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If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, quick to prepare, and irresistibly delicious, you must try the Pan-Seared Salmon Bites with Soy Sesame Honey Glaze Recipe. These tender, perfectly caramelized salmon cubes are coated in a sticky, savory-sweet glaze that balances soy’s umami with honey’s natural sweetness and a hint of sriracha’s gentle kick. Each bite offers a gorgeous combination of crisp edges and juicy centers, making it an effortless dish to impress both yourself and anyone lucky enough to share your table. Trust me, once you dive into this recipe, it’s going to become a staple in your weeknight cooking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is simple yet essential, playing a perfect role to bring together the vibrant, layered flavors and satisfying texture of the dish. From the richness of salmon to the complex notes of the soy sesame honey glaze, each component enhances the experience in its own delicious way.
- Salmon fillet (1 pound): Choose fresh, firm salmon, skin on or off, cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking and tender bites.
- Toasted sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a deep, nutty aroma that elevates the glaze to another level of deliciousness.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Provides the salty umami backbone that perfectly balances the glaze’s sweetness.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Brings natural sweetness and a luscious sticky texture to create that crave-worthy glaze.
- Sriracha sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds just the right touch of mild heat that gently awakens the palate without overwhelming the flavors.
- Canola oil (1 tablespoon): Ideal for high-heat searing, ensuring crisp, golden-brown edges without burning.
- Optional garnishes – sliced green onions and sesame seeds: These add a fresh pop of color and an extra crunch to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Pan-Seared Salmon Bites with Soy Sesame Honey Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, honey, and sriracha until the honey dissolves and the mixture is smooth. This flavorful blend is the heart of your glaze and will infuse the salmon with that irresistible combination of sweet, salty, and spicy.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
Place your cubed salmon into a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, gently tossing to coat every piece. While you can cook immediately, letting the salmon marinate for 30 minutes allows the flavors to deeply penetrate, enhancing every bite with more savory richness.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet and Sear
Warm the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Lay in the salmon cubes carefully, skin-side down if you kept the skin on, and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Aim for a golden-brown crust while keeping the centers lovely and tender.
Step 4: Add the Remaining Glaze and Toss
Once the salmon is nearly cooked through, pour the leftover marinade into the hot pan and toss the salmon in it gently. This step creates a sticky, glossy finish that clings to each bite, locking in flavor and giving you that signature soy sesame honey glaze shimmer.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Remove the salmon bites from the skillet and plate them right away. The dish is best enjoyed fresh, with all the vibrant flavors and textures shining at their peak.
How to Serve Pan-Seared Salmon Bites with Soy Sesame Honey Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For a final touch, sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the salmon bites. The fresh, mild onion flavor and nutty crunch of sesame seeds provide a delightful contrast to the rich glaze, adding a vibrant pop of color that makes the dish look as amazing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides that let the salmon shine. Try fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up every bit of glaze, a crisp cucumber salad to refresh the palate, or steamed greens like bok choy or broccoli for added nutrition and texture balance.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or want to impress, consider serving these salmon bites on skewers as irresistible appetizers. Alternatively, arrange them atop a bed of avocado slices or mixed greens for a light, fresh meal that still boasts all the glaze’s savory goodness. They also work well wrapped loosely in rice paper for a fun, handheld presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any of the Pan-Seared Salmon Bites with Soy Sesame Honey Glaze Recipe left over, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors intensify over time, but because the glaze is sticky, be gentle when handling to maintain the salmon’s texture.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal for maintaining that perfect sear and glaze texture. If you do freeze, flash freeze the salmon bites on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container to prevent clumping. Use within a month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftover salmon bites is in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, just until warmed through. This helps preserve their crisp edges without overcooking. Avoid microwaving if possible, since it can make the salmon rubbery and the glaze less appetizing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it fully and pat it dry before cutting into cubes and marinating. Dry salmon sears much better, helping you achieve that perfect glaze and crust.
Is it okay to skip the sriracha if I don’t like spice?
Definitely. The sriracha adds a subtle heat, but leaving it out won’t compromise the core flavors. You can also substitute with a milder chili sauce or omit entirely for a sweet and savory bite.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep all the deliciousness gluten-free without any fuss.
How do I know when the salmon bites are cooked perfectly?
The salmon should have a crispy, golden-brown exterior and be just opaque throughout when cut. Cooking about 2 to 3 minutes per side on medium-high heat usually nails this perfect balance of juicy and cooked.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
For sure! Just increase the ingredients proportionally and sear the salmon in batches to maintain that beautiful crust and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can steam rather than sear the fish.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Pan-Seared Salmon Bites with Soy Sesame Honey Glaze Recipe enough. It’s the kind of dish that effortlessly delivers restaurant-worthy flavor and presentation with minimal fuss. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or treating yourself to something special, these salmon bites are sure to bring joy with every bite. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved favorite, just like it did with me and many others!
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Pan-Seared Salmon Bites with Soy Sesame Honey Glaze 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 offers a quick and flavorful way to enjoy salmon with a deliciously sticky and savory honey-soy glaze, enhanced by a hint of sriracha heat. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, the salmon is marinated and then seared to achieve a beautifully caramelized crust while maintaining tender, juicy bites inside.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 pound salmon fillet, skin on or off, cut into 1-inch cubes
Marinade
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
Cooking Oil
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
Optional Garnishes
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Make Marinade: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, honey, and sriracha sauce to create a flavorful marinade that will infuse the salmon with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes.
- Marinate Salmon: Place the cubed salmon into a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the top. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly. Allow to marinate for 30 minutes if time permits to enhance flavor, or proceed immediately for a quicker prep.
- Sear Salmon: Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the marinated salmon cubes, placing them skin-side down if skins are on. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until the cubes develop a lovely browned crust and are cooked through but still moist inside.
- Add Sauce: Pour any leftover marinade into the skillet near the end of searing and toss the salmon cubes gently to coat them with the glaze, intensifying the flavor and giving them a shiny finish.
- Serve: Immediately transfer the salmon bites to a serving plate. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot as a delicious appetizer or alongside your favorite sides for a light meal.
Notes
- Marinating the salmon for 30 minutes is optional but recommended for deeper flavor.
- Use fresh salmon for the best taste and texture.
- You can adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spiciness level.
- Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding salmon to achieve a good sear.
