This salmon bites recipe is a game changer for busy families. Sweet, tangy, and incredibly easy to make, these salmon bites are prepared in the oven in under 30 minutes and pair perfectly with rice and veggies.
As a busy parent, I’m all about quick and easy recipes. After all, with kids, work, and the nonstop demands of life, who has time to spend hours in the kitchen? That's why this dish has become one of my go-to weeknight meals.
Jump to:
Inspired by an old favorite of mine- a honey, soy, lime, and mustard glazed salmon that's always been a hit with family and friends. While delicious, that recipe is more time and labor-intensive than I can manage these days. This simplified version doesn't sacrifice flavor and takes minimal time and effort.
The secret? A pre-made BBQ sauce that's not only made with clean, simple ingredients but also widely available at stores like Whole Foods, Costco, Target, and even local health food stores. Better yet, there's a gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions. I just add a few extra ingredients to boost the flavor further, and the salmon turns out delicious!
I love to serve these salmon bites over a bowl of rice and an assortment of vegetables, but they also pair beautifully with mango salsa for an elevated take.
And if youre a fan of salmon recipes, try my easy salmon soup recipe and easy salmon rice bowl, too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients
- Salmon - Choose a piece from the middle of the fish and not the tail end where it tapers off. This makes it easier to cut the salmon fillet into uniform 1.5-inch cubes. Opt for skinless salmon if possible. If not, use a sharp boning knife to remove the skin by making a small cut between the skin and flesh, then carefully sliding the knife along the fillet while holding the skin taut.
- Sauce - I love the bright, slightly citrusy notes of Bachan’s Yuzu BBQ sauce, but you can also use the original flavor or the gluten-free option if needed.
- Ginger - Grate a quarter-sized piece of fresh ginger to maximize flavor.
- Citrus - Use oranges, mandarins, lemons or limes. Squeeze orange and lime juice to enhance the citrusy flavor of the sauce.
- Garnishes - Sprinkle both regular and black sesame seeds over the roasted salmon bites. Finish with chopped scallions or cilantro. Pro tip: Lightly toast sesame seeds in a small pan over medium heat, stirring regularly until golden.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Allergens:
Sesame, Soy, Wheat - see substitutions section for swaps
How to make salmon bites
- Prep the Salmon: Cut the salmon fillet into evenly sized chunks, about 1.5 inches. If the fillet has skin, remove it before cutting into chunks.
- Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine Bachan's BBQ sauce, grated ginger, orange and lime juice.
- Marinate: Toss the salmon pieces in the marinade and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare Sides: While the salmon marinates, cook the rice, chop the vegetables, and toast the sesame seeds.
- Roast the Salmon: Arrange the marinated salmon bites in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast at 400F for 8 to 10 minutes or until the salmon is opaque and slightly caramelized with golden edges.
- Assemble and Serve: Layer rice, veggies, and salmon bites in a bowl. Top with toasted sesame seeds, scallions, and/or cilantro.
Air Fryer Option
For air fryer salmon bites, marinate the fish as instructed. Arrange the pieces in a single layer in an air fryer basket and cook at 400F for 5 to 7 minutes or until the edges are crispy. Work in batches, if needed, to avoid overcrowding the basket.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve salmon bites over jasmine rice and veggies, or for a twist, swap the veggies for mango salsa. They also make a great addition to a salmon rice bowl, where they serve as the main protein and come together with the light miso ginger dressing from my Easy Salmon Rice Bowl recipe for extra flavor.
I like shortcuts, so just as I simplify the marinade by using a store-bought sauce and adding my own flavors, I take other steps to make meal prep easier too. For convenience, I always keep pre-made organic jasmine rice from Trader Joe's or Whole Foods in my freezer (it reheats in minutes), along with pre-cut vegetables like edamame or easy-to-use options like snap peas.
Prep Tip:
To quickly prepare frozen edamame, place them in a heatproof bowl and pour hot water over the top. Let them stand for 1 to 2 minutes, then drain.
This recipe is also great for getting creative with what you have on hand. I like to offer a variety of options so everyone can build their own bowl. Some of my favorite pairings include:
- Cucumbers
- Avocado
- Red or orange bell pepper
- Mango
- Edamame - Trader Joe’s and many other stores sell pre-cooked, shelled edamame, making prep a breeze!
- Snow peas or snap peas
- Radishes
- Brocolli
FAQ
I don’t recommend marinating salmon long! Fifteen to twenty minutes should be plenty of time. Any longer than that, and the fish starts to “cook” like ceviche.
Salmon bites cook faster in an air fryer, usually taking just 5 to 7 minutes at 400°F. The exact time may vary depending on the size of your salmon chunks and your specific device. Arrange the pieces in a single layer in the basket to ensure even cooking, and cook until the edges are crispy.
Yes! To cook salmon in a pan, heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a bit of oil, and cook the marinated pieces for a few minutes on each side until crispy and cooked through.
Quick & Easy Fish Recipes
Looking for other quick and easy weeknight meals? Try these:
Easy Salmon Bites Recipe
Ingredients
For Fish
- 1.5 lbs salmon, skin removed, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoon Bachan's BBQ sauce
- quarter- sized piece fresh ginger, grated
- ½ orange, juiced
- ½ lime, juiced
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
- 1 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 400℉.
- Prep the salmon: If the salmon has skin, remove it first. Cut the fillet into even, 1.5 sized chunks.
- Make the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine Bachan's bbq sauce, grated ginger, orange juice, and lime juice.
- Marinate the salmon: Add the salmon pieces to the bowl with the marinde and gently toss until evenly coated. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Prepare sides and garnishes: While the salmon marinates, toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring until golden. Cook rice and prep any veggies you plan to serve with salmon.
- Roast the salmon: Arrange the marinated salmon pieces in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet. Roast for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the salmon is opque and golden on the edges.
- Assemble and serve: Build your bowl with rice, veggies and salmon bites. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, scallinos, and fresg cilantro.
Leave a Reply