If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive dish that packs a punch of flavor, these Honey Butter Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites are exactly what you need! They’re sweet, savory, buttery, and downright addictive. Plus, they come together in under 20 minutes, making them a go-to meal for busy weeknights or an elegant appetizer for guests.
Let’s dive into what makes these salmon bites so special and get started with the first part of the recipe!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
✔ Quick & Easy: Ready in 20 minutes or less—perfect for weeknights!
✔ Sweet & Savory Perfection: The combination of honey, butter, garlic, and soy sauce creates a balanced glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the salmon.
✔ Versatile Dish: Serve these bites over rice, with steamed veggies, or as an appetizer at your next dinner party.
✔ Healthy & Protein-Packed: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
To make these flavorful bites, you’ll need:
- 1 lb salmon fillets, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons honey (for that sticky-sweet glaze!)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for richness)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (adds depth and umami)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for a touch of brightness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
💡 Pro Tip: Opt for skinless salmon fillets for easy cooking, or remove the skin before cutting.
STEP 1: MAKE THE SAUCE
Before cooking the salmon, prep the glaze to allow the flavors to meld together.
1️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
2️⃣ Set it aside—this will become the mouthwatering glaze that coats the salmon bites!
💡 Flavor Boost: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick!
STEP 2: SEASON THE SALMON
Now it’s time to prep the salmon bites so they cook up flavorful and crisp!
1️⃣ Pat the salmon cubes dry with a paper towel—this helps them sear better.
2️⃣ Season lightly with salt and pepper on all sides.
💡 Why Dry the Salmon? Removing excess moisture ensures you get a perfect golden-brown sear instead of steaming the salmon in its own juices.
STEP 3: SEAR THE SALMON
1️⃣ Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2️⃣ Add the salmon bites in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
3️⃣ Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping carefully, until the bites are golden and slightly crispy on the outside.
🔥 Chef’s Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan—this ensures that each piece gets a nice, even sear!
4️⃣ Once cooked, remove the salmon bites from the skillet and set them aside.
FINISHING THE HONEY BUTTER GARLIC GLAZED SALMON BITES TO PERFECTION
Now that we have our crispy, golden salmon bites ready, it’s time to bring everything together with the irresistible honey butter garlic glaze. This step is where the magic happens—rich, buttery, garlicky goodness caramelizing over those perfectly seared salmon bites. Let’s dive right in!
STEP 4: PREPARE THE GLAZE
Now that your salmon is resting, it’s time to build the rich, flavorful glaze that will coat each bite.
1️⃣ In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—those browned bits add flavor!), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2️⃣ Once melted, pour in the honey garlic mixture that you prepared earlier.
3️⃣ Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken slightly and the garlic to become fragrant.
💡 Pro Tip: If you want a thicker glaze, let it simmer for an extra minute, but be careful—it can burn quickly due to the honey!
STEP 5: COAT THE SALMON IN THE GLAZE
Now, for the fun part—tossing those golden salmon bites back into the glossy honey butter glaze!
1️⃣ Lower the heat to medium-low, then gently return the cooked salmon bites to the pan.
2️⃣ Use a spoon or spatula to toss the salmon in the glaze, making sure each piece is fully coated.
3️⃣ Let the salmon cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize slightly on the salmon.
🔥 Pro Tip: If you want an even deeper caramelization, let the salmon sit in the sauce for 30 seconds without stirring before flipping each piece.
STEP 6: GARNISH & SERVE!
Your honey butter garlic salmon bites are now beautifully caramelized and ready to be served! Here’s how to plate them like a pro:
1️⃣ Transfer the salmon bites to a serving dish.
2️⃣ Drizzle any remaining glaze from the skillet over the top for extra flavor.
3️⃣ Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
💡 Serving Suggestions:
- Over Rice: The glaze seeps into the rice, making every bite delicious!
- With Roasted Veggies: A side of steamed broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts complements the sweet and savory glaze.
- As an Appetizer: Serve on skewers or toothpicks for an elegant party dish.
TIPS & VARIATIONS TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR SALMON BITES
🌶️ Want More Heat? Add 1 teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the honey garlic sauce for a spicy twist.
🍋 Love Citrusy Flavors? Add extra lemon zest to the glaze for a bright, zesty finish.
🥑 Low-Carb Option? Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version.
🍚 Make It A Meal! Pair with jasmine rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a heartier dish.
FAQS AND FINAL TOUCHES FOR YOUR HONEY BUTTER GARLIC GLAZED SALMON BITES
Now that your Honey Butter Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites are ready to shine, let’s address some of the most common questions about this recipe. Whether you’re a salmon pro or just diving into the world of seafood cooking, these tips and tricks will ensure success every time!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, pat it dry with a paper towel before cutting it into bite-sized cubes.
2. How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the skillet?
Using the right heat level is key. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the olive oil, and then gently place the salmon in. Avoid flipping too soon—let it sear properly for about 2-3 minutes on each side.
3. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the honey garlic glaze up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to use, warm it in the skillet before tossing it with the salmon.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat, place the salmon bites in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent them from drying out. Cover and heat for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Can I substitute the honey with something else?
Of course! If you’re out of honey or prefer a different flavor, try using maple syrup or agave nectar. Each will add its own unique sweetness to the glaze.
6. How long will leftovers last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat gently to maintain the glaze’s caramelized texture.
7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just swap the soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos, and you’re good to go.
FINAL THOUGHTS & SERVING IDEAS
These Honey Butter Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites are everything you want in a dish—quick, flavorful, and versatile. Whether you’re serving them as a protein-packed main course or an elegant appetizer, they’re sure to impress.
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Honey Butter Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
These sweet, savory, and buttery salmon bites are quick to prepare and packed with flavor! Perfect as a main dish or an appetizer, they pair well with rice, veggies, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillets, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Set aside.
2️⃣ Season the Salmon: Lightly season the salmon bites with salt and pepper.
3️⃣ Cook the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon bites and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4️⃣ Prepare the Glaze: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Pour in the honey garlic mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring until slightly thickened.
5️⃣ Coat the Salmon: Return the salmon bites to the skillet, tossing them in the glaze until fully coated and caramelized.
6️⃣ Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy with rice, steamed veggies, or a side salad!
Notes
- Extra Crispy: For crispier salmon bites, lightly coat them with cornstarch before cooking.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Sriracha for some heat.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3
