Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are little pieces of salmon cooked to perfection with a golden, crunchy exterior and a sweet, garlicky glaze that makes every bite pop with flavor. The combination of honey and garlic creates a sticky sauce that’s both sweet and a bit tangy, making these bites super addictive and fun to eat.
I love making these salmon bites when I want a simple but impressive dish. They come together quickly, and the crispy outside with tender salmon inside is just the best combo. I always make sure to get the salmon pieces just the right size so they cook evenly and get that perfect crisp without drying out the fish.
My favorite way to serve these is over a bed of steamed rice or with some fresh greens on the side. They also make a great appetizer when you’re having friends over—I like setting out toothpicks for easy snacking. These salmon bites always get people asking for the recipe because they’re just so easy and delicious.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillet works best for tender bites with a nice flavor. If fresh isn’t available, frozen salmon is fine—just thaw and pat dry well before cooking. Avoid skin on these bites for easy crisping.
Cornstarch: This helps get that crispy crust on the salmon. You can swap it with potato starch or rice flour if needed. Regular flour can work too but won’t be quite as light and crispy.
Honey & Garlic: Honey adds sweetness, while garlic brings bold flavor. For a different taste, try maple syrup or brown sugar instead of honey. Fresh minced garlic is best for that punchy aroma and taste.
Soy Sauce & Rice Vinegar: These add the salty tang that balances the sauce. Use tamari for gluten-free, or substitute with coconut aminos for a soy-free option. Apple cider vinegar is a good vinegar swap if rice vinegar is not on hand.
How Can I Get Perfectly Crispy Salmon Bites without Overcooking?
Salmon cooks quickly, so balancing crispiness and tenderness is key. Follow these tips:
- Pat the salmon dry thoroughly to remove moisture before dusting with cornstarch—this helps create a crisp crust.
- Use a hot skillet with enough oil to cover the base evenly; this ensures quick searing without sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed. Crowding steams instead of crisps.
- Fry salmon bites for 2-3 minutes per side. Keep a close watch, as salmon can dry out fast.
- Remove and drain on paper towels right away to keep crispiness.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large nonstick or cast-iron skillet – perfect for frying salmon evenly without sticking and helps get that crispy crust.
- Mixing bowl – to toss salmon cubes with cornstarch easily and coat them well.
- Spatula or tongs – to turn salmon bites gently without breaking them.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for cutting salmon into even-sized cubes to cook uniformly.
- Measuring spoons – to get the sauce ingredients just right for balance and flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Switch salmon for chicken breast cubes for a leaner, protein-packed option that still crisps nicely.
- Add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick you’ll love if you like heat.
- Stir in finely chopped green onions or fresh ginger to the sauce for extra freshness and zing.
- Top with chopped toasted nuts (like almonds or cashews) for added crunch and nutty flavor.
Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil) for frying
Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Garnishes (optional):
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep and cooking time, making it a quick and tasty dish perfect for weeknights or a speedy appetizer. The salmon bites cook fast, and the sauce comes together in just a few minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon Bites:
Pat your salmon cubes dry on paper towels to remove extra moisture. This helps them get crispy when cooking. Lightly season the pieces with salt and ground black pepper.
2. Coat and Fry the Salmon:
Put the cornstarch in a shallow dish. Toss the salmon pieces gently in the cornstarch until evenly coated, then shake off any extra. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the salmon cubes in one layer without crowding the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully crispy and golden. Remove the cooked salmon bites and let them drain on paper towels.
3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce and Combine:
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same pan. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burned. Then add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Let the sauce simmer quietly for 1 to 2 minutes until it’s slightly thickened and glossy. Return the crispy salmon bites to the pan and toss gently to coat all the pieces evenly with the sticky sauce.
4. Serve with Garnish:
Transfer the glazed salmon bites to a serving dish. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and a little red pepper flakes for some heat if you like. Serve right away, with steamed rice or a light salad on the side.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the salmon in the fridge overnight or under cold running water. Pat it completely dry before coating with cornstarch to ensure crispiness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep them crispy and avoid drying out.
Can I Substitute Cornstarch with Something Else?
Absolutely! Potato starch or rice flour work well as alternatives for a crispy coating. Regular all-purpose flour can also be used but may produce a less crunchy texture.
Is There a Way to Make This Recipe Spicier?
Yes, just add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or toss the salmon bites with sriracha or chili garlic sauce for a nice spicy kick.
