Get ready for a flavor-packed adventure with our Salmon Bites – a super-easy, skillet-seared dinner for busy moms and their little ones! Juicy salmon is cooked to perfection and jazzed up with a honey, rice vinegar, and ginger dressing. It’s a no-fuss recipe with loads of flavor – perfect for moms on the go who want happy smiles around the dinner table.
There’s no secret that salmon is a nutritional powerhouse for both kids and parents, offering a variety of health benefits. Packed with protein, omega-3s and essential vitamins and minerals, salmon contributes to the well-being of growing kids.
For parents, incorporating salmon into family meals provides a healthy dinner option; however, this can be a lot easier said than done. This salmon bites recipe is here to provide ease (and flavor!) to your dinner table.
Rich in the nutrients needed for brain development, cognitive health and muscle growth, these salmon bites are also delicious, flavorful and kid-approved.
For more salmon recipes that kids enjoy, consider our Salmon Sushi Roll, Air Fry Frozen Salmon, Salmon Buddha Bowl and Air Fryer Salmon Patties.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets – for these salmon bites, we recommend searing without the skin. You can purchase the fillets with the skin removed for ease then cube.
- Honey – the sweetness of the honey is a nice contrast to the savory salmon. It can be swapped with agave nectar, maple syrup or molasses for a similar flavor profile.
- Rice vinegar – any vinegar such as white wine, apple cider white vinegar can be used in place of the rice vinegar. Be mindful that the flavor profile may vary slightly with a swap.
- Garlic, ginger, salt, pepper – these spices complement the honey and can be measured as directed or to meet individual taste preferences.
- Olive oil – necessary to coat the sauté pan before searing the salmon to prevent sticking. Avocado oil can be used in its place if desired.
Recipe Instructions
In a mixing bowl combine the honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Place the cubed salmon in a mixing bowl. Pour the mixture onto the salmon and gently mix.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. You might need to work in batches depending on how large your skillet is, you want the salmon in a single layer.
Using tongs place the salmon bites into the hot skillet, reserving the marinade in the mixing bowl for later. Cook over medium high heat for 2-4 minutes or until the salmon is golden brown.
Flip the salmon bites, pour the rest of the marinade mixture over the salmon and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes or until the other side is golden brown.
Serve hot with rice or serve on salads, pasta or your favorite side dish.
What To Serve with Salmon Bites
- Vegetables: roasted, grilled, steamed or air fried veggies complement salmon bites nicely. We especially enjoy serving the salmon bites on top of the cooked vegetables then drizzling with honey or a splash of tamari sauce.
- Rice or Quinoa: serve crispy salmon bites over a bed of fluffy white rice or nutty quinoa. You can make another batch of the honey garlic sauce to pour over the cooked grains for a boost in flavor.
- Potatoes: crisp pan fried sliced potatoes or roasted red potatoes are comforting sides that are also kid-approved.
- Pasta: a creamy alfredo or a refreshing cold pasta salad are also delicious options. For a lower carb version, consider cooked spaghetti squash drizzled with a teriyaki sauce.
- Fruit: a vibrant fruit salad made with pineapple, watermelon, kiwi, peaches, apples or your kids’ favorite fruits is a great option that pairs well with the honey sauce on the fried salmon bites.
- Salad: a leafy green salad is an excellent alternative to a fruit salad that offers a boost of nutrients with a savory twist. Drizzle with a tangy vinaigrette before placing the pan fried salmon on top.
Tips and Tricks
- Select fresh fillets: Choose salmon fillets with a vibrant color and moist flesh. Avoid slimy fish with a fishy odor or spots of discoloration.
- Use fresh salmon: You will want to use fresh salmon versus frozen for this recipe. If frozen, let the salmon thaw in the fridge overnight then cut into cubes once defrosted.
- Prep properly: Chop the salmon into approximately the same size pieces to promote even cooking.
- Preheat the pan: Make sure your pan is preheated before adding the salmon bites as this helps achieve a nice sear and prevents sticking.
- Serve with dipping sauce: Kids are sometimes more likely to try a new recipe if they can dip it into a familiar sauce. Offer your kids favorite sauce or sauces alongside these salmon bites.
- Consider different cooking methods: While pan-frying is a popular method, consider grilling, baking or air frying for a different flavor profile.
- Customize: Experiment with flavors and ingredients to suit taste preferences. Add a hint of spice with red pepper flakes, a tangy addition with lemon juice or fresh herbs to make the salmon bites uniquely yours.
- Allow salmon to rest: Allow the cooked salmon to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the fish moist and juicy.
Frequently Asked Questions
As salmon cooks, the flesh will turn to a lighter pink color indicating it is fully cooked. The flesh should also easily separate into flakes when pierced with a fork. For best results, insert a kitchen thermometer into the thicket part of the salmon filet. The internal temperature should reach a minimum of 145°F.
