Description
Zesty Hot Honey Salmon Bites bring sweet heat to your table! Easy weeknight dinner, packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- Salmon & Base:
- 1.5 lbs salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Sweet Heat Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2–3 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Flavor Boosters:
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- Garnish & Serving:
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Salmon:: First things first, get your salmon ready. Pat those fillets super dry with some paper towels; this is crucial for getting a nice sear or crisp crust. Then, grab a sharp knife and cut the salmon into roughly 1-inch bite-sized cubes. I try to make them as uniform as possible so they cook evenly, but honestly, a little variation adds character, right? Place them in a medium bowl, ready for their flavor bath. I always get a bit of fish smell on my hands here, but a good scrub with lemon usually fixes it!
- Whisk Up the Sweet Heat Sauce:: In a separate small bowl, it’s time for the magic to happen! Whisk together your honey, sriracha, soy sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Give it a really good stir until everything is perfectly combined and looks like a glossy, spicy-sweet concoction. This sauce is what transforms plain salmon into these incredible Hot Honey Salmon Bites, so don’t be shy about tasting it (just a tiny bit!) and adjusting the heat if you’re feeling brave. I once added too much sriracha and my eyes watered, oops!
- Coat the Salmon Bites:: Pour that glorious hot honey sauce all over your salmon pieces in the bowl. Now, gently toss them until every single bite is beautifully coated. You want them glistening with that sticky, spicy goodness. I usually use a spoon or my (clean!) hands for this, making sure no piece is left behind. This is where the aroma starts to build, a promising hint of what’s to come. Don’t let them sit too long, we want those flavors to soak in without over-marinating.
- Bake to Perfection:: Preheat your oven to a good hot temperature, around 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper – seriously, learn from my sticky pan disaster! Arrange the coated Hot Honey Salmon Bites in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Give them space to breathe and crisp up. Pop them into the hot oven and let them bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’re looking for that beautiful caramelization and for the salmon to be cooked through but still tender and flaky. Keep an eye on them, ovens can be quirky!
- Optional Broil for Extra Crisp:: If you’re feeling fancy and want a little extra crispiness on your Hot Honey Salmon Bites, switch your oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Watch them like a hawk, though! Honey can burn quickly under the broiler, and we’re going for golden-brown perfection, not charcoal. This step is a game-changer for texture, giving those edges a lovely little char. I sometimes forget and walk away, only to smell something a little too toasty, oops!
- Garnish and Serve:: Once your Hot Honey Salmon Bites are out of the oven, looking all glorious and sticky, transfer them to a serving platter. Now for the finishing touches! A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a lovely crunch and visual appeal. Freshly chopped cilantro or green onions bring a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. And please, a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice over everything? It’s a non-negotiable for me, it just brightens up every single bite. Enjoy these speedy little flavor bombs!