How to Make the Perfect Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
Asian-American · Easy · 20 min · 4 servings
Tender salmon chunks glazed in a sticky sweet honey garlic sauce and pan-seared until caramelized. These bites are ready in 15 minutes and work perfectly over rice or salad.
Why this recipe works
This Honey Garlic Salmon Bites recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 20 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 350 calories with 34g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 9 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lbs salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into 1 inch cubes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced for garnish
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
Pat salmon cubes completely dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and black pepper on all sides. Dry salmon is essential for getting a good sear and caramelized exterior.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, sesame oil, and cornstarch until fully combined and the cornstarch is dissolved with no lumps.
Step 3: Sear the Salmon
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon cubes in a single layer and do not move them for 2 minutes to build a golden crust. Flip and sear the other side for 1 minute.
Step 4: Add the Glaze
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the seared salmon bites. Toss gently to coat and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and caramelizes around each piece.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and transfer to a serving plate. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed white rice or alongside roasted broccoli.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- honey → maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness
- soy sauce → coconut aminos for a gluten-free option
- salmon → shrimp or cubed chicken breast with adjusted cook times
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not patting the salmon dry which prevents proper caramelization and causes steaming
- Overcrowding the pan which drops the temperature and stops the salmon from searing
- Cooking the glaze too long over high heat which causes it to burn and turn bitter
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 350 calories, 34g protein, 18g carbs, 15g fat, 0g fiber.
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