Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe – Quick 20 Minute Lunch
There are some weeknight dinners that feel like a small victory, and this Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe is definitely one of them. We’ve all been there: it’s late, everyone’s hungry, and the thought of a complicated meal is just too much. That’s when I turn to this recipe. This is my go-to when I need something that feels a bit special but comes together in the time it takes to cook some rice and steam some greens. It’s a lifesaver for those busy evenings when you want a genuinely delicious meal without the fuss.
What makes these salmon bites so wonderful is the glaze. It’s a simple combination of runny honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and a little ginger, but when it hits the heat, it transforms. The sauce thickens into a sticky, savoury-sweet coating that clings to each piece of salmon, caramelising at the edges to create an irresistible texture. The salmon itself remains incredibly tender and flaky on the inside. It’s the kind of dish that works beautifully for a speedy 20 minute lunch, a light dinner for two, or even doubled up to feed the whole family. The flavours are balanced and satisfying, making it a recipe we return to again and again.
Recipe Overview
This recipe is all about creating flavourful, bite-sized pieces of salmon with a luscious glaze. The key is to get the salmon cooked just right so it’s flaky and moist, while the sauce reduces to a sticky coating. I’ve tested this in both a conventional oven and an air fryer, and while both are fantastic, the air fryer gives the bites an extra-special crispy edge. You’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients create a truly memorable meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 2-3 people
- Difficulty: Easy
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe
- Genuine Flavour: The taste is a beautiful balance of savoury and sweet. The soy sauce provides a deep umami base, the honey adds a mellow sweetness that caramelises perfectly, and the fresh garlic and ginger give it a fragrant warmth that cuts through the richness of the salmon.
- Ready in Under 20 Minutes: From start to finish, this is a genuinely fast meal. The prep is minimal, and the cooking time is less than 15 minutes, making it ideal for a quick lunch or a hassle-free weeknight dinner.
- Flexible Recipe: You can easily adjust the flavours to your liking. Add a pinch of chilli flakes for some heat, a splash of sesame oil for nutty depth, or a squeeze of lime juice at the end to brighten everything up.
- Great for Meal Prep: These salmon bites are great for preparing ahead. They taste wonderful cold in a salad the next day or can be gently reheated for another meal.
- Family Tested: My family absolutely adores this dish. Even my pickiest eater is happy to see these on the menu, and it always gets compliments when we serve it to guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, using good quality salmon makes all the difference. I prefer to use skinless, boneless fillets as it makes cubing them much simpler. When it comes to soy sauce, I often use Kikkoman’s low-sodium version as it allows me to control the saltiness while still getting that lovely umami depth. This was inspired by a dish I had at a little restaurant in Spain, where they used the most amazing local honey, so use the best runny honey you can find.
- 500g skinless, boneless salmon fillet, cut into 2.5cm (1-inch) cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 tbsp runny honey
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- For Garnish (optional):
- 1 spring onion, finely sliced
- 1 tsp sesame seeds, toasted
- A few sprigs of fresh coriander
Sara’s Tip: Pat the salmon cubes completely dry with a paper towel before seasoning. This is a crucial step to ensure they get a lovely sear and the glaze adheres properly rather than just sliding off.
How to Make Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
The process for making these honey garlic salmon bites is very straightforward. We’ll start by making the sauce, then quickly cook the salmon before combining everything for that final, glossy finish. Whether you use a pan, oven, or air fryer, the goal is tender fish with a sticky, flavourful coating.
- Prepare the Salmon: First, ensure your salmon fillet is skinless and boneless. Cut it into evenly sized 2.5cm (1-inch) cubes. Place the salmon cubes in a medium bowl.
- Season the Salmon: Drizzle the salmon with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle over the black pepper and cornflour. Gently toss with your hands or a spatula until each piece is lightly coated. The cornflour is our secret to getting the edges a little crispy and helping the sauce thicken.
- Mix the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar. Mix until the honey is fully dissolved. Set this aside.
- Cook the Salmon (Pan-Fry Method): Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the salmon cubes in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if needed). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cook the Salmon (Air Fryer Method): If making air fryer salmon bites, preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and cooked. What works best for me is to then transfer them to a pan for the final step.
