Salmon Bites with Garlic Butter

Is juicy, flavor-loaded salmon one of your favorite fish? It’s one of mine, and I’m always searching for new, exciting ways to prepare it — these Salmon Bites with garlic butter definitely fit the bill! In just 15 minutes, ordinary skinless salmon filets transform into crispy, mouth-watering bites, perfectly seasoned and bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce. This deceptively simple, one-pan recipe works equally well for busy weeknights or impressing guests, with a versatility that never fails to surprise me.

Beyond its quick preparation, I love how this recipe highlights salmon’s rich, natural taste. Seared in a skillet, the cubes of salmon develop a golden crust that locks in flavor and moisture. Then a light but flavorful garlic butter sauce adds a bright, savory dimension, perfectly complementing the fish’s natural umami. Sometimes I’ll serve it as a party appetizer with cocktail forks. The dish offers endless possibilities as either an appetizer or an entree and pairs well with a variety of sides, from fluffy rice to your favorite roasted or sautéed vegetables. Plus, cleanup is a breeze – and who doesn’t love that?

Ingredients for Salmon Bites

• Salmon Filets: Look for skinless fresh salmon filets that are vibrant in color, with a fresh, sea-breeze aroma and an even thickness for consistent cooking. The flesh should be firm and bounce back when pressed lightly.
• Vegetable Oil: I use oil with a high smoke point, like avocado, grapeseed or canola oil. When cooking at high temperatures, these oils will not break down or add a strong flavor.
• Butter: When I can, I use high-fat, European-style butter because it has less water content, which reduces splatter during cooking and adds a luxurious richness to the dish. If you can’t find it, regular butter works, too.
• Fresh Garlic: Always use fresh cloves here. Look for firm, plump ones without any green sprouts. The flavor is unbeatable and worth the extra effort of peeling and mincing.
• Lemons: Try to find bright, firm ones with smooth skin. If they feel heavy for their size, they’re likely to be juicy.
• Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley should have bright green leaves and firm stems with no signs of wilting or yellowing. I’ll give it a sniff — it should smell fresh and slightly peppery!
• Kosher Salt: I prefer kosher salt for its clean taste and larger grains, which make it easier to control seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground is the way to go here. There’s a big difference in aroma and flavor compared to pre-ground pepper.

Recipe Options

• Skin-On Variation: Love crispy salmon skin? Try using skin-on salmon, starting by searing skin-side down. It takes an extra minute or two, but it’s worth it.
• Herb Swap: Try swapping parsley with dill or chives for a different flavor profile. I love experimenting with herbs here.
• Add Heat: For a spicy kick, consider sprinkling in some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
• Extra Citrus Zing: Want more citrus? Sometimes I’ll add some orange or lime zest to the sauce for an extra punch.
• Sauce Enrichment: For a fuller flavor, try stirring in a splash of white wine or chicken broth with the lemon juice.

How to Store and Reheat

Storing any leftover Salmon Bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Avoid using a microwave as it can dry out the salmon and affect its texture.

From weeknight dinners to elegant gatherings, these Salmon Bites with garlic butter have found their way into so many of my meals. They’re simple to make, yet always impress with their rich flavor. What I love most is how versatile they are – equally at home on a dinner plate or passed around as appetizers. If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy salmon, give this recipe a try. I think you’ll find it’s an easy way to add a touch of elegance to any meal.

How to Make Salmon Bites with Garlic Butter

Cut a skinless salmon fillet into 1-inch cubes, patting them dry, and seasoning generously with salt and pepper. In a large cast iron or non-stick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Place the salmon cubes in a single layer, cooking until one side turns deep golden-brown and the salmon is nearly opaque. Remove from heat, carefully flip the cubes, and transfer them to a serving platter.

In the same skillet over medium heat, melt butter, and add minced garlic, cooking until tender and scraping up the browned bits. Once the garlic is cooked, remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, and drizzle the sauce over the salmon. Finish by seasoning and garnishing as desired before serving.