If you’re looking for a recipe that’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve, you’ve just hit the jackpot! These Honey Butter Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites are the perfect combination of crispy, tender, sweet, and savory—all packed into one bite-sized delight. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dinner or need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these salmon bites will have everyone coming back for seconds.
I don’t know about you, but I love salmon. It’s one of those proteins that feels fancy yet effortless to cook, making it a staple in my kitchen. And when you add honey, butter, and garlic into the mix? Oh, it’s game over. The glaze is rich, sticky, and infused with just the right amount of garlicky goodness, perfectly complementing the flaky salmon.
The best part? This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you just don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Step 1: Gathering the Ingredients
Before we get cooking, let’s go over what you’ll need:
Ingredients
✅ 1 lb salmon fillets, cut into bite-sized cubes
✅ 2 tbsp honey
✅ 2 tbsp unsalted butter
✅ 4 cloves garlic, minced
✅ 1 tbsp soy sauce
✅ 1 tbsp lemon juice
✅ 1 tbsp olive oil
✅ Salt and pepper to taste
✅ Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Each of these ingredients plays a key role in making this dish a flavor bomb. The honey and butter create that irresistible caramelized glaze, while the soy sauce adds a savory depth. And let’s not forget the fresh lemon juice—it gives the dish a bright, citrusy lift that keeps things balanced.
Step 2: Preparing the Flavor-Packed Glaze
The magic of this dish is in the glaze, and the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make!
How to Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together: ✔️ Honey – For that perfect sweetness and sticky texture
✔️ Soy Sauce – Adds a rich umami depth
✔️ Lemon Juice – Brightens everything up
✔️ Minced Garlic – Because everything is better with garlic
Once it’s well combined, set it aside—we’ll come back to it when it’s time to make the sauce.
Pro Tip: If you like a little heat, feel free to throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick!
Step 3: Seasoning the Salmon
Now that our glaze is ready to go, it’s time to prep the salmon.
1️⃣ Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel. This is important because it helps the salmon get that crispy sear.
2️⃣ Season with salt and pepper—don’t skip this! Even the best glaze won’t save an under-seasoned piece of fish.
At this point, you might be wondering: Should I remove the skin? That’s totally up to you! If you like crispy salmon skin, leave it on and sear the bites skin-side down first. If you prefer skinless bites, go ahead and remove it before cutting the salmon into cubes.
Step 4: Searing the Salmon to Perfection
Time to cook! Here’s how to get that golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside perfectly tender:
✔️ Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
✔️ Add the salmon bites and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when they release easily from the pan and have a gorgeous golden-brown crust.
Once they’re beautifully crispy, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. We’ll bring them back in a minute to soak up all that delicious glaze.
Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan! Cook the salmon in batches if needed to make sure each piece gets that perfect sear.
Step 5: Creating the Irresistible Honey Butter Garlic Glaze
Now that our salmon bites are perfectly crispy and golden brown, it’s time to make that rich, sticky, and buttery glaze that will coat each bite in absolute deliciousness.
✔️ Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat.
✔️ Add the honey garlic mixture you prepared earlier and stir continuously.
✔️ Let it cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. You want the sauce to slightly thicken and become glossy but not burn.
As the sauce reduces, the aroma of caramelized honey, butter, and garlic will start filling your kitchen—and trust me, it smells divine!
Pro Tip: Be careful not to overcook the sauce. Since honey is naturally high in sugar, it can burn quickly if left on high heat for too long. If you see it turning too dark or bubbling aggressively, lower the heat immediately.
Step 6: Tossing the Salmon in the Glaze
Once the glaze has thickened slightly, it’s time to bring back our crispy salmon bites and coat them in all that sweet and savory goodness.
✔️ Add the seared salmon bites back into the skillet.
✔️ Gently toss them in the sauce so that each piece is coated evenly.
✔️ Cook for about 1-2 more minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize onto the salmon.
