Honey Garlic Salmon Bites with Creamy Herb Sauce

Tender, golden salmon bites coated in a sweet-and-savory honey garlic glaze, served with a cool, creamy herb sauce.

Ingredients

For the Salmon Bites

• 1½ lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt, or to taste
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, optional

For the Creamy Herb Sauce

• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
• 1–2 tbsp water, as needed
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon

1. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels.
2. Cut the salmon into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1–1½ inches.
3. Place the salmon pieces in a bowl.
4. Add olive oil, honey, soy sauce, garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
5. Gently toss until every piece is evenly coated.
6. Let the salmon sit for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the sauce.

2. Make the Creamy Herb Sauce

1. Add Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, parsley, dill, garlic, salt, and pepper to a small bowl.
2. Stir until smooth and creamy.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your preferred dipping consistency.
4. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Cook the Salmon Bites

Skillet method:

1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the salmon pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
3. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, turning gently, until browned on the outside and cooked through.
4. The salmon should reach 145°F (63°C) in the thickest pieces.
5. Remove from the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.

4. Serve

Transfer the salmon bites to a serving plate and drizzle with a little extra sauce or serve the creamy herb sauce on the side.

Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, potatoes, salad, or steamed broccoli.

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving, assuming 4 servings and including the creamy sauce; actual values vary by brands and portion sizes.

• Calories: ~500
• Protein: ~39 g
• Carbohydrates: ~17 g
• Fat: ~30 g
• Fiber: ~0–1 g
• Sugar: ~14 g
• Sodium: ~900–1,000 mg

The sodium can be reduced by using low-sodium soy sauce.

Recipe Notes

• Don’t overcook the salmon: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and can become dry if left in the pan too long.
• For extra browning: Pat the salmon very dry before adding the marinade.
• For a stronger garlic flavor: Add an additional small clove of garlic to the sauce.
• For more heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a little hot sauce to the salmon mixture.
• For a thicker sauce: Use Greek yogurt straight from the refrigerator and skip the water.

Q&A

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator and pat it very dry before cutting and seasoning.

Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes. Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 7–10 minutes, turning halfway through. Cooking time depends on the size of the pieces.

Can I bake the salmon bites?
Yes. Place them on a lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for approximately 10–14 minutes, or until the center reaches 145°F (63°C).

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes. The sauce can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes. Use smaller amounts because dried herbs are more concentrated. Start with about 1 teaspoon total and adjust to taste.

Can I substitute the Greek yogurt?
Sour cream can be used instead. You can also use plain yogurt, although the sauce may be slightly thinner.

Can I use another fish?
Yes. Firm fish such as cod or trout can work, although the cooking time may vary.

How should leftovers be stored?
Refrigerate the cooked salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Store the sauce separately when possible.

Can I freeze the cooked salmon?
Yes, although the texture may be slightly softer after thawing. Cool completely, store airtight, and use within about 2 months for best quality.

What should I serve with it?
Broccoli, asparagus, green beans, roasted vegetables, rice, potatoes, quinoa, or a fresh cucumber salad all pair well with the salmon.