Salmon Bites with Garlic Butter

If you love juicy, flavor-packed salmon as much as I do, these Salmon Bites with garlic butter are worth trying. In just 15 minutes, skinless salmon fillets become crisp-edged, golden bites coated in a simple garlic butter sauce. It’s a one-pan recipe that works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for casual entertaining.

What I like most is how the cooking method brings out the salmon’s natural richness. A quick sear gives each piece a lightly crisp crust while keeping the inside tender. The garlic butter sauce adds just enough savory depth to complement the fish without overpowering it. Sometimes I serve these as appetizers with cocktail forks, other times as a main course with rice or sautéed vegetables. However you serve them, they’re easy to cook, easy to clean up, and full of flavor.

Ingredients for Salmon Bites

• Salmon fillets: Look for skinless salmon that’s vibrant in color and smells clean, like the sea. The flesh should feel firm and bounce back when pressed. Even thickness helps it cook evenly.
• Vegetable oil: Use a high-smoke-point oil like avocado, grapeseed, or canola. These hold up well to high heat without smoking or adding strong flavor.
• Butter: I like to use European-style butter when I have it. It has less water, so it splatters less and adds a richer flavor. Regular unsalted butter works too.
• Fresh garlic: Go for firm, plump cloves with no green sprouts. The flavor is worth the minute it takes to peel and mince.
• Lemons: Choose lemons that are smooth, bright, and heavy for their size. That usually means they’re juicy.
• Fresh parsley: Look for crisp stems and bright green leaves with no yellowing or wilting. I always give it a sniff—it should smell fresh and a little 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: If you love crispy salmon skin, try using skin-on fillets and sear them skin-side down first. It takes a little longer but adds great texture.
• Herb swap: Parsley works well, but dill or chives are great options too. I like to switch it up depending on what I have on hand.
• Add heat: For a spicy edge, sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne.
• Extra citrus zing: If you want a little more brightness, try adding orange or lime zest to the sauce. Just a touch makes a big difference.
• Sauce enrichment: For deeper flavor, stir in a splash of white wine or a bit of 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, but feel like a splurge. 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.

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.