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–+ servings

Pan-Seared Honey Garlic Butter Salmon Bites

These pan-seared honey garlic butter salmon bites are crispy on the outside, flaky and succulent on the inside, and coated in an irresistible sweet-savory glaze. Ready in just 20 minutes in a single skillet, this easy seafood recipe is packed with wholesome omega-3s and pure restaurant-quality flavor.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-American, Seafood
Calories: 365

Ingredients
  

Salmon Cubes & Seasoning
  • 1.5 lbs skinless fresh Atlantic salmon fillets cut into uniform 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika optional for golden color
Sticky Honey Garlic Butter Glaze & Garnish
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic finely minced
  • 1/4 cup pure amber clover honey
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or gluten-free tamari
  • 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds
  • 2 medium green scallions green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 fresh lemon cut into wedges for serving

Method
 

Prep & Searing Salmon Bites
  1. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. Slice into uniform 1-inch cubes. Place cubes in a bowl and gently toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  2. Heat a 12-inch heavy cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the seasoned salmon cubes in a single, spaced layer (do not crowd the pan). Sear undisturbed for 2 minutes to form a crispy, golden-brown crust. Flip each cube using tongs and sear for an additional 2 minutes. Transfer salmon to a plate.
Glaze Creation & Basting
  1. Lower the skillet heat to medium. Melt the unsalted butter in the skillet drippings. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 45 to 60 seconds until aromatic and pale golden.
  2. Pour in the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon for 1 to 2 minutes as the glaze bubbles vigorously and thickens into a glossy amber syrup.
  3. Return the seared salmon bites to the skillet. Gently toss and spoon the bubbling honey garlic glaze over each cube for 1 minute until sticky, glazed, and heated through to 140°F (60°C). Remove from heat immediately.
  4. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green scallions. Serve immediately over fluffy jasmine rice with lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 365kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 34gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 440mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 410IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1.2mg

Notes

Uniform cubes are essential so all sides cook evenly without overcooking the interior. Removing moisture by patting the salmon dry with paper towels ensures a deep crispy sear rather than steaming. Avoid boiling the honey glaze too long to prevent burnt sugars.

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