Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are little pockets of golden, crunchy goodness paired with a sweet and garlicky sauce that’s hard to resist. The salmon gets perfectly crisp on the outside while staying tender and juicy inside, and the honey garlic glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness and punch of flavor.
I love making these salmon bites for a quick snack or a tasty appetizer when friends come over. They’re easy to pop in your mouth and always disappear fast! One of my favorite tricks is to make sure the pan is hot before adding the salmon—it really helps get that crisp crust that makes these bites extra special.
These bites are perfect served with a simple side of steamed veggies or over a bed of rice to soak up the sauce. I also enjoy dipping them in a little extra honey garlic sauce for even more flavor. Whether for a casual meal or a get-together, they always get lots of smiles and requests for the recipe!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is best for these bites because it stays tender inside. If you don’t have fresh, frozen salmon that’s properly thawed works well too. You can even use trout as a milder alternative.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps create the sticky glaze. If you want a vegan version, try maple syrup or agave nectar—they bring a nice, gentle sweetness.
Soy Sauce: This gives a salty, umami depth to the dish. For a gluten-free option, tamari or coconut aminos work great.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings the best flavor here. Avoid garlic powder because it won’t deliver the same freshness in the sauce.
Cornstarch Slurry: This helps thicken the sauce so it clings nicely to the salmon bites. If you don’t have cornstarch, arrowroot or potato starch can be used instead.
How Do You Get The Salmon Crispy Without Overcooking It?
Achieving crispy salmon bites means getting a good sear while keeping the inside juicy. Here’s how to do it:
- Pat the salmon dry—moisture prevents browning.
- Heat your pan and oil until quite hot, but not smoking.
- Place salmon cubes gently into the pan in a single layer—don’t overcrowd.
- Leave them untouched for 2-3 minutes per side, so a golden crust forms.
- Turn carefully using a spatula to keep the crust intact.
- Remove promptly once crispy and cooked through to avoid drying out.
Using a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet helps with easy flipping. This method locks in the crispiness without turning the salmon tough. Plus, it creates a perfect base for that tasty honey garlic glaze!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Non-stick skillet – perfect for searing salmon without sticking and easy cleanup.
- Spatula – helps you flip the salmon bites gently to keep them crispy and intact.
- Measuring spoons – for accurately adding honey, soy sauce, and oils.
- Small bowl – great for mixing the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce evenly.
- Knife and cutting board – to cut salmon into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap salmon for chicken breast cubes for a leaner, milder option that still crisps well.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
- Mix in chopped green onions or chives when serving to add fresh, mild onion flavor.
- Stir sliced bell peppers or snap peas into the skillet with the sauce for added crunch and color.
Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional, for a touch of tang)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (to thicken sauce)
For Garnishing:
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for cooking, adding up to roughly 20 minutes total. It’s a quick and easy dish you can whip up any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon Bites:
Pat the salmon cubes dry using paper towels. Season them lightly with salt and black pepper on all sides. This helps the salmon get crispy when cooked.
2. Cook the Salmon:
Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot but not smoking. Place the salmon cubes in a single layer and sear them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, turning carefully so they get golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until you smell the wonderful aroma of garlic, stirring all the while to avoid burning. Then, add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar (if using), and sesame oil. Stir everything together well.
4. Thicken the Sauce and Coat the Salmon:
Mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry and pour it into the skillet. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, about 1 to 2 minutes. Return the crispy salmon bites to the pan, tossing them gently so each piece is well coated with the sticky honey garlic glaze. Let them cook together for one more minute to warm through.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the salmon bites to a serving plate. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a fresh, tasty finish. Serve immediately, either on their own or with steamed rice and vegetables.
Enjoy these crispy, juicy salmon bites bursting with sweet and savory honey garlic flavor!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely in the fridge overnight and pat it dry before cooking to ensure it crisps up nicely.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a vegan-friendly alternative. Both will give a similar sweetness and work well in the sauce.
How Do I Store Leftover Salmon Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the salmon tender and the glaze fresh.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for a nice kick of heat that pairs well with the honey garlic flavor.
