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BBQ salmon bites are the best way to eat salmon. They're tossed in a flavorful spice mix and then pan-seared to perfection. So easy and delicious, and best of all - no marinating or oven required!
What is it about salmon that eating it in bite form is somehow more appealing than a fillet? There's no worrying if the thinner edges are going to be overcooked while the middle is still raw. Each bite is tender, well-seasoned, and perfectly cooked to your liking making it a foolproof method.
These bites would be amazing served with nectarine salsa and coconut lime rice. Yum!
Ingredients
- Salmon fillet - with the bones and skin removed.
- Extra virgin olive oil - to coat and cook the salmon.
- Spice mix: coconut sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, kosher salt, and pepper.
- Sweet chili mustard (optional) - this is an easy homemade honey mustard with some hot sauce for a little heat. The salmon is so good on its own though and doesn't really need this sauce.
How to Make Salmon Bites
Mix together the coconut sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
Cut the salmon into 1.5-inch cubes and add to a bowl along with one tablespoon of the olive oil and the spice mixture. Thoroughly mix everything together.
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add in the seasoned salmon cubes and arrange them in a single layer. Cook on one side for 4 minutes, flip over and cook another 2-3 minutes on the other side, depending on preference of doneness.
While the salmon cooks, mix together the sweet chili mustard in a bowl. Don't like spice? Leave out the sriracha for a delicious honey mustard instead.
Make It Your Way: Substitutions & Variations
Please remember that recipes are just a starting point.
How can you make these bbq salmon bites using what you already have? Here are some ideas…
- No coconut sugar? - use brown sugar or another granulated sugar instead.
- No salmon? – arctic char, trout, or tilapia are great substitutes.
- No smoked paprika? - use sweet paprika instead.
- No garlic powder? - you can use minced fresh garlic instead.
- No onion powder? - just leave it out.
- No dijon mustard? - use yellow mustard instead.
- Variations - use another spice blend or dipping sauce such as Japanese spicy mayo or chipotle lime mayo.
Equipment
All you need to make this recipe is a sharp chef's knife, cutting board, measuring spoons, mixing bowls, and a 10-inch skillet (I love cast iron to get a nice char, but any skillet will do).
Top Tip
Don’t worry about the cubes being perfect. Fillets can vary quite a bit in thickness, so just keep on an eye on them while they cook, removing the thinner pieces from the pan a minute or two early.
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BBQ Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon, bones and skin removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
BBQ Spice Mix
- 2 teaspoons coconut sugar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sweet Chili Mustard (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- ½ - 1 teaspoon sriracha, optional
Instructions
- Mix together the coconut sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
- Cut the salmon into 1.5-inch cubes and add to a bowl along with one tablespoon of the olive oil and the spice mixture. Thoroughly mix everything together.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add in the seasoned salmon cubes and arrange in a single layer. Cook on one side for 4 minutes, flip over and cook another 2-3 minutes, depending on preference of doneness.
- While the salmon cooks, mix together the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Don't like spicy things? Leave out the sriracha for a delicious honey mustard instead.
Suzie says
I made the BBQ salmon bites tonight. They are so easy and so delicious!
I also made the mustard chili sauce. You don’t need it but it adds a nice dimension of flavor. Either way, this is a great recipe, great for busy cooks!
Lindsey says
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review! 🙂 So glad it was a hit!