These crispy hot honey salmon bites are a delightful combination of crunchy texture and sweet, savory flavors. They make a fantastic addition to your party or even as an elegant appetizer for a special occasion.
What are crispy salmon bites made of?
Here’s a description of each ingredient used in making crispy hot honey salmon bites:
- Salmon Fillets (Boneless and Skinless): Salmon fillets are the star of this dish. They provide a rich and flaky texture with a mild, savory flavor. Salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and potassium.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is drizzled over the salmon pieces before baking. It adds moisture and helps achieve a crispy exterior while enhancing the dish’s overall taste with its fruity and slightly peppery notes.
- Dried Italian Herbs: A blend of dried Italian herbs typically includes herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. These herbs bring a fragrant, earthy, and Mediterranean-inspired flavor to the salmon.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Salt and black pepper are essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish. Salt adds savory depth, while black pepper adds a touch of spiciness.
- Sweet Paprika: Sweet paprika is a ground spice made from dried sweet red peppers. It adds a mild, sweet, and smoky flavor to the salmon, as well as a reddish hue to the breadcrumbs.
- Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs serve as the crispy coating for the salmon bites. They provide a crunchy texture and absorb the flavors of the herbs and spices.
- Honey: Honey is used to create a sweet and sticky glaze that coats the crispy salmon bites. It adds a delightful sweetness to balance the savory and spicy flavors.
- Hot Sauce: Hot sauce is added to the honey glaze to introduce a hint of spiciness. The level of heat can be adjusted to your preference, making the dish as mild or spicy as you like.
Each of these ingredients plays a specific role in creating the delicious combination of flavors and textures in crispy honey salmon bites, resulting in a dish that’s both sweet and savory with a satisfying crunch.
How to make Hot Honey Salmon Bites?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in the oven as it preheats. Pat the salmon pieces dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Drizzle the salmon pieces with olive oil.
In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, dried Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and sweet paprika. Mix well. Place the mixture into the container, add salmon bites, and toss everything so the salmon bites are fully covered.
Carefully remove the preheated baking sheet from the oven (use oven mitts), and spread the salmon bites on it in a single layer.
Drizzle with additional olive oil and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes.
Prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey and hot sauce. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Once the salmon bites are done baking, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the honey-hot sauce glaze over the salmon and gently toss to coat them evenly. Enjoy!
What to eat with crispy salmon?
Crispy salmon pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments. Here are some delicious options to consider:
- Green Vegetables: Serve crispy salmon with steamed or roasted green vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts. These vegetables provide a healthy and fresh contrast to the richness of the salmon. Here are some ideas:
- Salads: A light and refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette can be a perfect side to balance the richness of the salmon. Here are some salad pairings:
- Quinoa or Couscous: Nutty quinoa or fluffy couscous can be excellent choices for a grain-based side dish. They are versatile and quick to prepare. Here are some recipes:
- Pasta: Serve crispy salmon alongside your favorite pasta dishes. Creamy Alfredo, lemon garlic pasta, or a simple olive oil and herb pasta can all work well. Here are some ideas:
- Sauces: Pair crispy salmon with a complementary sauce such as hollandaise, lemon butter sauce, or dill sauce. These sauces enhance the flavors and add extra richness.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw with a tangy dressing can provide a nice contrast to the crispy salmon’s texture and flavor. Here are some recipes:
Remember to choose side dishes that you enjoy and that complement the flavors of your crispy salmon to create a balanced and satisfying meal. The options are endless, so you can mix and match to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- ½ lb. salmon fillets, skinless and boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in the oven as it preheats.
- Pat the salmon pieces dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture and cut it into bites. Drizzle the salmon pieces in the olive oil.
- In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, dried Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and sweet paprika. Mix well. Place the mixture into the container, add salmon bites and toss everything so the salmon bites fully covered.
- Carefully remove the preheated baking sheet from the oven (use oven mitts), and spread the salmon bites on it in a single layer. Drizzle with additional olive oil and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes.
- Prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey and hot sauce. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Once the salmon bites are done baking, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the honey-hot sauce glaze over the salmon and gently toss to coat them evenly. Enjoy!
Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Bites