These oven-baked salmon bites are simply delicious! Coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey, they will make your taste buds dance. Plus, they’re crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside!
Making these bites is a breeze! I love popping them in the oven while I prepare a quick salad. It’s like a little party for my mouth with every bite—who knew healthy could taste so fun? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Skinless, boneless salmon fillet is perfect here. If salmon isn’t available, try other fish like trout or even boneless chicken for a different twist. I love salmon for its rich flavor and health benefits.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and enhances the dish, but you can replace it with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option. Both work wonderfully to balance the heat from the sriracha!
Sriracha: This hot sauce gives a nice kick. If you’re looking for something milder, consider a sweet chili sauce instead. It provides a gentle spice and a touch of sweetness without being overpowering.
Soy Sauce: I enjoy regular soy sauce for its umami flavor, but you can use tamari if you’re gluten-free. Coconut aminos is another great substitute that offers a slightly sweeter taste.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add a nice touch at the end. If you don’t have these, you can simply skip them or add a sprinkle of dried herbs for some flavor without fuss.
How Do I Ensure My Salmon Bites Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking salmon just right can be tricky, but it’s simple with a few tips! You want the salmon to be juicy and flake easily. Here’s how to nail it:
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and use parchment paper to help with sticking and cleanup.
- Cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Uniform pieces cook more consistently.
- When baking, check the salmon around 12 minutes. You’re looking for it to flake easily with a fork – that’s your golden rule!
- If you prefer a bit of texture, broil them for the last minute or two. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Let the bites cool for a few minutes after baking to finish cooking through while maintaining juiciness. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra zing!
How to Make Oven Baked Salmon Bites With Hot Honey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salmon Bites:
- 1 pound salmon fillet, skinless and boneless
- Salt and pepper to taste
For The Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake, for a total of around 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll enjoy delicious and flavorful salmon bites ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature to cook the salmon while ensuring it doesn’t dry out. To make cleanup easier, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Salmon:
Take your skinless, boneless salmon fillet and cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. These little bites will cook quickly and are great for popping in your mouth!
3. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, sriracha, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until it’s well combined. This delicious sauce will bring all the flavors together!
4. Coat the Salmon:
Place your salmon cubes in a large bowl. Pour the hot honey sauce over them and gently toss to ensure that each salmon piece is well coated in that tasty mixture.
5. Bake the Salmon Bites:
Spread the coated salmon bites in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. This helps them cook evenly. Then, pop them in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the edges are slightly caramelized.
6. Drizzle and Serve:
Once baked, take the salmon bites out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle any remaining hot honey sauce from the baking sheet over the bites for that extra kick of flavor! Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if you like, and lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the bites. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Fish for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While salmon is recommended for its flavor and texture, you can use other fish like trout or cod. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type and thickness of the fish. Adjust the baking time as needed until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
What if I Don’t Have Sriracha?
No worries! You can substitute sriracha with other hot sauces, such as Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot. For a milder kick, try using chili garlic sauce or even a pinch of red pepper flakes mixed with honey. Adjust according to your heat preference!
How to Store Leftover Salmon Bites?
Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through, to retain their texture. You can also microwave them in short intervals if you’re short on time.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love heat, consider increasing the amount of sriracha in the honey mixture or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper while mixing. You can also top the baked salmon bites with some sliced fresh jalapeños after baking for an extra kick!
