Hot Honey Salmon Bites are baked pieces of tender and flaky salmon, then coated in sweet and spicy honey. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s a great high protein weeknight dinner perfect in bowls or serve as an appetizer.
We also love to make salmon sushi bake with cubed salmon!
I saw various hot honey recipes pop up on social media and decided to give it a try. I got a bottle of Peace River hot honey from Costco, but this one is more common on Amazon. And honestly any brand works.
If you’re wondering about the spice level, don’t worry, these hot honey salmon bites are not too spicy. They are mild enough that even kids love them!
What Is Hot Honey?
Hot honey is basically regular honey with a kick. It’s infused with chili flakes for that sweet and spicy combo that’s good on just about anything.
I tried to make my own at home and it’s not the same. You have to use up a lot of red pepper flakes, then strain the honey, and it solidifies quickly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Just 7 ingredients and ready in 25 minutes.
- High in protein: Each bite is full of protein, and a serving of 7 pieces gives you 30 grams of protein.
- Versatile: They’re great as a main dish or an appetizer.
- Irresistibly tasty: The salmon is well seasoned, lightly browned and coated in a sweet and spicy glaze.
Ingredients for Hot Honey Salmon Bites
You’ll need just 7 simple ingredients to make this recipe.
- Salmon fillet: Get 2 pounds of salmon and cut it into 1-2 inch bite-sized pieces. I used wild Coho salmon with the skin on, but you can remove it, if you prefer.
- Olive oil: To coat the salmon bites to help them bake to a golden finish and so spices stick. I used extra virgin olive oil, but you can also use avocado oil.
- Spices: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. You can also throw in some cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Hot honey: I used the Peace River brand from Costco, but feel free to use your favorite brand.
How to Make Hot Honey Salmon Bites
Here’s a quick overview of how to make this hot honey salmon bites recipe with quick prep and bake times.
Preheat your oven to 450 F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Coat the salmon: In a large bowl, toss the salmon with olive oil to coat. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then give it another gentle stir to make sure everything is evenly covered.
- Arrange and bake: Spread the salmon pieces on the prepared sheet pan in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Coat with hot honey: Remove from the oven, gather the salmon into a pile, drizzle with hot honey, and gently stir to coat. Spread them out in a single layer again.
- Broil to finish: Broil the salmon until golden brown, keeping a close eye to avoid burning. Then, remove from the oven.
Tips for Best Results
Here are a few tips to get your salmon bites perfect every time. But don’t worry, this is one of the easiest salmon recipes out there!
- Cut salmon into same size pieces: Make sure your salmon chunks are as evenly sliced as possible for even cooking.
- Add hot honey to taste: The measurement on the recipe card is approximate. I say 1/4 cup but it’s an estimate as I just drizzled it over the salmon, so you can add more or less. It wasn’t crazy spicy the way I made it.
- Results will vary for different salmon: Farmed salmon, which is Atlantic salmon, is more fatty and thus juicy. Any wild salmon is always more dry as it is more lean. I used wild Coho salmon, so use it as a benchmark and maybe cook farmed salmon a bit longer as it can withstand that.
- Leave skin on or take it off: It really comes down to personal preference. My family likes it, and it’s good for you!
- Watch not to burn: Keep an eye on both the salmon and parchment paper. Quality parchment paper is OK up to 450 F, I had no issues. This recipe happens quickly, so don’t walk away.
What to Serve Hot Honey Salmon Bites with?
You’re going to love making these spicy salmon bites all the time. They’re quick, easy, and so versatile!
Here are a few fun ways to serve them:
- Rice bowls: Serve them over Instant Pot jasmine rice with avocado, cucumber, edamame and shredded carrots. Then garnish with sesame seeds and green onion, and drizzle with more hot honey or sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you like it fiery.
- Appetizer: Pop them on a platter with a squeeze of lemon juice and some toothpicks. Serve with a side of hot honey, and you’re all set. I’d make a double batch, trust me!
- As a main dish: Pair with roasted veggies like broccoli, parmesan brussels sprouts, asparagus, or sweet potatoes. Add quinoa, cauliflower mashed potatoes, or a salad. Think simple lettuce salad, cucumber tomato salad, or avocado corn salad.
- Wraps or tacos: Use these bites as a tasty filling for tacos or wraps, and load up with your favorite toppings.
- With sauces: You can also dunk them in creamy avocado cilantro dressing, cottage cheese ranch dip or Greek yogurt blue cheese dressing.
How to Store and Reheat
Store: Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat: Warm them up in the microwave or a skillet. I wouldn’t use the oven, it can make them very dry.
Freeze: Store the cooled salmon in an airtight container and in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember to plan ahead and thaw in the fridge overnight.
FAQs
Yes. If you don’t have hot honey or prefer less spice, you can use regular honey instead.
Any salmon will work for this recipe. Farmed salmon is fattier and juicier, while wild salmon is leaner and drier. Just adjust cooking times if needed based on the type you use.
Yes! Make air fryer salmon bites by cooking the seasoned salmon in the air fryer at 400 F for 10 minutes. Drizzle with hot honey and air fry for another 1-2 minutes.
They were overcooked. Ovens vary, and it also depends on the type of salmon. Try cooking them for a few minutes less next time.
More Salmon Recipes to Try
Hot Honey Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- 2 pounds salmon fillet with skin on or off cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup hot honey
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 F and line large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, add salmon, drizzle with olive oil and gently stir to coat, using a spoon. Sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Stir gently again until evenly coated.
- Transfer to previously prepared baking sheet and arrange in a single layer, making sure all pieces are not touching each other. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, move into a single pile with a spatula, drizzle with hot honey, carefully stir to coat and spread in a single layer again.
- Broil until golden brown. Watch carefully not to burn. Remove from the oven.
- Serve hot with rice, avocado, cucumbers and drizzled with more honey, if you wish.
Notes
- Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Warm up in a microwave. I would not bake the bites in the oven to avoid drying out.
- Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
