Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Bites

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These sweet-and-spicy salmon bites are seasoned with a hot honey–lemon glaze that clings nicely to the broiled salmon. Serve this easy appetizer with wooden picks at your next party. Turn this appetizer into a main dish by serving over brown rice and roasted veggies, or add to your favorite salad or grain bowl.

Active Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
4
  • The hot honey–lemon glaze adds an exciting sweet and spicy twist to this salmon dish.
  • Nutrient-rich salmon provides protein and omega-3s, which are important for brain and heart health.
  • To ensure even cooking, choose the center cut of the salmon.

Our Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Bites are quick and easy for a last-minute get-together or for a weeknight meal. Tender, heart-healthy salmon is roasted on high heat with a buttery rub of salt, dried garlic, pepper, paprika and red pepper flakes. We kicked it up a notch with a brushing of luscious hot honey and fresh lemon juice for a tangy, sweet and spicy flavor—a delicious way to get your omega-3s. Keep reading for our expert tips on cooking technique, spice variations and more.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

  • We recommend using the center cut of the salmon because it has uniform thickness, which ensures consistently sized cubes when you cut it. Consistency is important because the salmon will then cook evenly.
  • While our recipe calls for broiling salmon, it would also be excellent cooked in the high heat of an air fryer.
  • We enjoy the flavor of hot honey, but feel free to use whichever type of honey you prefer. You can find hot honey in the same aisle as regular honey at the supermarket.
  • If you don't have chives on hand, feel free to swap them for parsley, cilantro or dill. Or you could add pungent greens from a bunch of scallions.

Nutrition Notes

  • Salmon is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s help reduce inflammation in the body and are important for brain health. Salmon is one of the few food sources of vitamin D, which is essential for maintaining good immune health. This recipe is a creative way to get one of your two recommended servings of seafood each week.
the ingredients to make the Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Bites

Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop stylist: Gabriel Greco

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 1 pound center-cut salmon fillet, skinned and cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic

  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper, plus more for garnish

  • 1 lemon, juiced

  • 1 tablespoon hot honey, plus more for garnish

  • Chopped fresh chives for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. Position oven rack 6 inches from heat source; preheat broiler. Toss salmon pieces with 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic, ½ teaspoon pepper, ½ teaspoon paprika and ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper in a medium bowl. Arrange the salmon pieces in an even layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Broil until lightly browned, 6 to 7 minutes.

    a step in making the Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Bites

    Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop stylist: Gabriel Greco

  2. Meanwhile, whisk lemon juice and 1 tablespoon hot honey in a small bowl.

    a step in making the Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Bites

    Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop stylist: Gabriel Greco

  3. Brush the hot honey mixture evenly over the salmon bites. Broil for 2 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter; garnish with chives, crushed red pepper and/or hot honey, if desired.

    the recipe photo for the Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Bites

    Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop stylist: Gabriel Greco

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What else can I do with a jar of hot honey?

    If you like the flavor combination of sweet honey with its punch from infused chili, try the honey on chicken wings and drumsticks, grilled vegetables, sandwiches and pizza. Plus, it's a nice addition to a charcuterie board with cheese and meats.

  • What should I serve with salmon bites as a main course?

    Pair them with a leafy green salad like our Simple Green Salad with Citronette, Colorful Roasted Sheet-Pan Vegetables or Grilled Vegetables in Foil, along with brown or white rice, Yukon gold & Sweet Potato Mash or pasta.

  • How should I store leftovers?

    Once the salmon bites have cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Salmon can be stored this way for up to 2 days, but it's always best the same day it's cooked.

  • How should I reheat salmon bites?

    Reheating the bites in an air fryer will crisp them up nicely. Or pan-sear them over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You can microwave them, but they won't crisp. Cover and heat them in 15-second increments, checking them often so they don't overcook and turn rubbery.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 1/2 cup

Calories 234, Fat 13g, Saturated Fat 5g, Cholesterol 78mg, Carbohydrates 6g, Total Sugars 5g, Added Sugars 4g, Protein 23g, Fiber 0g, Sodium 331mg, Potassium 592mg

EatingWell.com, February 2024

Additional reporting by
Linda Frahm
Linda Frahm has been a copy editor and fact checker working with food and nutrition content for the past 30-plus years for consumer print and online publications.