Oh, you guys, let me tell you about these Honey Garlic Salmon Bites. This recipe? It’s practically a weeknight miracle worker. I remember the first time I made them. I was so stressed, rushing home from soccer practice, trying to figure out what to throw together for dinner. I had some salmon in the fridge, saw a bottle of honey, a bulb of garlic, and just thought, “Why not?” The smell that filled the kitchen while these Honey Garlic Salmon Bites were baking? Heavenly! Sweet, savory, garlicky – it was pure comfort.

Honestly, that first batch wasn’t perfect. I slightly overcooked the salmon, and the sauce was a tad too thick. But even then, the family devoured them. That’s when I knew I was onto something. Over time, I tweaked the recipe, perfected the timing, and now? These Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are requested at least twice a month. Even my pickiest eater asks for them, which is saying something!

This Honey Garlic Salmon Bites recipe has saved me on countless busy weeknights, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser. I especially like making this recipe because I can use fresh or frozen salmon. I have learned to measure with my heart, I hope you will too! I was so happy when my friend told me about this recipe, she was excited when I told her I made my own version. If you love this, you should try this recipe.

Don’t be intimidated by the name. These Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are seriously easy to make. Trust me, if I can do it juggling three kids, a dog, and a never-ending pile of laundry, you can definitely make these delicious Honey Garlic Salmon Bites. Come on, let’s head over to the counter and I will show you how!

Ingredients

1.5 pounds Salmon Fillet, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes: I always use wild-caught salmon for my Honey Garlic Salmon Bites when I can find it. I just think it has better flavor and texture. When making Honey Garlic Salmon Bites, you can usually find good quality salmon at your local grocery store or fish market. For my Honey Garlic Salmon Bites I have also used frozen salmon.
1/4 cup Honey: I prefer using local honey for its unique flavor and health benefits. You can use any kind of honey you like.
3 cloves Garlic, minced: Here’s a Honey Garlic Salmon Bites trick I learned from my mom: use a garlic press for super-fine garlic.
1/4 cup Soy Sauce: I usually go for low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
2 tablespoons Olive Oil: I always use extra virgin olive oil for its flavor and health benefits.
1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar: This adds a nice tang to the Honey garlic sauce.
1 teaspoon Sesame Oil: A little sesame oil goes a long way in adding flavor to Honey Garlic Salmon Bites.
1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a little kick!
2 tablespoons Sesame Seeds, for garnish: These add a nice nutty flavor and visual appeal.
1 Green Onion, thinly sliced, for garnish: For a pop of freshness and color.
1 tablespoon Cornstarch: This will help to thicken the Honey garlic sauce.

Okay, so a quick tip for saving some time when preparing the Honey Garlic Salmon Bites ingredients: I often mince the garlic and measure out the other sauce ingredients ahead of time. This is especially helpful on those crazy weeknights when dinner needs to be on the table in a flash. And for saving money, buying a big bottle of soy sauce and honey is way more cost-effective than buying those little packets.

Storage tip: If you have leftover garlic, wrap it tightly in foil and store it in a cool, dark place. It’ll last for weeks! Now that we have the ingredients prepped, you can find the directions at Crispy, Saucy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites in a Skillet – Feasting not …. Let’s get cooking.

How to Make – Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making these Honey Garlic Salmon Bites. Don’t worry, it’s super straightforward. I promise!

Preheat and Prep: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup later. You’ll thank me later!
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). This Honey garlic sauce is the star of the show, and it smells amazing already! Garlic, often dubbed as nature’s antibiotic, is not only a flavor enhancer but also a nutritional powerhouse. It contains compounds like allicin, known for their antibacterial and antioxidant properties. When minced, garlic releases its potent aroma and flavor, which beautifully complements the sweetness of honey and the umami of soy sauce, creating a symphony of tastes that elevate the salmon bites to a gourmet level.
Toss the Salmon: Add the salmon cubes to the bowl with the Honey garlic sauce. Gently toss to make sure each piece is nicely coated. Don’t worry if your Honey Garlic Salmon Bites aren’t perfectly coated, they’ll still be delicious. I learned the hard way with Honey Garlic Salmon Bites that overcrowding the pan leads to steamed, not caramelized, salmon.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the salmon cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t too close together.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). In my kitchen, Honey Garlic Salmon Bites usually takes exactly 11 minutes to be cooked perfectly.
Thicken the Sauce: While the Honey Garlic Salmon Bites is cooking, in a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Once the salmon is done, remove it from the oven and set aside.
Glaze the Salmon: Place the baking sheet with the Honey Garlic Salmon Bites on the stove top over medium-high heat. Pour the cornstarch slurry over the Honey Garlic Salmon Bites and stir to coat. Bring the sauce to a simmer for a minute or two until thickened.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Honey Garlic Salmon Bites to a serving dish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy! Your Honey Garlic Salmon Bites should smell like a combination of sweet honey, pungent garlic, and savory soy sauce. It’s a truly irresistible aroma!

