Pan-Fried Salmon Bites

Name: Pan-Fried Salmon Bites
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 11 min
Ingredients: 1 pound salmon fillet (skin and bones removed, cut into 1-inch cubes); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 Tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil; 1 Tablespoon lemon juice (optional for serving)

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My kids aren’t always eager to eat seafood, but they make an exception for this salmon bites recipe. And I’m glad they do! With just a handful of ingredients and 6 minutes of cooking per batch, they let me get a simple dinner on the table easy-peasy.

Close up of salmon bites on a white serving plate with finely chopped green onions and freshly sliced lemon.

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I love to enjoy these flaky salmon bites over fluffy white rice and steamed broccoli for a simple lunch or dinner. However, they also make the perfect addition to a fresh salad, tacos (my kids’ favorite!), or a healthy meal bowl.

Garnish these moist and flavorful salmon bites with finely chopped green onions, a light squeeze of lemon juice, or a drizzle of creamy dill sauce or honey mustard!

Why You’ll Love These Salmon Bites

Easy to Make – This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights since it’s ready with minimal prep and a short cooking time.
Perfect Texture – These salmon bites are crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, just how I like them!
Customizable – Dress up this salmon bites recipe with your favorite sauces or try marinating the salmon first to switch things up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

We’re keeping it simple with this salmon bites recipe! Here’s what you’ll need to make them.

1 pound salmon fillet, skin and bones removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice, for serving (optional)

Overhead view of salmon bites being dried with paper towel

Salmon bites seasoned with salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare

Gather the ingredients for the salmon bites. Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels.

2. Season

Season the salmon cubes with salt and pepper.

3. Cook

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon cubes in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.

4. Serve

Remove the salmon bites from the skillet and serve immediately, drizzled with lemon juice if desired.

a bowl with rice, salmon bites and steamed broccoli.

Kasey’s Kitchen Tips

Try to cut the salmon fillet into uniform 1-inch cubes. This will ensure that the individual cubes cook evenly at the same rate.
Cook the salmon bites in batches if needed, leaving space between each piece. Overcrowding the fish will cause them to steam in the pan, and you won’t get that delicious crispy, golden brown exterior we want!
Be careful not to overcook. The salmon should be firm but moist and easily flake when pierced with a fork. The flesh should still retain a pinkish hue.

How to Store It

Store these salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Do not leave your cooked salmon out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours for food safety!

Once completely cool, you can freeze leftover salmon bites in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw the frozen salmon bites in the fridge, and reheat them on low heat in the microwave, in a heated and oiled skillet, or in the oven.

FAQs

Is it safe to eat raw salmon?

Sushi-grade salmon is appropriate to eat raw. If you haven’t specifically purchased sushi-grade salmon, it’s best to cook your salmon to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be firm to the touch but still moist and flaky with a pinkish hue.

What type of salmon is best for these salmon bites?

Feel free to use the type of salmon that is readily available to you. King, Sockeye, or Scottish salmon are all great options. Just make sure to use skinless, boneless fillets!

Can I cook these salmon bites in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil, and add the salmon cubes in a single layer. Cook the salmon for 5-7 minutes at 400ºF, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure an even cook on all sides.

Golden salmon bites in a bowl with rice and broccoli, garnished with finely chopped green onions, silver fork piercing a salmon cube and exposing the pink flesh.

Make It a Meal

I love to serve these salmon bites in a bowl of fluffy white rice with freshly steamed broccoli or roasted broccoli. Garnish it with finely chopped green onions and a light squeeze of lemon juice.

Or, you can turn this salmon bites recipe into a gourmet salmon poke bowl by including other ingredients such as sliced avocado, pickled cucumbers, edamame, thinly sliced cabbage, and a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds.

Drizzle your salmon bites with sriracha mayo or another sauce you like for extra flavor, and you can’t go wrong!

From My Family to Yours

I hope you enjoy these delicious Salmon Bites as much as my kids and I do! If you give them a try, please share your experience in the comments below. Don’t forget to tag me on social media @allthingsmamma and use the hashtag #allthingsmamma.

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Ready to eat in less than 15 minutes, these pan-fried Salmon Bites are moist and flaky with a golden brown crust!

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Author: Kasey Schwartz

Servings: servings

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 6

Total Time: 11

Equipment

1 Skillet
1 Large pan
1 knife

Ingredients

▢ 1 pound salmon fillet skin and bones removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
▢ ½ teaspoon salt
▢ ¼ teaspoon black pepper
▢ 1 Tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
▢ 1 Tablespoon lemon juice optional for serving

Instructions

Gather the ingredients for the salmon bites.
Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels.
1 pound salmon fillet
Season the salmon cubes with salt and pepper.
½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
1 Tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
Add the salmon cubes in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Remove the salmon bites from the skillet and serve immediately, drizzled with lemon juice if desired.
1 Tablespoon lemon juice

Notes

Serve in a bowl with rice, broccoli, and lemon.
Toasted sesame oil would also add a lovely depth of flavor to these salmon bites!
For a touch of sweetness, consider drizzling the salmon bites with maple syrup or honey just before they finish cooking in the skillet.
I’ve seasoned the raw cubes of salmon with salt and pepper. Feel free to season with garlic salt or powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for a slight kick of heat!