Name: Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon oil (avocado, canola, or olive oil); 1/4 cup honey; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons water; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (optional); 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (slurry for thickening)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these salmon bites deliver big flavor with minimal ingredients. They cook quickly and pack that crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture that I can never get enough of. The honey garlic glaze adds just the right balance of sweetness and tang, making it impossible to stop at just one bite. They’re great with rice, salad, noodles, or simply served with toothpicks as finger food.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

salmon fillets (skinless, cut into bite-sized cubes)
cornstarch (for coating)
salt
black pepper
garlic powder
neutral oil (for frying)
garlic (minced)
honey
soy sauce
rice vinegar or lemon juice
red pepper flakes (optional)
green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)

directions

I start by patting the salmon cubes dry and tossing them in a bowl with cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
I heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the salmon in batches, searing each side until golden and crispy—about 2–3 minutes per side. I set the cooked salmon aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, I reduce the heat and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds.
I stir in the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar or lemon juice, simmering for 1–2 minutes until it thickens into a glaze.
I return the salmon bites to the pan, tossing them in the sauce until coated and glossy.
I serve them hot, topped with green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes if I want a little heat.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 2 to 3 servings as a main dish, or 4 to 6 as an appetizer. It takes just 25–30 minutes from start to finish—quick enough for weeknights, but impressive enough for guests.

Variations

I sometimes add ginger to the sauce for extra zing or use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper sweetness. For a spicier version, I stir in a bit of chili paste or hot sauce. These also work well in tacos, lettuce wraps, or served over rice bowls with veggies.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I use a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain the crisp texture, or microwave in short bursts if I’m in a hurry. I avoid freezing this dish, as the coating can become soggy after thawing.

FAQs

What kind of salmon works best?

I use skinless, boneless fillets—Atlantic, sockeye, or coho all work well. The key is cutting the pieces evenly so they cook at the same rate.

How do I keep the salmon crispy?

Drying the salmon well and using cornstarch helps create that golden crust. I also avoid overcrowding the pan so the pieces sear instead of steam.

Can I make this in the air fryer?

Yes. I air fry the coated salmon bites at 400°F (200°C) for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then I toss them in the sauce right before serving.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be—just use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

What can I serve with it?

I like serving it with rice, quinoa, stir-fried vegetables, or even over a crisp salad. It also works well in wraps or sliders for a casual meal.

Conclusion

Crispy Honey Garlic Salmon Bites are a delicious way to bring bold, satisfying flavor to the table with very little time or effort. Each bite is crispy, sticky, and packed with garlicky goodness—perfect whether I’m cooking for myself or sharing with others. Once I make these, they quickly become a regular in my kitchen rotation.