Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites - 25 Minutes

If you're looking for a quick and delicious dinner option that packs a punch of flavor and texture, crispy honey garlic salmon bites are an excellent choice. Ready in just 25 minutes, these savory morsels combine the rich, buttery taste of salmon with a sweet and tangy honey garlic glaze. Perfect as a main dish or an appetizer, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

For the Salmon Bites:

1 lb (450g) fresh salmon fillet

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 large egg

2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp cornstarch

2 tbsp water

1/2 tsp sesame oil (optional)

1/2 tsp grated ginger (optional)

Garnish:

Chopped green onions

Sesame seeds

Lemon wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon:

Start by cutting the salmon fillet into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch in size. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up nicely when cooked.

2. Bread the Salmon:

In one bowl, combine the flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg until well beaten.

Dip each salmon cube first into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated, then into the egg, and back into the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere. This double coating helps achieve a crispy texture.

3. Cook the Salmon Bites:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the salmon cubes in a single layer. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.

Cook the salmon bites for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

4. Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce:

In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and rice vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly add this slurry to the saucepan, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

Continue to simmer the sauce for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. If using, stir in sesame oil and grated ginger for added flavor.

5. Combine and Serve:

Toss the crispy salmon bites in the honey garlic sauce until they are evenly coated.

Transfer the coated salmon bites to a serving plate and garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and lemon wedges.

Tips for Success

Choose Fresh Salmon: Fresh, high-quality salmon will make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture. Look for salmon with firm flesh and a bright, vibrant color.

Double-Coat for Crispiness: The double coating of flour and breadcrumbs ensures that each bite gets a perfect crispy exterior.

Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more honey. For a saltier or tangier flavor, adjust the soy sauce or vinegar accordingly.

Batch Cooking: Cook the salmon in batches to ensure that each piece gets crispy and avoids overcrowding the pan.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy honey garlic salmon bites are incredibly versatile. Serve them over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. They also pair well with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad. For an appetizer, offer them with toothpicks and a small bowl of extra honey garlic sauce for dipping.

Enjoy your crispy honey garlic salmon bites – a delightful dish that’s both quick and flavorful, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.