Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe
There’s something special about gathering friends or family and serving up a dish that gets everyone instantly reaching for seconds, and the Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe is just that kind of dish! Picture juicy salmon cubes glazed in a sweet-spicy hot honey sauce, broiled until they glisten and pick up sticky caramelized edges—then showered with fresh green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. With bold flavor yet simple prep, this recipe is my go-to for an easy weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a jazzed-up meal prep staple that’s anything but boring.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe shines with minimal ingredients that each add something important—richness, spice, sweetness, or a pop of color. The beauty is in their simplicity: nothing complicated, just honest flavors that work together brilliantly.
- Salmon fillet, skinless: The star of the show! Choose fresh, firm salmon for tender, juicy bites.
- Olive oil: Ensures the salmon bites cook up moist and adds a little golden shine.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth that pairs perfectly with fish.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a lovely smoky warmth and a hint of color.
- Salt: Elevates all the flavors, so don’t skip it.
- Black pepper: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness of the honey and the heat.
- Hot honey: Brings the sweet-spicy punch—use store-bought or make your own for extra flair.
- Soy sauce: Boosts umami and deepens the glaze’s flavor profile.
- Chopped green onions & sesame seeds: Optional, but amazing for a fresh, crunchy finish and a little visual pop.
How to Make Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Salmon
Start by cutting your skinless salmon fillet into neat 1-inch cubes. This size helps every piece cook evenly and gives you bite-sized morsels that are perfect for scooping onto a fork (or popping straight into your mouth!). Pat the cubes dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning stick really well.
Step 2: Season Everything Generously
In a large mixing bowl, combine your salmon cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Get in there and toss gently until every single piece is glossy and well coated—this is what lays the groundwork for awesome flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Arrange and Glaze
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (for super easy cleanup), then spread the seasoned salmon cubes out in a single layer. In a small bowl, mix together the hot honey and soy sauce, and brush half of this mixture over your salmon cubes. This first glaze is key for getting that signature sticky coating as they bake.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your tray into a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 8–10 minutes. This is just long enough to cook the salmon through without drying it out. It should turn opaque and start to flake but remain super juicy inside.
Step 5: Broil for That Signature Finish
Now for the magic! Flip your oven to broil and give the salmon another 1–2 minutes under the heat. Watch closely: you want those edges to caramelize and get a little crispy, not burn. This extra step makes all the difference and is what takes this Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe over the top.
Step 6: Final Glaze and Garnish
Take the tray out and brush on the rest of your hot honey-soy sauce mixture, or just drizzle it right over the top. Finally, scatter chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a gorgeous, restaurant-worthy finish. Serve straight away for the best texture and taste.
How to Serve Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions and sesame seeds are classic (and highly recommended) for a visual touch and crunch, but you can have fun here. Try a smattering of chopped cilantro, a fresh lime wedge for squeezing, or a quick shake of extra chili flakes if you like things hot.
Side Dishes
There are endless possibilities with this dish! Pile your Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe over a bowl of fluffy steamed rice, toss them into a fresh green salad, tuck them into warm tortillas for fiery salmon tacos, or serve with lightly charred veggies or roasted potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For cocktail parties, spear each salmon bite with a toothpick for easy finger food; for lunch, nestle them in lettuce cups with crunchy slaw. Or build a “bowl night” at home—lay out rice, pickled veggies, greens, and let everyone assemble their own dinner masterpiece starring these irresistible salmon bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, just pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. These bites are surprisingly tasty cold, too, making them perfect for next-day salads or wraps.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe! Let them cool completely, then arrange in a single layer on a tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep their texture best if eaten within a month, and they’re a lifesaver for ultra-speedy meals down the road.
Reheating
To warm up, bake or air-fry at 350°F for a few minutes until just heated through (avoid micowaving if possible—it can dry out the salmon). A fresh drizzle of hot honey after reheating brings those flavors back to life.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Absolutely! Just thaw your salmon fillet fully in the fridge before cubing and continue with the recipe. Press out extra moisture with a paper towel for the best glaze results.
What if I don’t have hot honey?
You can make it so easily: warm regular honey gently with 1–2 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce, then use as directed. Start on the mild side and taste as you go!
Is this Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Everything else is naturally gluten-free and perfect for sharing with guests who have dietary restrictions.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Definitely! Cook salmon bites in a single layer in your air fryer basket at 400°F for 7–9 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through. Broiling isn’t necessary as the air fryer crisps them beautifully.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is totally customizable. Use a mild hot honey, bump up the spicy honey or hot sauce for more kick, or add chili flakes before serving—make it suit your taste perfectly!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, guaranteed-to-disappear dish, the Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe is your new kitchen classic. Whether you’re serving these as a main, an appetizer, or meal prepping for the week, you’ll fall in love with how simple, bold, and satisfying every bite is. Give this recipe a try—once you taste the perfect sweet-heat glaze and flaky salmon, you’ll want to make it again and again!
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Hot Honey Salmon Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Hot Honey Salmon Bites are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, with tender salmon pieces coated in a flavorful hot honey glaze. Easy to make and packed with deliciousness!
Ingredients
Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb skinless salmon fillet (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Hot Honey Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons hot honey (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare salmon: In a bowl, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Make hot honey glaze: Mix hot honey and soy sauce. Brush half over salmon.
- Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, then broil for 1–2 minutes until caramelized.
- Finish: Brush with remaining hot honey mixture or drizzle. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
- To make your own hot honey, warm 1/4 cup honey with 1–2 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce.
- These salmon bites are versatile and can be served in various ways, such as over rice, in tacos, or on a salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
