Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Course: Main Dish
Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors — all wrapped around tender salmon cooked to golden, crispy perfection. This dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal, yet elevated enough to serve when hosting guests. Tossed in a glossy honey garlic sauce and garnished with chives and sesame seeds, these salmon bites are packed with protein, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, and unbelievably delicious.
Whether paired with steamed jasmine rice and vegetables, skewered as an appetizer, or served in lettuce wraps for a fresh twist, this Honey Garlic Salmon Bites recipe deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe
✔️ Fast — Ready in 25 minutes from start to finish
✔️ Nutritious — High in protein and heart-healthy fats
✔️ Simple ingredients — Pantry staples, no hard-to-find sauces
✔️ Customizable — Easily adjust sweetness, spice, and serving style
✔️ Crowd-pleasing — A hit with salmon lovers and picky eaters alike
If you want a flavorful recipe that doesn’t compromise on convenience, these Honey Garlic Salmon Bites check every box.
What Are Honey Garlic Salmon Bites?
Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are bite-sized cubes of fresh salmon, seasoned and pan-seared until crispy, then tossed in a sticky homemade sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. This dish offers a restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort — a perfect example of how salmon can be both comforting and bold.
This recipe is especially popular for:
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High-protein meal prep
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Quick weeknight dinners
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Appetizers and party snacks
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Healthy seafood-focused diets
The honey caramelizes lightly on the hot skillet, creating a glaze that’s irresistible with every bite.
Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Ingredients
Salmon Bites
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1 ½ lb salmon (skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes)
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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¾ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Honey Garlic Sauce
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2 teaspoons garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon ginger, grated
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3 tablespoons soy sauce
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2 tablespoons rice vinegar
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¼ cup honey
Garnish
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2 teaspoons sesame seeds
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2 teaspoons chopped chives
How to Make Honey Garlic Salmon Bites (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Step 1 — Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. This removes moisture and helps build a crispy sear. Season the cubes evenly with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and gently toss to coat.
Step 2 — Sear the Salmon
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon in a single layer, giving them space to crisp. Cook for 4–5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining salmon if needed.
Step 3 — Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Bring to a light simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4 — Glaze the Salmon
Return cooked salmon to the skillet and gently toss to coat all pieces in the saucy glaze. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5 — Serve and Garnish
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chives, then serve over fluffy rice, noodles, or salad. Enjoy warm!
Cooking Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
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Dry well — dry salmon = crispier exterior + better sauce adhesion
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Even cubes = even cooking
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Don’t overcrowd the pan — sear in batches for crispy edges
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Fresh garlic > garlic powder in the sauce
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Control the sweetness — reduce honey slightly if desired
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Optional marination — 30–60 minutes deepens flavor
Pro Tip: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning for spicy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Option
Want a hands-off method? Air fry!
Air Fry: 390°F (200°C) for 7–9 minutes
Shake halfway through for even crispiness.
While the salmon cooks, simmer the sauce on the stovetop, then toss everything together before serving. This method keeps your stovetop clean and produces incredibly juicy pieces with lightly crisp edges.
Flavor Variations
Make it uniquely yours:
| Variation | What to Add |
|---|---|
| Spicy | Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to sauce |
| Citrus | Add 1 tablespoon orange juice + zest |
| Teriyaki Style | Swap honey for homemade teriyaki glaze |
| Sticky Korean Fusion | Add gochujang to sauce |
| Sesame-Forward | Add extra toasted sesame oil at the end |
| Garlic-Herb | Add parsley or dill instead of chives |
What to Serve with Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
These salmon bites pair beautifully with many sides:
Carb-Friendly
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Steamed jasmine or brown rice
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Garlic butter noodles
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Coconut rice
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Rice noodles or ramen
Veggie Add-Ons
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Roasted broccoli
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Air fryer asparagus
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Stir-fried bok choy
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Sesame green beans
Lighter Low-Carb Options
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Cauliflower rice
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Cucumber salad
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Fresh lettuce wraps
They also make a great taco filling, bowl topping, or appetizer skewer.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
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Calories: 365
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Protein: 34g
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Fat: 18g
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Carbs: 18g
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Sodium: 620mg
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Sugar: 14g
Nutrition values vary depending on ingredients used.
Meal Prep & Storage
Storage
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Refrigerate in airtight container up to 3 days
Reheat
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Stovetop or air fryer preferred
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Avoid overcooking to preserve tenderness
Freezing
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Freeze uncooked seasoned salmon cubes (up to 2 months)
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Thaw overnight and cook fresh before saucing
Honey Garlic Salmon Bites FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw fully and pat dry before seasoning.
What other fish can I substitute?
Cod, halibut, steelhead trout — all work well.
Is soy sauce necessary?
It adds umami depth, but coconut aminos can be used for gluten-free needs.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
It already is!
Can I bake the salmon instead?
Yes — bake at 425°F for 10–12 minutes, then toss in the sauce.
Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
These Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a sticky sweet-savory glaze that’s totally irresistible. They come together in just 25 minutes, making them the perfect quick weeknight dinner that still feels special enough for guests. Serve over rice with steamed veggies or toss into bowls for an easy, flavorful meal everyone will devour!
Ingredients
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1 ½ lb salmon, skin removed & cut into 1-inch cubes
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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¾ tsp salt
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1 tsp ground black pepper
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3 tbsp olive oil, divided
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2 tsp garlic, minced
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1 tsp freshly grated ginger
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3 tbsp soy sauce
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2 tbsp rice vinegar
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¼ cup honey
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2 tsp sesame seeds
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2 tsp chopped chives
Instructions
1️⃣ Season the Salmon
Pat salmon dry using paper towels. Toss with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp oil until coated.
2️⃣ Sear Until Crispy
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high.
Add salmon in a single layer and cook 4–5 minutes, flipping often, until golden and crispy.
Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining salmon.
3️⃣ Make the Glaze
In the same skillet, add the last tbsp of oil. Add garlic and ginger, cooking 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Simmer 3–5 minutes, until sauce thickens slightly.
4️⃣ Coat & Finish
Return salmon to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the glaze. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5️⃣ Serve
Serve hot over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and chives.
Notes
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Dry salmon well before seasoning — this is key for crispiness.
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Even-sized cubes ensure even cooking.
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Add cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat.
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Marinate 30–60 minutes for a deeper flavor.
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Make it in the air fryer: 390°F for 7–9 minutes, flipping once.
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Swap salmon for chicken or shrimp — just adjust the cooking time.
Why This Recipe Works
Honey Garlic Salmon Bites strike the perfect balance between:
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sweetness from honey
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saltiness from soy sauce
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brightness from rice vinegar
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warm aromatics from garlic and ginger
The skillet method caramelizes the sauce slightly, locking in flavor and creating a mouthwatering glaze.
This recipe proves that quick meals do not have to be boring — and that salmon can be incredibly versatile.
Final Thoughts: Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
If you’re looking for an effortless seafood recipe bursting with flavor, these Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and 25 minutes of cooking time, you get a restaurant-quality dish that suits busy lifestyles and healthy eating goals.
From weeknight dinners to party appetizers, from meal prep to quick protein add-ins for bowls and salads — this recipe adapts beautifully to any occasion.
Next time you’re craving something savory, sticky, and satisfying, skip the takeout and make Honey Garlic Salmon Bites right at home. You’ll be amazed at how fast these disappear!