Wild-caught salmon and farm-raised do differ in several ways such as their source, taste, texture and nutritional profile. Let this information be a guide to determine the best type of salmon for your family. Wild-caught salmon is caught in their natural habitat so they live and feed in the wild. Farm-raised, on the other hand, is salmon that has been raised in controlled environments and is typically fed a controlled diet. Wild-caught will have a richer, more varied flavor whereas farm-raised tend to be milder in flavor. Lastly, wild-caught salmon is often considered more nutrient-dense because of the diverse diet compared to farm-raised.
Yes! Our recipe for salmon bites is dairy free, gluten free and nut free if made as directed. Always verify ingredients on individual labels as products do differ.
While we recommend cooking this recipe with skin-off salmon, you can eat salmon skin. It is actually rich in nutrients and when cooked properly can add a crispy texture to the recipe.
Storage Instructions
To store, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container after letting it cool to room temperature. All leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking and consumed within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.
To extend the shelf life, consider freezing the leftover salmon. If freezing, label with the date to keep track of its freshness as this recipe will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Leftover Salmon
Leftovers can be reheated or enjoyed chilled. Add to salads, tacos, wraps, grain bowls or pasta.
To reheat, place the salmon bites into a microwave for a quick way to heat in 30-second intervals; however, be cautious not to overheat. If using an oven, preheat to 275°F then place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to keep moist then heat for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
If you have frozen the salmon bites, thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat the next day to promote even reheating and an appetizing consistency.
Kids In The Kitchen
Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.
- It can be helpful to spray the measuring cup with non-stick cooking spray then pour in the honey to measure. This will make it easier to pour the honey from the measuring cup into the mixing bowl. You can use this trick for any recipe that lists honey as an ingredient.
- This recipe uses fresh garlic cloves that will need to be peeled and minced. To do this, start by placing the cloves in a small Ziploc bag and rubbing your hands together for a few minutes. Then, remove from the bag and peel any leftover skin. Next, place the cloves in a small but sturdy bowl. Holding a fork with one hand, press down firmly on each clove with the fork. Use your other hand to press on the prongs of the fork carefully. Rock the fork back and forth until the garlic breaks into small pieces.
- When salmon is done cooking, the color changes from a vibrant color or a lighter pink. The salmon should also flake when pulled with a fork. You can use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is at 145°F. Don’t forget to set your timer when cooking salmon to prevent overcooking it.
More Easy Salmon Recipes
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Salmon Bites Recipe
Equipment
- Flipper or tongs
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon fillets without skin on cubed
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Marinate the salmon. In a mixing bowl combine the honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Place the cubed salmon in a mixing bowl. Pour the mixture onto the salmon and gently mix.
- Sear the salmon. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. You might need to work in batches depending on how large your skillet is, you want the salmon in a single layer. Using tongs place the salmon bites into the hot skillet, reserving the marinade in the mixing bowl for later. Cook over medium high heat for 2-4 minutes or until the salmon is golden brown. Flip the salmon bites, pour the rest of the marinade mixture over the salmonand cook for an additional 2-4 minutes or until the other side is golden brown.
- Serve. Serve hot with rice or serve on salads or pasta.
Notes
- Select fresh fillets: Choose salmon fillets with a vibrant color and moist flesh. Avoid slimy fish with a fishy odor or spots of discoloration.
- Use fresh salmon: You will want to use fresh salmon versus frozen for this recipe. If frozen, let the salmon thaw in the fridge overnight then cut into cubes once defrosted.
- Prep properly: Chop the salmon into approximately the same size pieces to promote even cooking.
- Preheat the pan: Make sure your pan is preheated before adding the salmon bites as this helps achieve a nice sear and prevents sticking.
- Serve with dipping sauce: Kids are sometimes more likely to try a new recipe if they can dip it into a familiar sauce. Offer your kids favorite sauce or sauces alongside these salmon bites.
- Consider different cooking methods: While pan-frying is a popular method, consider grilling, baking or air frying for a different flavor profile.
- Customize: Experiment with flavors and ingredients to suit taste preferences. Add a hint of spice with red pepper flakes, a tangy addition with lemon juice or fresh herbs to make the salmon bites uniquely yours.
- Allow salmon to rest: Allow the cooked salmon to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the fish moist and juicy.
Nutrition
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rosalee says
creative edition to my collection
i’d recommend to add a green, yellow or orange veggie:
sweet potatoes squares – baked w/ olive oil
broccoli bites
green beans
corn w/ peppers
tempura delight of mixed (roll in corn meal then fry)
cauliflower bites
zucchini slices