This Honey Garlic Salmon Bites recipe is your new weeknight hero – it’s incredibly easy to prepare, using simple pantry staples to create a dish that tastes truly gourmet. The magic happens quickly in the pan, making cleanup a breeze too. Seriously, the combination of garlic, honey, and savory soy sauce coating the rich salmon is unbelievably addictive. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels special enough for guests but is simple enough for a Tuesday night. Try it tonight—you won’t believe how simple it is! If you enjoy quick and flavorful meals like this, you might also love these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta.

Ingredients :

1.5 lbs Salmon Fillet: Preferably skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes. (Using quality salmon makes a huge difference!)
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: For searing the salmon.
4-5 Cloves Garlic: Minced finely. (Fresh garlic provides the best punch!)
1/3 cup Honey: Use a good quality liquid honey.
1/4 cup Soy Sauce: Low sodium is recommended to control the saltiness. (Use Tamari or Coconut Aminos for a gluten-free option).
1 Tablespoon Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tang to balance the sweetness. (Optional, but recommended).
1 Teaspoon Sesame Oil: For that distinct nutty aroma and flavor.
1/2 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust to your spice preference. (Optional).
1 Tablespoon Cornstarch + 2 Tablespoons Water: Mixed to create a slurry for thickening the sauce.
Optional Garnish: Toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions.
User Tip: For extra richness, you can swirl in a teaspoon of cold butter into the sauce right at the end.
Universal Tip: Always pat your salmon cubes thoroughly dry with paper towels before searing. This removes excess moisture and helps achieve a beautiful, golden-brown crust instead of steaming the fish.
Universal Tip: Ensure your pan is properly heated before adding the oil and salmon; this prevents sticking and promotes even searing for perfect Honey Garlic Salmon Bites.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Cooking Process

Prepare the Salmon: Ensure your salmon fillet is pin-boned and skinless. Cut the salmon into uniform 1-inch cubes. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. Why? Removing surface moisture is crucial for getting a good sear and preventing the salmon from steaming in the pan.
Mix the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar (if using), sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside. Why? Combining the sauce ingredients beforehand ensures even flavor distribution when added to the pan.
Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate tiny bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Set aside. Why? This slurry will thicken the honey garlic sauce quickly and effectively without lumps when added to the hot liquid later.
Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet (non-stick or cast iron works well) over medium-high heat. Add the olive or avocado oil and let it heat up until it shimmers slightly. Why? A properly heated pan ensures the salmon sears immediately upon contact, creating a delicious crust.
Sear the Salmon Bites: Carefully add the salmon cubes to the hot skillet in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked mostly through. Try not to move them too much initially to allow a crust to form. Why? Searing develops flavor (Maillard reaction) and texture on the outside of the salmon.
Add the Sauce: Turn the heat down to medium-low. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce mixture over the salmon bites in the skillet. Gently toss the salmon to coat evenly. Let the sauce bubble gently for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant. Why? Cooking the garlic briefly mellows its raw bite and infuses the sauce.
Thicken the Sauce: Give the cornstarch slurry a quick re-whisk (it settles quickly) and pour it into the skillet with the sauce and salmon. Stir gently and continuously. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to a beautiful glaze that coats the Honey Garlic Salmon Bites. Why? The cornstarch activates with heat, thickening the sauce to a perfect consistency for coating the salmon.
Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat immediately once the sauce is thickened to your liking (it will continue to thicken slightly as it cools). Garnish your Honey Garlic Salmon Bites generously with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings Ideas

Serving your delicious Honey Garlic Salmon Bites is all about complementing their sweet and savory perfection. These bites are incredibly versatile. For a classic and satisfying meal, serve them atop a bed of fluffy steamed jasmine rice or nutty brown rice. The rice soaks up that incredible honey garlic sauce beautifully. Drizzle any extra sauce from the pan over the top for maximum flavor.

Alternatively, pair the Honey Garlic Salmon Bites with quinoa for a higher protein, gluten-free option. Roasted vegetables are another fantastic companion. Think crisp-tender broccoli florets, vibrant asparagus spears, or colorful bell peppers. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, which contrasts nicely with the savory salmon glaze. Arrange the salmon bites alongside the roasted veggies for a visually appealing and balanced plate.

For a lighter meal, pile the Honey Garlic Salmon Bites onto a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette or even serve them in crisp lettuce cups for a fun, low-carb appetizer. Don’t forget a final sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions – these garnishes add texture, color, and a final flourish of flavor that elevates the presentation of your Honey Garlic Salmon Bites.

FAQs

1. What’s the best type of salmon to use for Honey Garlic Salmon Bites?

You can use various types of salmon, but Atlantic salmon is widely available and its higher fat content keeps the bites moist and flavorful during cooking. Coho or Sockeye salmon work too, but being leaner, they might cook slightly faster, so keep an eye on them.

