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Morsels of tender salmon coated in a teriyaki glaze pack your mouth full of umami flavor in this Teriyaki Salmon Bites recipe. We start with fresh salmon, layer with an easy homemade teriyaki sauce and let the stovetop do the work! This is a fast and flavorful meal your family is sure to love!
Using ingredients you probably already have at home, you can make a simple homemade teriyaki that is bursting with flavor for our cubed salmon recipe. Soy sauce provides the umami base; brown sugar and lemon juice bring sweet and sour notes; and garlic and ginger finish the sauce with slightly spicy aromatics. Salmon teriyaki bites make for a delightful midweek dish!
Why I Love This Recipe
- It’s family-friendly. This recipe tends to be a hit with kids young and old since the flavor is familiar and comforting.
- It’s beautiful. The golden-brown seared salmon cubes, garnished with sesame seeds and chives are as enjoyable to look at as they are to eat!
- It’s quick and easy. It’s a relatively quick and straightforward recipe, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a delicious appetizer for a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Salmon: Use fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture. You can replace it with frozen salmon or other fish firm, flavorful fish if preferred.
- Soy sauce: Soy sauce provides the salty, umami flavor in teriyaki. You can use low-sodium soy sauce for a milder option, or try tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
- Lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a bright, citrus flavor to the dish. Alternatively, lime juice can be used if you don’t have lemons. If you don’t have lemon in hand, use some rice vinegar.
- Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness to the teriyaki sauce. Honey, maple syrup, or agave can be used for slightly different tastes.
- Garlic: Garlic provides a savory aroma and flavor. You can use garlic powder or minced garlic instead.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a spicy, aromatic kick. Ground ginger or ginger paste can be used if fresh isn’t an option.
- Salt and Pepper: : Salt and Pepper enhances the overall flavor. Adjust the amount to taste.
- Olive oil: Olive oil has a rich flavor and healthy fat content. Substitute with your neutral-flavored oil of choice if desired.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and a crunchy texture to the garnish. Feel free to leave them off if you prefer.
- Chives: Chives are used as a garnish and for a mild onion flavor. You can substitute with green onions, or omit them if desired.
How To Make Teriyaki Salmon Bites
Step 1: Prepare the equipment. Pat dry the salmon cubes with a paper towel and set them aside. Gather mixing bowls.
Step 2: Mix teriyaki sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the ingredients to prepare the teriyaki sauce: soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Marinate salmon. Place the salmon cubes in the bowl and pour approximately 3-4 tablespoons of the prepared teriyaki sauce mixture over them. Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 4: Reduce the remaining teriyaki. While the salmon is marinating, heat a skillet with oil over medium heat. Take the remaining sauce mixture and add a teaspoon of sesame seeds to a saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a boil, and allow it to slightly thicken.
Step 5: Cook the salmon. Add the marinated salmon cubes in a single layer, and cook for 4-5 minutes. Flip them and continue cooking until the salmon is completely cooked through.
Step 6: Garnish and serve. Once done, garnish the salmon cubes with sesame seeds and chives. Serve the salmon cubes over the rice and enjoy.
Expert Tips
- When cutting the salmon into cubes, aim for even-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- If you have time, allow the salmon cubes to marinate for at least 20-30 minutes.
- Cook just until the salmon turns opaque and flakes easily, which usually takes 2-3 minutes per side.
- Allow the salmon to rest for a minute or two after cooking. This lets the juices redistribute, keeping the salmon moist.
What To Serve with Teriyaki Salmon Bites
You can serve lots of dishes with salmon bites! Great choices include steamed vegetables, jasmine rice, Udon noodles, Chili Garlic Noodles, Vegetarian Lo Mein Noodles, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with pickled ginger or miso soup.
Storing and Reheating
Storing: Salmon teriyaki bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Reheating: The best way to reheat it is to use an oven or stovetop. Place it in a covered dish in the oven at a low temperature or gently reheat it in a pan with a bit of water or additional teriyaki sauce.
Freezing: You can freeze leftover cubed salmon teriyaki in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat it gently in the oven or on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Frequently Asked Questions
The ideal cooked salmon temperature for most people is 120 °F to 125 °F, or Medium. It should also flake easily with a fork, without any translucent center.
If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken it.
Yes! You can make a healthier version by using low-sodium soy sauce, reducing the sugar content, and adding more vegetables or serving it with brown rice.
Yes you can. But make sure you thaw the salmon completely before cooking. Pat dry to remove all the extra moisture.
More Salmon Recipes
If you love Teriyaki Salmon, try my Grilled Teriyaki Salmon, Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon or Baked Teriyaki Salmon. You can also try some of these salmon recipes below.
- Brown Sugar Baked Salmon
- Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
- Creamy Cajun Salmon
- Baked Lemon Pepper Salmon
- Crispy Baked Salmon
Succulent pieces of salmon bathed in a homemade teriyaki sauce are the answer to your weeknight dinner woes. Serve with some white rice and veggies or add them to wraps, bowls, or salads.
If you try this recipe or any of my other recipes, please leave a star rating in the comment section below because I love hearing from my readers. Also follow me at Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK |INSTAGRAM |PINTEREST for all of my latest social posts and recipes.
Teriyaki Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb salmon, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons chopped chives
Instructions
- Pat dry the salmon cubes with a paper towel and set them aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ingredients to prepare the teriyaki sauce: soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Place the salmon cubes in the bowl and pour approximately 3-4 tablespoons of the prepared teriyaki sauce mixture over them. Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- While the salmon is marinating, heat a skillet with oil over medium heat. Take the remaining sauce mixture and add a teaspoon of sesame seeds to a saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a boil, and allow it to slightly thicken.
- Add the marinated salmon cubes in a single layer, and cook for 4-5 minutes. Flip them and continue cooking until the salmon is completely cooked through.
- Once done, garnish the salmon cubes with sesame seeds and chives. Serve the salmon cubes over the rice and enjoy.
Notes
- When cutting the salmon into cubes, aim for even-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- If you have time, allow the salmon cubes to marinate for at least 20-30 minutes.
- Cook just until the salmon turns opaque and flakes easily, which usually takes 2-3 minutes per side.
- Allow the salmon to rest for a minute or two after cooking. This lets the juices redistribute, keeping the salmon moist.
- Storing: Salmon teriyaki bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
