Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe

If you are looking for a new and delicious way to enjoy salmon you are going to love this Honey Garlic Salmon Bites recipe. Bite size chunks of salmon coated in a sweet and savory sauce that caramelizes and forms a delicious golden crust on the outside of the fish.

Serve the bites with white rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a healthy and delicious meal. Or serve them as a tasty appetizer at your next dinner party.

Regardless of how you serve them, with one bite, you will want to make this dish over and over again. Not only are the bites full of amazing flavor, it is a recipe that takes only 15 minutes to cook!

Although for the best flavor, you will need to let the dry rub penetrate the salmon pieces for 30 minutes before they go in the skillet. The combination of the seasoning along with the honey garlic sauce provides all the flavor in this dish.

However, before you head to the grocery to pick out your salmon, if you want the absolutely best meal, the type of salmon you purchase does matter.

Best Salmon For Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

Although farm raised salmon costs less per pound, it is best to purchase wild caught salmon. Wild caught salmon contains fewer calories and fat when compared to farm raised salmon.

Wild caught fish are naturally much leaner than farmed fish because they are constantly on the move in the search for food. Not to mention, there are far fewer contaminants in the fish as they aren’t contained in a small environment and aren’t fed various chemicals and antibiotics.

Not only are they healthier, the actual flavor of the fish tastes much better. And when you look at flesh you can actually see the difference between the two.

Wild caught salmon has a dark pink, almost red hue. On the other hand, farm raised salmon most often are pale pink in color.

Therefore, when you are deciding which is the best type of salmon to purchase opt for wild caught whenever possible. However, if you don’t live near the coast, stick with frozen fish instead of the ‘fresh’ fish at the seafood counter.

Surprisingly frozen fish is frozen shortly after being caught, which helps preserve its freshness. Fish at the seafood counter may have spent more time in transit or storage before being sold as fresh.

How To Remove The Skin From Salmon

If you purchase salmon with the skin still attached you will need to remove it before making this Honey Garlic Salmon Bites recipe. If you purchase a salmon filet from the seafood counter you can ask the butcher to remove the skin for you.

However, if your salmon is frozen you will need to do this step yourself. With a little practice and the right cutting technique this process if fairly easy.

1. Start with the salmon filet, skin-side-down, running lengthwise on the cutting board. Place the thicker (non-tail side) on your dominant hand side, or the side that you will be holding the knife.

2. Starting at the tail side (the thinner side) begin by making a small cut between the fish and skin on the edge of the salmon. Reveal enough of the skin so that you’ll be able to grab ahold of the skin with your non-dominant hand.

3. Grab the skin with your non-dominant hand (the one without the knife) and pull firmly away against the pressure of your knife. If it is too slippery, use a paper or kitchen towel to help.

4. Continue to gently saw the knife back and forth as you put pressure downward and at an angle, pulling the skin as you go. You should be pulling the skin and flesh through the knife rather than solely cutting through the salmon.

The Easy ‘New’ Way To Remove The Skin From Salmon

Although the above technique is the standard way to remove the skin before making Honey Garlic Salmon Bites, there is a much easier way. These two methods have emerged across social media in the recent years and have become all the rage.

Boiling Water Method – Place a wire baking rack over top of a baking dish that is as large as the salmon filet. Then place the salmon skin side up on the wire rack.

Pour boiling water over top of the skin. The skin will begin to shrink and you will be able to pull it right off.

Hot Skillet Method – Place a large skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the salmon to the skillet skin side down. Let the salmon sit in the skillet for 1 minute. Remove, flip over and remove the skin.

Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 3⁄4 lb. salmon, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

For Serving (optional)

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon chopped chives

INSTRUCTIONS

Pat the salmon cubes dry on all sides with a paper towel. Place the pieces in a shallow bowl or in a resealable plastic bag. Set aside.

In a small bowl combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper and then mix to combine. Sprinkle half of the seasoning over the salmon and toss to coat. Then sprinkle the other half of the seasoning over the salmon.

Pour one tablespoon of oil over the fish and toss or massage the salmon cubes until well coated. Let the salmon sit for 30 minutes with the seasoning for best results.

Cooking Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

Place a medium size skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Once hot add the salmon cubes in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and just barely cooked through. Transfer the salmon cubes to a plate.

In the skillet add the remaining oil and then add the minced garlic and ginger, saute for 30 seconds – 1 minute or until fragrant.

Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Let the sauce simmer for 4-5 minutes or until it thickens.

Place the salmon back to the skillet and then gently toss to coat each piece in the sauce. Then remove the salmon from the skillet and pour the remaining sauce on top.

Garnish the salmon with sesame seeds and chopped chives. Season with additional salt, pepper and/or red pepper flakes as desired.

Serve the salmon bites with cooked white rice or steamed vegetables. Or serve them as a hearty appetizer for a special occasion.

Enjoy! Mary

Follow My Facebook Page For Great Recipes For Two! I Cook For Two Facebook Page

To receive FREE recipes delivered directly to your email, be sure to sign up for the iCookfortwo newsletter. A sign up form is located in the middle of this article. If you have any questions, comments, or want to submit an idea for a recipe for two, feel free to email at mary@icookfortwo.com