These honey garlic salmon bites have become one of my go-to recipes when I need something quick but flavorful. The combination of sweet honey and garlic creates a sticky glaze that coats each piece perfectly. I’ve made these for both weeknight dinners and when having friends over, and they always disappear fast. They work well as an appetizer for parties or as a main dish served over rice to complete a meal.
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Easy Salmon Bites
What I like about this recipe is how simple it is despite having great flavor. The honey and garlic glaze caramelizes nicely in the oven, giving the salmon a slightly crispy outside while staying tender inside, all within 30 minutes.
These are perfect for busy weeknights, date nights, or anytime you want a restaurant-style meal at home without much fuss.
What You’ll Need to Cook
- Fresh Salmon Fillet
- Olive Oil
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Honey
- Garlic
- Soy Sauce – Adds umami richness and balances the sweetness of the honey. Low-sodium versions work well if you’re watching salt intake without sacrificing flavor depth.
- Butter
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Fresh Ginger – Brings a bright, warm spice that cuts through the salmon’s richness while perfectly complementing both honey and garlic flavors.
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Green Onions
- Sesame Seeds
- Fresh Parsley
Ingredient Substitutes
Honey alternatives: Pure maple syrup creates similar caramelization with deeper flavor notes, while agave nectar provides neutral sweetness. Both require the same cooking time and technique.
Soy sauce substitutions: Tamari offers gluten-free umami depth, while coconut aminos provide lower sodium content with subtle sweetness. Worcestershire sauce adds different but complementary savory notes.
Gluten-free option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for complete dietary compliance.
How to Make Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
Step 1: Prepare Salmon and Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F, which provides the perfect temperature for caramelizing the honey glaze while cooking the salmon through. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the sticky glaze from burning onto the pan.
Cut your salmon fillet into uniform 1½-inch pieces using a sharp knife, ensuring consistent cooking throughout. Pat each piece completely dry with paper towels – excess moisture prevents proper searing and glaze adhesion. Toss the salmon pieces gently with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, handling the fish carefully to maintain the integrity of the pieces.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze
Combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, melted butter, lemon juice, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Pour the glaze mixture into a saucpan and heat over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly with a whisk to prevent burning.
The glaze should bubble gently and thicken slightly, coating the back of a spoon. Use fresh ingredients for the most vibrant flavor profile that will intensify during cooking.
Step 3: Coat Salmon with Glaze
Brush half the warm glaze over the seasoned salmon pieces using a pastry brush, ensuring even coverage on all sides. Reserve the remaining glaze for serving later. The warm glaze will help create that beautiful caramelized exterior during baking while keeping the salmon moist inside.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the glazed salmon on your prepared baking sheet, spacing the pieces 1 inch apart for proper air circulation. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the glaze is beautifully caramelized and the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
The internal temperature should reach 145°F, and the edges will appear slightly golden and crispy. The glaze will bubble and darken during baking, creating incredible flavor concentration.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove from oven and immediately drizzle with the reserved warm glaze for extra flavor and glossy appearance. Sprinkle with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh parsley for color, texture, and fresh flavor contrast that complements the rich honey garlic coating. Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor experience.
How To Store Leftovers and Reheat
Cool salmon bites can be stored at room temperature for no more than 30 minutes before refrigeration to prevent bacterial growth. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. The honey glaze may crystallize slightly when cold, which is normal.
Avoid freezing as it compromises the salmon’s texture and glaze quality. To reheat, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through, or microwave on medium power for 45 seconds, checking frequently to prevent overcooking.
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What to Serve With Salmon Bites
🥦 Crispy Grilled Broccoli
🍯 Maple Glazed Carrots
🍞 Grilled Cornbread
🥔 Smoked Cheesy Potatoes
Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 1½ lbs fresh salmon fillet skin removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Honey Garlic Glaze:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut salmon into 1½-inch pieces, pat dry, and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, garlic, soy sauce, butter, lemon juice, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Heat over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until slightly thickened.
- Brush half the glaze over salmon pieces and arrange on baking sheet with 1-inch spacing.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until caramelized and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Drizzle with remaining glaze and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and parsley before serving.
Smoke On!
Charlie
Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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