- Glaze the Salmon: Once the salmon is cooked, reduce the heat in your pan to medium-low. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the salmon. Let it bubble and simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring gently to coat every piece. The sauce will thicken quickly and create a beautiful glaze.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the pan from the heat. The salmon is best served straight away. Garnish with sliced spring onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh coriander for a pop of colour and flavour.
Tips From My Kitchen
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon cooks very quickly, especially when cut into small pieces. Keep a close eye on it. The bites are done when they are opaque and flake easily with a fork. Overcooked salmon can become dry. For guidance on safe cooking temperatures, you can refer to resources like the FSA’s advice.
- The Secret to a Thick Glaze: I learned that the cornflour on the salmon does more than just help it crisp up; it also acts as a thickener for the sauce. As you pour the sauce into the hot pan, the residual heat and the cornflour work together to create that perfect sticky consistency in just a minute or two.
- Make-Ahead Prep: You can cube the salmon and mix the sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This makes the final cooking process take less than 15 minutes.
- Storage: Store any leftover honey garlic salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They can be gently reheated in a pan over a low heat or in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: This is the most common mistake. If you put too many salmon bites in the pan at once, they will steam instead of sear. This prevents them from developing that lovely golden-brown crust. Always cook in a single layer, and if your pan isn’t big enough, cook in two batches.
- Using Too High Heat for the Sauce: Honey can burn very quickly due to its sugar content. When you add the sauce to the pan, make sure to lower the heat to medium-low. This allows the sauce to thicken into a glaze without scorching the garlic or burning the honey.
- Not Marinating (Even for a minute!): While this is a fast recipe, allowing the salmon to sit in the sauce for just 5-10 minutes before cooking can make a big difference. I often make the sauce, pour a third of it over the salmon while I prep other ingredients, and save the rest for glazing. This gives the fish a head start on flavour.
Delicious Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, it’s fun to experiment. The honey garlic base is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with many other flavours. Here are a few ideas we enjoy.
- Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or a pinch of red chilli flakes to the sauce for a welcome kick of heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweet honey.
- Lemon Herb Version: Swap the rice vinegar for fresh lemon juice and add a teaspoon of dried oregano to the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill instead of coriander for a more Mediterranean feel.
- Different Protein: This glaze works wonderfully with other proteins. Try it with chicken breast cubes for a dish similar to my Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders, or use prawns or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
What to Serve With Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
These salmon bites are so versatile they can be served with almost anything. We often keep it simple to let the salmon be the star of the show.
- Steamed Rice and Greens: A bed of fluffy jasmine rice is perfect for soaking up any extra glaze. Serve it alongside some steamed broccoli, pak choi, or tenderstem broccoli for a balanced and wholesome meal.
- Noodle Bowls: Toss the salmon bites with cooked soba or udon noodles and some stir-fried vegetables like peppers, courgettes, and carrots for a satisfying noodle bowl.
- Salad Topping: Let the bites cool slightly and scatter them over a crisp green salad with avocado, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette for a fantastic lunch.
- Drink Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of the salmon beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling elderflower pressé is delightful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the Salmon: First, ensure your salmon fillet is skinless and boneless. Cut it into evenly sized 2.5cm (1-inch) cubes. Place the salmon cubes in a medium bowl.
- Season the Salmon: Drizzle the salmon with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle over the black pepper and cornflour. Gently toss with your hands or a spatula until each piece is lightly coated. The cornflour is our secret to getting the edges a little crispy and helping the sauce thicken.
- Mix the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar. Mix until the honey is fully dissolved. Set this aside.
- Cook the Salmon (Pan-Fry Method): Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the salmon cubes in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if needed). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cook the Salmon (Air Fryer Method): If making air fryer salmon bites, preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and cooked. What works best for me is to then transfer them to a pan for the final step.
- Glaze the Salmon: Once the salmon is cooked, reduce the heat in your pan to medium-low. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the salmon. Let it bubble and simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring gently to coat every piece. The sauce will thicken quickly and create a beautiful glaze.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the pan from the heat. The salmon is best served straight away. Garnish with sliced spring onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh coriander for a pop of colour and flavour.
Notes
I truly hope you enjoy making these Honey Garlic Salmon Bites. It’s a recipe born from a need for speed without sacrificing flavour, and it has become a true staple in my kitchen. It proves that a delicious, satisfying meal doesn’t need to be complicated. If you try it, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below – I love hearing from you! Happy cooking, Sara.
