These crispy spicy salmon bites are a perfect combination of crunch, heat, and flavor. They’re quick to make and are packed with a mouthwatering blend of spices that make each bite irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a light appetizer, or just want a flavorful meal, these salmon bites are the way to go. Plus, the crispiness adds a satisfying texture, and the spice level can be adjusted based on how hot you like it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple and fast this recipe is. It gives me a delightful, crispy texture on the outside with juicy, tender salmon on the inside. The spices are bold, giving each bite a wonderful kick without overwhelming the taste of the salmon. It’s also incredibly versatile – I can enjoy it as an appetizer, a snack, or even a main dish. The best part? The salmon is quick to cook and pairs perfectly with a tangy dipping sauce. It’s an ideal dish for a busy weeknight or when I’m entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 lb of fresh salmon, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp of paprika
- 1/2 tsp of garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 tbsp of soy sauce
- 1 tbsp of honey
- 1 tbsp of sriracha sauce
- 1/2 tsp of sesame oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- In another small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, sriracha sauce, and sesame oil to create the spicy marinade.
- Coat each piece of salmon with the marinade, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
- Arrange the coated salmon bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is crispy and golden brown on the outside while still tender on the inside.
- Once baked, garnish the salmon bites with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve hot, optionally with a dipping sauce like ranch or extra sriracha.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 4 people as an appetizer or snack. The total preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a cook time of 12-15 minutes, making the whole dish ready in under 30 minutes.
Variations
- Spicy Variation: Add more sriracha or a chopped chili pepper to the marinade if you like extra heat.
- Gluten-Free: Swap out the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free variety to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Honey-Free: For a sugar-free option, use a sugar-free sweetener or omit the honey entirely if you prefer a less sweet marinade.
- Sauce Options: Serve with a garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or a tangy soy dipping sauce for a different flavor twist.
Storage/Reheating
These crispy spicy salmon bites are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the salmon bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to retain some of the crispiness. Avoid reheating them in the microwave, as they may become soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon as long as it’s properly thawed before cooking. Make sure to pat it dry to remove any excess moisture before coating it.
How do I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, simply add more or less cayenne pepper and sriracha sauce in the marinade. You can start with a small amount and taste test to get it just right.
Can I make these salmon bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the salmon bites by coating them in the breadcrumb mixture and storing them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. When ready to cook, just bake them as directed.
How do I prevent the salmon from becoming dry?
Be sure to not overbake the salmon. Check the internal temperature with a thermometer – it should reach 145°F (63°C) for optimal tenderness.
What dipping sauces can I serve with these salmon bites?
You can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or a soy-based sauce like teriyaki or eel sauce.
Conclusion
These crispy spicy salmon bites are a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to impress. With their bold flavors, satisfying crunch, and tender salmon, they’re a great choice for almost any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a snack or as part of a meal, they’re sure to be a hit.
PrintCrispy Spicy Salmon Bites
Crispy spicy salmon bites with a perfect blend of bold spices, a satisfying crunch on the outside, and juicy, tender salmon on the inside.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 1 lb of fresh salmon, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp of paprika
- 1/2 tsp of garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 tbsp of soy sauce
- 1 tbsp of honey
- 1 tbsp of sriracha sauce
- 1/2 tsp of sesame oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- In another small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, sriracha sauce, and sesame oil to create the spicy marinade.
- Coat each piece of salmon with the marinade, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
- Arrange the coated salmon bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is crispy and golden brown on the outside while still tender on the inside.
- Once baked, garnish the salmon bites with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve hot, optionally with a dipping sauce like ranch or extra sriracha.
Notes
- These salmon bites are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- If reheating, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep the crispiness.
- For extra heat, add more sriracha or a chopped chili pepper to the marinade.
- For a gluten-free option, swap out the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free variety.
- Use a thermometer to check the salmon’s internal temperature; it should reach 145°F (63°C) for optimal tenderness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 60mg