While the Honey Garlic Salmon Bites is cooking, I usually throw together a quick side dish, like steamed broccoli or a simple salad. It makes for a complete and balanced meal. One family-tested Honey Garlic Salmon Bites shortcut? I sometimes use pre-minced garlic from the jar if I’m really short on time. It’s not quite as flavorful as fresh, but it definitely does the trick! You can also fry this in a pan! If you love garlic, you should also try this recipe!

Serving Suggestions

Okay, so now you’ve got this beautiful plate of Honey Garlic Salmon Bites. But how do you serve them? What goes well with them? Let me share some of my family’s favorite ways to enjoy these little gems.

The kids love our Honey Garlic Salmon Bites when I serve them over a bed of fluffy white rice. They just love soaking up that delicious Honey garlic sauce. I also like to add some steamed green beans or broccoli for a little extra veggies.

My go-to side dish is definitely roasted asparagus. The slightly bitter taste of the asparagus balances out the sweetness of the sauce perfectly. Plus, it’s super easy to make. Just toss the asparagus with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast it in the oven until tender.

This Honey Garlic Salmon Bites is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, but it’s also fancy enough to serve to guests. I’ve made it for casual get-togethers, potlucks, and even a few holiday parties. Everyone always raves about them.

When it comes to presentation, I like to arrange the Honey Garlic Salmon Bites on a pretty platter and garnish them with plenty of sesame seeds and chopped green onions. You can also add a few lemon wedges for a pop of color and flavor.

If you have extra Honey Garlic Salmon Bites, they’re delicious cold the next day. I often pack them in my lunch for a healthy and satisfying meal. You can also flake them into a salad or add them to a wrap.

As for seasonal variations, I sometimes add a little grated ginger to the Honey garlic sauce in the winter for a warming flavor. In the summer, I like to grill the salmon cubes instead of baking them. It gives them a nice smoky flavor.

My friends always ask for this Honey Garlic Salmon Bites recipe. It’s become one of my signature dishes, and I’m always happy to share it. They are also always asking if I know more ways to cook garlic, this is another favorite of mine! If you love this you should also try this recipe!

FAQs

Okay, I’ve gotten a lot of questions over the years about these Honey Garlic Salmon Bites, so I thought I’d address some of the most common ones here.

Q: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely before cooking. I usually thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. You know what I do when my Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are made with frozen salmon? I pat the salmon dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

Q: Can I make this Honey Garlic Salmon Bites recipe ahead of time?

A: You can definitely make the Honey garlic sauce ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. But I recommend cooking the salmon fresh for the best flavor and texture. My friends have told me these are amazing fresh!

Q: How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?

A: The salmon is cooked through when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). I use a meat thermometer to be sure.

Q: Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of honey in this Honey Garlic Salmon Bites recipe?

A: Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey. Just keep in mind that it may slightly change the flavor of the Honey garlic sauce. I had a friend once who added peanut butter to this, it was interesting!

Q: My Honey Garlic Salmon Bites sauce is too thick. What do I do?

A: If the sauce is too thick, just add a little bit of water until it reaches the desired consistency. I learned this the hard way when my Honey Garlic Salmon Bites sauce turned into a sticky mess.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this Honey Garlic Salmon Bites recipe?

A: Of course! I often add broccoli florets, bell peppers, or snap peas to the baking sheet along with the salmon. Just make sure to cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.

Q: My kids don’t like spicy food. Can I leave out the red pepper flakes?

A: Absolutely! The red pepper flakes are optional. You can leave them out altogether or just use a pinch for a very mild flavor. My kids prefer it without the red pepper flakes.

My Final Thoughts

You guys, this Honey Garlic Salmon Bites recipe isn’t just a recipe to me. It’s a symbol of those quick weeknight dinners, happy family moments, and the satisfaction of creating something delicious with my own hands. I hope it will bring you and your family just as much joy as it has brought mine.

My Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Pro Tips:

Don’t overcook the salmon: Salmon cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it to prevent it from drying out.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and good-quality honey will make a big difference in the flavor of the sauce.
Don’t be afraid to experiment: Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to your liking.

As for variations, I’ve tried a few different ones over the years. One time, I added a little bit of orange zest to the Honey garlic sauce. It gave it a nice citrusy flavor. Another time, I used sriracha sauce instead of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick. My youngest loves the regular version. The oldest likes to add a dash of sesame oil to his rice.

Honestly, this Honey Garlic Salmon Bites recipe is so versatile. You can really make it your own. I encourage you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients until you find what works best for you and your family. If you love this you should also check out this recipe at Honey Garlic Salmon Bites – Cookin’ with Mima.

I hope you give this Honey Garlic Salmon Bites recipe a try. I truly believe that anyone can make this dish, even if you’re a beginner cook. It’s all about having fun in the kitchen and not being afraid to make mistakes. So go ahead, grab some salmon, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I hope you enjoy it! The glazed salmon cubes are delicious and taste great with everything!

Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

Print Recipe

These Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are a quick and easy appetizer or main course. Tender salmon pieces are coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce and baked to perfection.

Author: Zoubida
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Add salmon cubes to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
Arrange salmon bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in the honey garlic sauce for 30 minutes before baking. Serve over rice or with a side of roasted vegetables.