If you’re searching for a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is impressive to serve, look no further than this Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe. Imagine golden, perfectly seared salmon cubes coated in a glossy homemade teriyaki glaze—each bite bursting with that signature sweet and savory umami goodness. These irresistible morsels take barely 30 minutes to whip up and always manage to wow both friends and family. Whether you’re after a speedy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, this Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe will quickly find a place among your absolute favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients, each one playing a starring role. With every component contributing to flavor, texture, and visual appeal, you’ll see just how easy it is to create magic in your skillet.
- Salmon, skinless fillet (1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes): Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the flakiest, most tender bites.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings a deep umami base to the marinade and glaze; opt for low-sodium if you prefer.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds a beautiful gloss and lovely sweetness to the teriyaki sauce.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Lends a gentle tang, balancing all the sweet and salty notes.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Just a drizzle adds unbelievable aroma and nutty flavor.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Deepens the sweetness and richness of the sauce.
- Fresh ginger, grated (2 teaspoons): Invigorates the bite-sized salmon with zesty warmth.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses the dish with savory undertones that round everything out.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the sauce to get that gorgeous, sticky finish.
- Water (1 tablespoon): Mixed with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry for the sauce.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon, for cooking): Lets the salmon brown evenly and prevents sticking.
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish: These finishing touches add crunch and color, making each bite pop.
How to Make Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe
Step 1: Mix Up the Teriyaki Sauce
You’ll kick things off by making your teriyaki sauce from scratch—no bottled shortcuts here! In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic until smooth and fragrant. In a separate small bowl, stir the cornstarch and water to create a slurry and set it aside. This ensures your glaze ends up perfectly silky and thick.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
Place your cubed salmon in a shallow dish, then pour half of your homemade teriyaki sauce over the top. Gently toss so all the pieces are coated, cover, and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes. This gives the flavor a chance to really seep into the salmon. If you’ve got a little extra time, let it marinate for up to an hour for even bolder taste.
Step 3: Sear the Salmon Bites
Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the salmon from the marinade and let any excess drip off (discard used marinade for food safety). Place the pieces in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side. You’re aiming for beautiful golden edges and tender, juicy salmon centers—don’t overcook!
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
While your salmon bites are sizzling, add the reserved teriyaki sauce to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in your cornstarch slurry and cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1–2 minutes. This step makes all the difference, transforming your sauce into a luscious glaze that clings to every bite.
Step 5: Coat and Garnish
Toss the hot salmon bites with the thickened teriyaki sauce or drizzle it generously over the top. Finish with a hearty sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions to add crunch, freshness, and a little drama to your plate. Your Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t skip the final flourish! A shower of toasted sesame seeds and a scattering of sliced green onions are more than just decoration—they add delightful crunch and a burst of color that instantly makes your Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe look restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
These bites are absolutely dreamy piled over fluffy steamed rice or spooned alongside garlicky stir-fried veggies. For a heartier spread, try them with soba noodles or a crisp, crunchy Asian slaw. No matter what you choose, the flavors play especially well together!
Creative Ways to Present
For classy entertaining, spear each bite on a cocktail pick for effortless finger food. Interested in a sushi-inspired twist? Serve on cucumber rounds or nested in lettuce cups for something light and bright. However you showcase this Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe, expect compliments all around.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extras (good luck!), store any leftover Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, though they’re truly best enjoyed soon after making for ultimate tenderness and flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, allow the cooked and cooled salmon bites to freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to a month—just be mindful that reheating gently is key to preserving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Reheating
To reheat, add the salmon bites to a skillet over medium-low heat or zap them in the microwave in short intervals until just warmed through. Be careful not to overcook, as salmon can dry out easily; a splash of water or extra sauce works wonders for reviving moisture.
FAQs
What type Main Course
Both wild-caught and farmed salmon work nicely for the Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe, but wild-caught typically has a richer flavor and firmer texture. Just make sure to use skinless fillets for easier cubing and even cooking.
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
While you absolutely can, making the sauce from scratch takes just a couple minutes and delivers a fresher, brighter flavor. The homemade glaze really elevates these salmon bites, but bottled sauce is a convenient shortcut in a pinch.
Is this Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Simply substitute tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce for traditional soy sauce, and double-check your other ingredients to ensure no hidden gluten.
How do I keep the salmon from sticking to the pan?
Be sure to use a nonstick skillet or a well-seasoned pan, and make sure the oil is hot before adding the salmon. Let the pieces cook undisturbed for a couple minutes to develop a nice crust before flipping.
Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Definitely! Air fry the marinated salmon cubes at 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Toss or drizzle with the cooked, thickened sauce right before serving for all the sticky teriyaki goodness.
Final Thoughts
I have a feeling that one taste of this Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). It’s quick, completely foolproof, and absolutely exploding with flavor. If you’re ready to turn salmon night into something a little more memorable, don’t hesitate—give this recipe a whirl and let your taste buds celebrate!
Print
Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these delectable Teriyaki Salmon Bites as a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. The combination of sweet and savory teriyaki sauce coats tender salmon pieces, creating a mouthwatering meal that pairs well with rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
Ingredients
Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare Teriyaki Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic.
- Make Slurry: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry; set aside.
- Marinate Salmon: Coat salmon cubes with half of the teriyaki sauce, cover, and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes.
- Cook Salmon: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, cook salmon for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- Thicken Sauce: In a saucepan, heat remaining teriyaki sauce, add cornstarch slurry, and cook until thickened.
- Finish Dish: Drizzle thickened sauce over salmon bites, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
- Serve over rice, noodles, or stir-fried veggies.
- For more flavor, marinate salmon longer or air-fry at 400°F for 6–8 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
