These Pan-Seared Salmon Bites are a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a flavorful and healthy meal! Imagine tender, juicy salmon cubes coated in a savory marinade, seared to perfection in a skillet, and garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds. This recipe is ready in just 10 minutes (plus optional marinating time), making it a fantastic option when you’re short on time but still crave a delicious and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in a flash with minimal ingredients and simple steps.
- Flavorful and Versatile: The marinade infuses the salmon with a delicious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, making it a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Salmon is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish a healthy and satisfying choice.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup! Everything cooks together in one skillet, saving you time and effort.
Ingredients
- Salmon: Cut into 1-inch cubes for quick cooking and even searing.
- Toasted sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavor to the marinade.
- Soy sauce: Provides a salty and umami flavor to the marinade.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to the marinade.
- Sriracha sauce: Adds a spicy kick to the marinade (adjust to your preference).
- Canola oil: Used for searing the salmon in the skillet.
- Optional Garnishes: Green onions and sesame seeds add freshness, flavor, and visual appeal.
Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!
How to Make Pan-Seared Salmon Bites
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk together the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, honey, and sriracha until well combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon (Optional)
Place the cubed salmon in a shallow bowl or glass container. Pour the marinade over the salmon and toss to coat evenly. For best results, marinate the salmon for 30 minutes in the refrigerator. However, if you’re short on time, you can proceed immediately with cooking.
Step 3: Sear the Salmon
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the canola oil and swirl to coat the pan. Using tongs, remove the salmon cubes from the marinade and add them to the hot skillet. If the salmon has skin, place it skin-side down first. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the salmon is nicely browned and cooked through.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Pour any remaining marinade into the skillet and toss the salmon to coat in the sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve the Pan-Seared Salmon Bites immediately with your favorite sides.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use high-quality salmon: Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- Cut the salmon evenly: Cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
- Marinate the salmon: Marinating the salmon adds flavor and helps to keep it moist during cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and prevent the salmon from searing properly. Cook in batches if needed.
- Use a meat thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure the salmon is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 145°F.
How to Serve
These Pan-Seared Salmon Bites are delicious with a variety of sides:
- Rice: Steamed white or brown rice is a classic pairing for this dish.
- Vegetables: Serve with steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the salmon.
Make Ahead and Storage
These Pan-Seared Salmon Bites are best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers for later.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of fish? Yes, you can! Other firm-fleshed fish, such as cod, mahi-mahi, or tuna, would also work well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I make this recipe without the marinade? Yes, you can! Simply season the salmon bites with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices before searing.
3. Can I make this recipe spicier? Absolutely! Add more sriracha to the marinade or sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the salmon bites before searing.
4. Can I bake the salmon bites instead of pan-searing them? Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the salmon bites for about 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
This Pan-Seared Salmon Bites Recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful and healthy meal. With its simple preparation, versatile serving options, and customizable flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
Pan-Seared Salmon Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Seafood
- Method: Pan-sear, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
These Pan-Seared Salmon Bites are a quick and easy way to enjoy a flavorful and healthy meal! Tender salmon cubes are marinated in a delicious Asian-inspired sauce, then seared to perfection in a skillet. Ready in just minutes, it’s a perfect recipe for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon fillet, skin on or off, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, sesame seeds
Instructions
- Make Marinade: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and sriracha.
- Marinate Salmon: Place salmon cubes in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Toss to coat and marinate for 30 minutes (optional).
- Sear Salmon: Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add salmon cubes (skin-side down, if applicable) and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
- Add Sauce: Pour any remaining marinade into the skillet and toss to coat the salmon.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If you don’t have time to marinate the salmon, you can skip this step and proceed directly to cooking.
- For a crispier exterior, you can pat the salmon dry with paper towels before searing.
- Serve with your favorite sides, such as rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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