Hot Honey Salmon Bites (Printable)

Tender salmon cubes tossed in a sticky, spicy-sweet hot honey glaze for appetizers or mains.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut into bite-sized cubes

→ Marinade

02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
04 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/4 tsp salt
06 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Sauce

07 - 1/3 cup honey
08 - 1–2 tbsp hot sauce (such as sriracha or chili garlic sauce, adjust to taste)
09 - 1 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
10 - 1 tsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar

→ Garnish

11 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds
12 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated on all sides.
03 - Spread the seasoned salmon pieces across the prepared tray in a single layer, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
04 - Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through and lightly golden on the edges.
05 - While the salmon bakes, combine the honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and just beginning to bubble, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
06 - Transfer the baked salmon to a large clean bowl. Pour the hot honey sauce over the salmon bites and toss gently until every piece is evenly coated.
07 - For a stickier, caramelized glaze, return the sauced salmon bites to the baking tray and bake for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Otherwise, proceed to serving.
08 - Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped chives or green onions. Serve immediately with rice, in lettuce cups, or on party skewers.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast of sweet honey and fiery hot sauce creates a glaze that tastes like something from a restaurant but comes together in your own kitchen in under thirty minutes.
  • These bites work as a party appetizer skewered with toothpicks or as a full main dish piled over rice and neither option disappoints.
  • It is genuinely difficult to mess this up which makes it perfect for a weeknight when your energy is low but your appetite is not.
02 -
  • The salmon will continue cooking slightly after you remove it from the oven so pull it out when the center still looks just barely translucent.
  • If you boil the honey sauce too aggressively it will harden into candy when it cools so keep the heat gentle and remove it as soon as it starts to bubble.
03 -
  • Pat the salmon cubes completely dry with paper towels before seasoning because excess moisture prevents the edges from getting that beautiful golden caramelization.
  • Use a silicone spatula for tossing the glazed salmon since metal tongs will tear the delicate pieces apart and you want every cube to stay intact.

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