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Crispy honey garlic butter salmon bites sizzling in cast iron skillet with sticky golden glaze

Crispy Honey Garlic Butter Salmon Bites

Tender, flaky salmon cubes seared until deeply crisp and caramelized, then tossed in a glossy, bubbling honey garlic butter glaze with toasted sesame and fresh scallions. Ready in just 20 minutes in a single skillet!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

For the Crispy Salmon Bites
  • 1.5 lbs fresh skinless salmon fillets cut into uniform 1-inch bite-sized cubes
  • 1.5 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot for ultra-crispy crust
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil or high-heat cooking oil
For the Sticky Honey Garlic Butter Glaze
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup pure wildflower honey
  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 5 cloves fresh garlic finely minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger finely grated
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice to balance sticky sweetness
  • 1/2 tsp red chili pepper flakes optional for mild warmth
  • 2 tbsp green scallions & toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Pat salmon cubes bone-dry on all sides with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss salmon with cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper until each piece is evenly coated with a delicate, dry veil.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, fresh lime juice, and toasted sesame oil. Set sauce aside.
  3. Heat avocado oil in a large 12-inch heavy cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Add salmon cubes in a single layer, making sure they do not touch.
  4. Sear undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until a deeply golden, crisp crust develops on the bottom. Using culinary tongs, flip each piece and sear for an additional 2 minutes until crisp on all sides. Transfer salmon to a warm plate.
  5. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low. Add butter, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the hot pan drippings. Sauté for 45 seconds until aromatic.
  6. Pour in the honey soy sauce mixture. Bring to a vigorous bubble and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the glaze thickens into a glossy, sticky syrup that coats the back of a spoon.
  7. Tumble the crispy salmon bites back into the skillet, tossing gently for 30 seconds until each golden cube is completely enveloped in the shiny honey garlic glaze.
  8. Remove from heat immediately. Garnish generously with sliced green scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice with tender-crisp broccoli and fresh lime wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 34gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 490mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 1gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 420IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 1.6mg

Notes

For air fryer cooking: Air fry coated salmon bites at 400°F (200°C) for 7-8 minutes, then toss directly in the warm honey garlic glaze before serving.

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