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Tender Honey Garlic Bites

Featured in Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers and Snacks for Any Occasion.

Season salmon pieces, fry till golden, then coat in a rich honey-soy-ginger glaze. Done in just 25 minutes, serve warm with veggies or rice.

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Updated on Sat, 10 May 2025 01:10:48 GMT
Cubed salmon glazed in honey garlic sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. Pin it
Cubed salmon glazed in honey garlic sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. | chefmelt.com

I whipped up these honey garlic salmon chunks when my little ones were stuck in their 'fish is gross' stage. Cutting salmon into tiny bites and slathering them with that sweet clingy glaze totally did the trick! These days they beg for them constantly. My hubby even shows off to his workmates about how I turned our kids into salmon fans. And they're so quick to make - just what I need when I've forgotten to figure out dinner!

What Makes These So Popular

These tiny morsels are fantastic because they've got that crunchy exterior but stay moist inside. The glaze turns all tacky and browned - my kids grab them with toothpicks like candy! They're done in no time since they're cut small, and washing up isn't too bad. Even my buddy who 'can't stand fish' gobbled up three servings when she joined us for supper last month.

Ingredients You'll Want

  • Salmon: Grab a good one-pound chunk and dice it into small mouthfuls
  • Seasonings: Salt and pepper paprika onion powder garlic powder
  • Oil: Plain olive oil does the job perfectly
  • Flavor Builders: Real ginger and garlic truly elevate everything
  • For The Glaze: Honey rice vinegar and soy sauce
  • Garnishes: Chives and sesame seeds to scatter over top
Fresh salmon cubes seasoned and garnished, served in a glass bowl alongside lime wedges and various condiments. Pin it
Fresh salmon cubes seasoned and garnished, served in a glass bowl alongside lime wedges and various condiments. | chefmelt.com

Step-By-Step Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients
Start by thoroughly drying your salmon with paper towels. Then slice it into good-sized mouthful chunks. Mix them with your seasonings and a drizzle of oil.
Get That Crispiness
Heat your pan until it's really hot then pour in some oil and drop those salmon chunks in. Don't pile them up or they won't crisp properly! Cook until golden all around for about 5 minutes. Move them to a waiting plate.
Whip Up The Glaze
Using that same pan toss in your ginger and garlic until they smell amazing. Pour in your honey vinegar and soy sauce. Let it simmer down and become thick and tacky.
Mix Everything
Toss those salmon pieces back in and swirl them through that glaze. Watch as they turn all shiny and delicious!
A close-up of a black bowl filled with diced, seasoned salmon garnished with herbs and salt, accompanied by lemon slices. Pin it
A close-up of a black bowl filled with diced, seasoned salmon garnished with herbs and salt, accompanied by lemon slices. | chefmelt.com

Smart Cooking Tips

Always dry your salmon completely before starting or it won't crisp up. Don't fiddle with the chunks too much while cooking just let them sear nicely. If your glaze gets overly thick add a tiny bit of water. And always turn your pan handle inward I found that out when my shirt caught it once!

Try These Variations

I sometimes toss in some broccoli right at the end to soak up that glaze. My pal makes this with chicken when salmon costs too much. In hot weather I add fresh lime juice at the finish so refreshing! You can spice them up with some sriracha my older kids go crazy for that version.

Storing Leftovers

They taste best right away but any extras will stay good in your fridge for a couple days. Warm them in a skillet not your microwave or they'll turn tough. Though truthfully at our place leftovers rarely happen as everyone usually wants more!

Great Side Dishes

We really enjoy these over a bed of rice that soaks up all that tasty glaze. Sometimes I quickly steam some vegetables or throw together a simple salad. My girl likes putting them in lettuce cups like tiny tacos. And make sure there's extra sauce for pouring my man always wants more!

Good For Every Occasion

This meal has rescued dinnertime countless times! It's speedy enough for crazy weeknights but seems fancy enough for visitors too. When my mother visited recently she couldn't believe how quickly it came together. Now she cooks it for her card club and says everyone wants to know how to make it!

A plate of marinated and glazed salmon cubes topped with green onions and sesame seeds, served over a bed of white rice. Pin it
A plate of marinated and glazed salmon cubes topped with green onions and sesame seeds, served over a bed of white rice. | chefmelt.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why dry off the salmon?

Dry salmon gives a golden, crispy finish. Too much moisture means it won’t brown as nicely.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

You can mix the sauce and season the salmon ahead of time, but cook it right before serving for the best texture and flavor.

→ What pan works best?

A cast iron skillet or heavy frying pan holds heat evenly and helps get those crispy edges without sticking.

→ Why cook in smaller batches?

If you overcrowd the pan, the salmon will steam rather than sear. Give it room for a nice crispy surface.

→ How do I use an air fryer?

Set your air fryer to 390°F and cook the salmon for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway. Toss with sauce after cooking.

Honey Garlic Bites

Soft, crispy salmon chunks in a bold honey garlic sauce with soy and ginger. Quick for busy nights, impressive for guests.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Fusion Asian

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger.
02 1 teaspoon onion powder.
03 3/4 teaspoon sea salt.
04 1 teaspoon ground black pepper.
05 3 tablespoons olive oil, split up.
06 2 teaspoons sesame seeds.
07 1 1/2 lb salmon, diced into 1-inch pieces.
08 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
09 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
10 2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic.
11 3 tablespoons soy sauce.
12 1/4 cup honey.
13 2 tablespoons rice vinegar.
14 2 teaspoons freshly chopped chives.

Instructions

Step 01

Dry off the salmon, then sprinkle it with salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of oil.

Step 02

Pour 1 tablespoon of oil into a pan, then cook the salmon in batches for about 4-5 minutes per batch until the outside is crispy.

Step 03

Using the remaining oil, cook the ginger and garlic in the pan for a minute.

Step 04

Combine honey, rice vinegar, and soy sauce in the pan. Let it bubble lightly for 3-5 minutes until it gets thicker.

Step 05

Put the salmon back in the pan, toss it to coat, and sprinkle it with sesame seeds and chives before serving.

Notes

  1. Make sure the salmon is completely dry before you start.
  2. Feel free to marinate the salmon for up to an hour.
  3. You can use an air fryer set at 390°F and cook for 7-9 minutes if you prefer.

Tools You'll Need

  • Sturdy frying pan.
  • Kitchen paper towels.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains fish.
  • Contains soy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 32 g