you know, take it with a grain of salt!

Enjoyed These Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites?

So, did you love these Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites as much as I do? Let me know in the comments below! And hey, if you made them, don’t forget to rate the recipe! I love hearing from you guys!