At this point, the salmon should be sticky, glistening, and bursting with flavor. The glaze clings beautifully to the crispy salmon, making every bite a perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and garlicky goodness.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve Like a Pro
Now that our salmon bites are glazed to perfection, it’s time for the finishing touches!
✔️ Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the salmon. This adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
✔️ If you like an extra citrusy kick, squeeze a little more lemon juice on top.
And just like that, your Honey Butter Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites are ready to be devoured! 🍽️✨
Serving Ideas: How to Enjoy These Salmon Bites
These salmon bites are so versatile—you can serve them in so many delicious ways! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy them:
🍚 Over Steamed Rice: Let that delicious glaze soak into the rice for an easy and satisfying meal.
🥗 On a Salad: Toss them over a fresh green salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
🥪 As a Sandwich: Load them into a toasted brioche bun with slaw and spicy mayo for a mouthwatering salmon sandwich.
🍢 As an Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks as a crowd-pleasing party snack!
No matter how you serve them, these salmon bites are guaranteed to impress.
Pro Tips for the Best Salmon Bites
1️⃣ Use Fresh Salmon – Fresh, high-quality salmon makes all the difference in flavor and texture. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and pat it dry before cooking.
2️⃣ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – This ensures that each piece gets that perfect golden crust. Cook in batches if necessary!
3️⃣ Adjust Sweetness & Saltiness – If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the honey slightly. Want more depth? Add a splash of extra soy sauce.
4️⃣ Experiment with Heat – If you love spice, add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or sriracha to the glaze for a kick!
5️⃣ Make It a Meal – Pair with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or quinoa for a balanced and hearty dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I know you might have some questions before diving into this recipe, so I’ve gathered some of the most common ones to help you get the best results every time!
1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes! If you’re using frozen salmon, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture—this helps get that beautiful crispy sear.
2. How do I prevent my salmon from sticking to the pan?
A few things can help with this: ✔️ Use a non-stick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet.
✔️ Heat the pan before adding oil—this creates a natural barrier.
✔️ Don’t move the salmon too soon! Let it cook for 2-3 minutes per side before flipping. If it’s sticking, it probably needs more time to release naturally.
3. Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Absolutely! If you prefer baking: ✔️ Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
✔️ Arrange the salmon bites on a lined baking sheet.
✔️ Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
✔️ While baking, make the glaze in a saucepan, then toss the salmon in the warm glaze before serving.
4. Can I substitute another fish for salmon?
Yes! This glaze works beautifully on cod, tilapia, halibut, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the fish.
5. How can I store and reheat leftovers?
✔️ Store: Keep leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✔️ Reheat: Warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. Avoid overheating, as salmon can dry out quickly.
6. What side dishes go best with these salmon bites?
So many delicious options! Some of my favorites include: 🍚 Steamed rice or quinoa – Soaks up all that tasty glaze!
🥦 Roasted or sautéed veggies – Broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts work great.
🥗 A fresh green salad – Lightens up the meal.
🥔 Mashed or roasted potatoes – Perfect for a hearty dinner.
7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, salmon is best when cooked fresh, so I recommend making it right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts: Why You NEED to Try This Recipe
This Honey Butter Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites recipe is seriously one of the easiest and most flavorful ways to enjoy salmon. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it as an appetizer for guests, it’s always a huge hit.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes!
✔️ Perfectly Balanced Flavors – Sweet, savory, buttery, and garlicky.
✔️ Versatile – Serve it over rice, salad, or as a finger-food snack.
✔️ Restaurant-Worthy – But made right in your own kitchen!
Honey Butter Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
These Honey Butter Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a rich, sweet, and savory glaze. Perfect for a quick dinner or an easy appetizer!
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillets, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Set aside.
2️⃣ Season the salmon:
Pat the salmon bites dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
3️⃣ Sear 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 Make the glaze:
In the same skillet, melt butter, then add the honey garlic mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
5️⃣ Coat the salmon:
Return the salmon bites to the skillet and toss them in the glaze until fully coated.
6️⃣ Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, let it simmer for an extra 1-2 minutes before adding the salmon back.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
