Honey butter garlic glazed salmon bites are sweet, savory, and perfectly caramelized. These bite-sized salmon pieces are pan-seared until crispy and coated in a rich, buttery honey garlic glaze. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, appetizer, or meal prep!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – Ready in 15 minutes!
- Sweet, savory, & garlicky – A perfect flavor combination.
- Crispy on the outside, tender inside – Thanks to pan-searing.
- Healthy & high in protein – Omega-3-rich salmon with a delicious twist.
- Great for meal prep – Stays flavorful and reheats well.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Salmon Bites:
- Fresh salmon fillets, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Olive oil or butter (for searing)
- Salt & black pepper
- Paprika (optional, for extra color)
For the Honey Butter Garlic Glaze:
- Butter
- Honey
- Garlic, minced
- Soy sauce (for umami depth)
- Lemon juice (for brightness)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
- Pat salmon dry with a paper towel.
- Toss with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
- Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add salmon cubes skin-side down (if using skin-on) and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Remove salmon from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Coat the Salmon
- Return the salmon to the pan and toss in the glaze until fully coated.
- Cook for another minute, then remove from heat.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or parsley.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add more red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- Asian-Inspired – Add ginger and sesame oil for extra flavor.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Crispy Salmon Bites – Coat with a light cornstarch dusting before searing.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat or microwave for 30 seconds.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the glaze may separate.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
How do I keep the salmon from falling apart?
Use firm, skin-on salmon and don’t over-stir while cooking.
Can I bake these instead?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes.
What can I serve with salmon bites?
Try steamed rice, roasted veggies, or mashed potatoes.
Can I air-fry salmon bites?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, then toss in the glaze.
How do I thicken the glaze?
Simmer longer, or add a slurry (½ tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).
Can I use a different fish?
Yes! Try cod, halibut, or shrimp.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap butter for vegan butter or extra olive oil.
How do I make it extra crispy?
Use higher heat and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Conclusion
These honey butter garlic glazed salmon bites are a quick, flavorful, and irresistible dish perfect for any meal. Whether you serve them with rice, veggies, or as an appetizer, they’re sure to impress. Try this easy recipe today and enjoy restaurant-quality salmon at home!
PrintHoney Butter Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites
These Honey Butter Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a rich, sticky glaze! Made with buttery, garlicky, and slightly sweet flavors, this dish is quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Serve them with rice, veggies, or in a salad for a delicious and nutritious meal!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 1 lb (450g) salmon fillets (skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (for extra color & flavor)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (helps with crispiness, optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Honey Butter Garlic Glaze:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup honey (adjust for sweetness)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (adds depth & umami)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (balances sweetness, optional but recommended)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
For Garnish:
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for crunch)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
- Pat the salmon cubes dry with a paper towel.
- In a bowl, toss salmon with salt, black pepper, paprika, and cornstarch.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add salmon cubes and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Glaze
- In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Coat the Salmon & Serve
- Return the salmon to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the glaze.
- Cook for 1 more minute, then remove from heat.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh parsley/green onions.
- Serve warm over rice, quinoa, roasted veggies, or in a salad.
Notes
- Extra Crispy? Use an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 7-8 minutes before tossing in the glaze.
- Want More Heat? Add ½ tsp sriracha or more red pepper flakes.
- No Soy Sauce? Substitute with coconut aminos or tamari.
- Meal Prep: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently in a pan.