Whether you choose skin-on or skinless is personal preference; however, for this recipe where the salmon is cubed and coated in sauce, skinless fillets are generally easier to work with. Always aim for quality, fresh salmon if possible, though good quality frozen salmon (properly thawed) works well too. For more details on salmon varieties, the National Fisheries Institute – Salmon Facts page offers great insights.

2. Can I make Honey Garlic Salmon Bites in the oven or air fryer?

Absolutely!

Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare the salmon cubes and the sauce as directed. You can either toss the salmon with a portion of the sauce before baking or bake the salmon plain first. Arrange the salmon cubes on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 8-12 minutes, depending on thickness. In the last few minutes, you can brush the honey garlic sauce over the bites and broil briefly (watch carefully!) to get that glaze caramelized. If you pre-tossed, you might still want to brush with extra sauce near the end.
Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Toss the salmon cubes lightly in oil (you’ll need less than pan-searing). Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. In the last 2 minutes, brush the salmon generously with the prepared honey garlic sauce (you may want to warm the sauce slightly first). Cook until the glaze is bubbly and the salmon is cooked through. Making Honey Garlic Salmon Bites this way is super quick!

3. How do I know when the Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are cooked perfectly?

Salmon cooks quickly, especially when cut into small cubes. The key is to avoid overcooking, which leads to dry fish. The Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are done when they are opaque and flake easily when gently pressed with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part, according to USDA guidelines, but many prefer to cook it slightly less (around 130-135°F) for a moister result, relying on carryover cooking. Since these are small bites, err on the side of slightly undercooking and letting the residual heat finish the job.

4. Can I make the honey garlic sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the honey garlic sauce (without the cornstarch slurry) up to 2-3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook your Honey Garlic Salmon Bites, give the sauce a good stir (ingredients might separate) and proceed with the recipe from step 4. Prepare the cornstarch slurry just before you need to add it to the pan.

5. How should I store and reheat leftover Honey Garlic Salmon Bites?

Store any leftover Honey Garlic Salmon Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can gently warm them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave them in short bursts (30 seconds) until just heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this will dry out the salmon. They are also surprisingly tasty cold, perhaps added to a salad! For nutritional information related to salmon, you can check resources like the USDA FoodData Central – Salmon Nutrition.

6. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon works perfectly well for Honey Garlic Salmon Bites. Ensure you thaw it completely and safely before using. The best way is to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, pat the salmon cubes extremely dry with paper towels, just as you would with fresh salmon, to ensure proper searing.

Conclusion

These Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are truly a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you want something impressive without the fuss. The combination of tender, flaky salmon coated in that irresistible sticky, sweet, and savory glaze is incredibly satisfying. It hits all the right notes – quick, easy, packed with flavor, and relatively healthy too! You’ve seen how simple the steps are, requiring minimal ingredients you likely already have. Whether you serve them over rice, with veggies, or as an appetizer, these Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are guaranteed to be a hit.

Pro Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger along with the garlic.

Pro Tip: Ensure your honey garlic sauce simmers gently but doesn’t boil rapidly, which can make the honey burn or become too thick too quickly.

Don’t be afraid to customize! For a spicier kick, double the red pepper flakes or add a squirt of sriracha to the sauce. If you’re out of soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos make excellent gluten-free substitutes. You could even swap the honey for maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile. Give these Honey Garlic Salmon Bites a try – you’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together and how incredibly delicious they taste! For another fantastic garlic-infused dish, check out these Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Garlic Bread Subs.

Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

Print Recipe

This Honey Garlic Salmon Bites recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a quick, gourmet-level meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender salmon cubes are coated in a sticky, sweet-savory garlic glaze that’s incredibly addictive and comes together in minutes.

Author: Kiera
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan Seared
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs Salmon Fillet, skinless and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil or Avocado Oil
4–5 Cloves Garlic, minced
1/3 cup Honey
1/4 cup Soy Sauce (low sodium preferred)
1 Tablespoon Rice Vinegar (optional)
1 Teaspoon Sesame Oil
1/2 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
1 Tablespoon Cornstarch + 2 Tablespoons Water (for slurry)
Optional Garnish: Toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions

Instructions

Prepare the Salmon: Pin-bone, skin, and cut salmon into 1-inch cubes. Pat dry with paper towels.
Mix the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk garlic, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: In another bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
Heat the Pan: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high until shimmering.
Sear the Salmon Bites: Add salmon cubes in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
Add the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour sauce over salmon and toss gently. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
Thicken the Sauce: Add slurry while stirring. Simmer 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens into a glaze.
Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra richness, swirl in a teaspoon of cold butter after thickening the sauce. Ensure salmon is well dried and pan is hot for the perfect sear. Add grated ginger for extra flavor depth.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 390
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 670mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: honey garlic salmon, salmon bites, easy salmon recipe, quick dinner, garlic glaze, weeknight dinner