There is nothing quite as satisfying as the vibrant flavors packed into the Pan-Seared Salmon Bites with Honey and Sriracha Recipe. These tender salmon cubes, perfectly seared to a golden crisp, get an irresistible punch of sweetness from honey and a playful heat from sriracha, making them a delightful bite-sized treat. Whether you’re craving something quick but impressive or need a flavorful appetizer to wow guests, this recipe hits every mark with its balance of bold and comforting flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this recipe shine. Each component here is purposeful—bringing harmony to the texture, color, and, most importantly, the incredible taste of these salmon bites.
- Salmon fillet (1 pound): Fresh, skin-on or off, cut into 1-inch cubes for perfect searing and tender bites.
- Toasted sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a nutty depth that beautifully complements the salmon’s natural richness.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Provides the salty umami backbone essential for building layered flavor.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances heat with just the right amount of sweetness and helps create that luscious glaze.
- Sriracha sauce (1 teaspoon): Gives a gentle but thrilling kick, turning up the excitement without overwhelming the palate.
- Canola oil (1 tablespoon): Ideal for searing because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Optional garnishes: Sliced green onions and sesame seeds to add freshness and a delightful crunch.
How to Make Pan-Seared Salmon Bites with Honey and Sriracha Recipe
Step 1: Make the Marinade
Begin by combining the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, honey, and sriracha in a small bowl. This simple mixture is where your flavor journey starts—it’s sweet, salty, nutty, and spicy all at once. Stir it gently until well blended, and get ready to infuse those salmon bites with this magic.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
Place your cubed salmon in a shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the top. Toss the pieces gently to coat every side, ensuring that each bite will be bursting with flavor. While marinating for 30 minutes is optional, I promise it deepens that sensational taste and adds a nice touch of tenderness.
Step 3: Heat the Pan and Sear the Salmon
Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering hot. Carefully place the salmon cubes in the skillet, skin-side down if your fillet includes the skin. The goal is a beautiful, crisp sear that locks in juices. Allow them to cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a gorgeous golden crust and are cooked through.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Once your salmon bites are nearly done, pour the remaining marinade into the skillet. Toss everything together gently to coat the salmon with that flavorful sauce, giving you a lovely glaze that glistens and adds an irresistible aroma.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Transfer the salmon bites to a serving platter and garnish as you like with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a final pop of color and crunch. Serve while hot to enjoy the full depth of textures and that perfect sweet-spicy punch.
How to Serve Pan-Seared Salmon Bites with Honey and Sriracha Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions adds fresh, vibrant notes, while toasted sesame seeds bring a subtle crunch and an earthy undertone. These garnishes elevate the presentation as well as the eating experience, making every bite truly special.
Side Dishes
Pair your salmon bites with light sides that won’t overpower their bold flavor—think steamed jasmine rice, garlic sautéed greens, or a crisp cucumber salad. Each side helps balance the spiciness and sweetness, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the salmon bites atop a bed of creamy avocado mash or alongside slender ribbons of pickled vegetables for contrast. You could even thread them onto skewers for a fun finger food option at your next gathering. The possibilities are endless, and each presentation highlights the dish’s versatility.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keeping them chilled preserves that fresh flavor and texture, making it easy to enjoy anytime.
Freezing
While this recipe is best fresh, you can freeze cooked salmon bites for up to one month. Lay them out on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container, preventing sticking and saving individual portions.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the salmon moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the fish dry or rubbery. Your salmon bites are best enjoyed with that fresh-off-the-pan crispiness intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cutting into cubes and marinating. Dry salmon sears better, giving you that beautiful crust.
Is it necessary to marinate the salmon for 30 minutes?
Marinating is optional but recommended. Even a short 15-minute soak helps the flavors penetrate the fish, while 30 minutes offers a more intense, balanced taste.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Yes! Feel free to add more or less sriracha according to your preference. You can also substitute it with another hot sauce or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want to experiment.
What if I don’t have canola oil?
Any neutral oil with a high smoke point works well—grapeseed oil, vegetable oil, or even light olive oil makes a great substitute for searing the salmon.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising flavor.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give the Pan-Seared Salmon Bites with Honey and Sriracha Recipe a try soon. It’s a wonderful dish that turns simple ingredients into a flavor-packed experience, perfect for quick weeknights or sharing with friends. Once you taste that golden sear mixed with the sweet-spicy glaze, I’m sure it will become one of your go-to favorites, just like it is mine.
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Pan-Seared Salmon Bites with Honey and Sriracha Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Pan-Seared Salmon Bites recipe features tender, flavorful salmon cubes marinated in a blend of soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, honey, and sriracha, quickly seared to perfection in a hot skillet. Ideal for a quick and delicious appetizer or main dish, it delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes complemented by optional garnishes of green onions and sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Salmon and Marinade
- 1 pound salmon fillet, skin on or off, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
Optional Garnishes
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Make Marinade: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Marinate Salmon: Place the 1-inch salmon cubes in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly. Let the salmon marinate for 30 minutes if time allows to enhance flavor, or skip this step for a faster preparation.
- Sear Salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the salmon cubes to the skillet, placing them skin-side down if they have skin. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until the salmon is nicely browned and cooked through but still tender inside.
- Add Sauce: Pour any remaining marinade into the skillet with the seared salmon. Toss gently to coat the salmon pieces evenly with the sauce, allowing it to warm and slightly thicken in the hot pan.
- Serve: Remove the salmon bites from the skillet and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Marinating the salmon for 30 minutes is optional but enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Cut salmon into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Use a hot skillet and do not overcrowd to achieve a nice sear.
- Can be served as an appetizer or alongside rice or salad for a main course.
- Adjust sriracha quantity to taste for less or more spiciness.
