Spicy Sweet Salmon Bites

These hot honey salmon bites have revolutionized my weeknight dinners with their perfect balance of sweet heat and tender, flaky salmon. The bite-sized pieces cook quickly and absorb the addictive marinade, making them impossible to resist whether served as an appetizer or main course.

I discovered this recipe while looking for new ways to use the hot honey my neighbor gifted me. After one bite, my husband declared these should be in our regular dinner rotation and now they appear on our table at least twice a month.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillet: Without skin ensures clean, even cooking and maximum flavor absorption
• Hot honey: Provides the perfect sweet heat balance that caramelizes beautifully
• Soy sauce: Adds umami depth and helps create a gorgeous glaze
• Garlic powder: Infuses savory notes without burning like fresh garlic might
• Smoked paprika: Contributes subtle smokiness that complements the salmon perfectly
• Olive oil: Helps conduct heat evenly and prevents sticking
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the rich flavors with herbaceous notes
• Lemon wedges: Add essential acidity that cuts through the richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Turn your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature is ideal for salmon as it cooks the fish through while maintaining moisture. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

Cube the Salmon:

Cut your salmon fillet into approximately 1-inch cubes. Aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking. Remove any pin bones you might find by running your fingers gently over the flesh and extracting them with tweezers.

Create the Marinade:

Combine olive oil, hot honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until completely integrated. This balanced marinade provides sweet heat, umami, and aromatic depth that transforms the salmon.

Marinate the Fish:

Gently toss salmon cubes in the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Allow to rest for 15-20 minutes at room temperature. This brief marination time infuses flavor without beginning to cook the delicate fish in the acidic mixture.

Arrange for Baking:

Transfer the salmon pieces to your prepared baking sheet using a slotted spoon, leaving space between each piece. This ensures proper air circulation for even cooking and caramelization on all sides.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the salmon flakes easily but remains moist inside. For an enhanced caramelized finish, broil for the final 1-2 minutes while watching carefully to prevent burning. The salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

Finish and Serve:

Remove from oven, drizzle with additional hot honey, and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges for that perfect finishing touch of acidity. The contrast between the rich salmon and bright lemon elevates every bite.

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I discovered the trick of briefly broiling at the end by accident when I got distracted during a phone call. That happy mistake created the most incredible caramelization that now makes these bites instantly recognizable as mine at potlucks.

Make Ahead Options

These salmon bites can be prepped in advance to make entertaining easier. Prepare the marinade up to three days ahead and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The salmon can be cubed the morning of your gathering and stored separately. Combine the salmon with the marinade about 30 minutes before you plan to cook. This preparation method actually improves the flavor while saving you valuable time when guests arrive.

Perfect Pairings

These hot honey salmon bites shine alongside complementary side dishes. Serve them with cooling cucumber salad dressed simply with rice vinegar and sesame seeds to balance the heat. For a heartier meal, pair with coconut rice that soaks up the delicious glaze. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides peppery contrast while cutting through the richness of the salmon. For entertaining, arrange the bites on a platter with toothpicks alongside a bowl of extra hot honey for dipping.

Ingredient Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. No hot honey available? Create your own by warming equal parts honey and hot sauce. Soy sauce can be replaced with coconut aminos for a soy free alternative with similar umami notes. Maple syrup makes an excellent substitute for honey if preferred, creating a more subtle sweetness. For those avoiding fish, this marinade works wonderfully with chicken breast cubes or even firm tofu, though cooking times will need adjustment.

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Enjoy your sweet and spicy salmon bites!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use skin-on salmon for this dish?

It's best to use skinless salmon for bite-sized pieces. If your fillet has skin, remove it before cutting into cubes for the best texture and even cooking. The skin can become chewy when cut into small pieces.

→ How do I make hot honey if I can't find it in stores?

You can easily make hot honey by combining 1/2 cup regular honey with 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Warm gently in a small saucepan until combined, then cool before using. Adjust the heat level to your preference.

→ Can I cook these salmon bites in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 7-8 minutes, checking for doneness. The air fryer creates excellent caramelization and cooks the salmon quickly. Just be careful not to overcook as salmon can dry out rapidly.

→ What side dishes pair well with hot honey salmon bites?

These salmon bites pair beautifully with jasmine rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. For appetizers, serve them on small skewers with a side of extra hot honey for dipping. They also work well with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

→ How can I tell when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

Perfectly cooked salmon should flake easily with a fork but still maintain some moisture. The color should change from translucent to opaque pink, and the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). For these bites, 10-12 minutes at 400°F is typically perfect.

→ Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, the marinade can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. However, don't marinate the salmon for more than 30 minutes as the acid in the soy sauce can begin to cook the fish and affect its texture.