Garlic Butter Salmon Bites

$You need 1 pound of fresh salmon fillet. Make sure it is skinless. Cut the salmon into bite-sized cubes. This size helps it cook evenly. Fresh salmon is best for flavor and texture. For this dish, use 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Butter adds richness to the salmon. You will also need 4 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic gives your dish a strong and tasty flavor. You will need 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped. This herb adds a nice touch of color and freshness. Also, squeeze in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for a zesty kick. Finally, season with salt and black pepper to taste. If you like heat, add ½ teaspoon of chili flakes. These are optional but can spice things up. Don't forget lemon wedges to serve with your dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, take your fresh salmon fillet and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Make sure to use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Pat the salmon cubes dry with a paper towel. This step helps the salmon sear nicely. Once dry, season the cubes with salt and black pepper on all sides. This simple seasoning enhances the salmon's flavor. Next, grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Add four tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Swirl the pan gently as the butter melts. You want it to melt completely without browning. This melted butter will create a rich base for our garlic butter sauce. Now, it's time to cook the salmon bites. - Adding Garlic and Finishing Touches: Increase the heat to medium-high. Carefully add the salmon cubes to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on one side until they turn golden brown. Use tongs or a spatula to gently flip the cubes. Cook them for another 2 to 3 minutes until they are cooked through. They should flake easily but still feel tender. After cooking, lower the heat. Stir in the minced garlic, fresh parsley, lemon juice, and, if you like spice, chili flakes. Swirl the pan to coat the salmon in the garlic butter sauce. - Serving the Dish: Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the garlic butter salmon bites right away. Garnish with more parsley and lemon wedges for squeezing over the top. The lemon adds a bright touch that balances the richness of the butter. Enjoy these tasty bites while they’re hot! When you pick salmon, look for bright, shiny skin. The flesh should be firm and moist. Fresh salmon has a clean smell, not fishy. Ask your fishmonger for skinless fillets if you prefer. Always check the sell-by date for freshness. To get those golden brown bites, dry the salmon first. This step helps it sear well. Use medium-high heat in your skillet. Add the salmon in a single layer. Avoid crowding the pan; it can steam instead of sear. Flip the salmon gently after a few minutes. Cook until it easily flakes. You can customize the flavor to match your taste. Add more garlic for a bolder taste. A splash of soy sauce can bring umami depth. For a citrus twist, try lime juice instead of lemon. If you like heat, mix in more chili flakes. Experiment until you find your perfect blend! Pro Tips Dry the Salmon: Patting the salmon dry before seasoning helps achieve a better sear and enhances flavor. Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the salmon in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and parsley for the best flavor; dried herbs will not provide the same intensity. Adjust the Heat: Control the skillet heat carefully to avoid burning the garlic, which can turn bitter. {{image_2}} To make spicy garlic butter salmon bites, add chili flakes. Use ½ teaspoon for a kick. You can also use hot sauce for more heat. Mix the hot sauce with lemon juice before adding it to the pan. This will give your bites a zesty flavor with a spicy twist. If you love herbs, try adding fresh dill or basil. Both herbs pair well with salmon. You can also use dried herbs like thyme or oregano. Chop the herbs finely and mix them in with the garlic. This adds depth to the garlic butter sauce. You will enjoy the fresh taste in every bite. You can cook salmon bites in different ways. Try baking them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the salmon bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until cooked through. Another method is grilling. Use skewers to hold the salmon cubes. Grill them for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. Each method gives a unique flavor and texture to the salmon bites. After enjoying your garlic butter salmon bites, you can save leftovers. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the salmon bites to room temperature first. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. The flavor remains good, but the texture may change a bit. To reheat your salmon bites, use a skillet or oven for best results. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little butter to the pan. Once hot, add the salmon bites. Sear for about 2-3 minutes until warm. You can also use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon bites on a baking tray and heat for about 10 minutes. This keeps them moist and tasty. If you want to save them longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled salmon bites in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out the air before sealing. Label the bag with the date. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. To use, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, you keep the best flavor and texture. You cook salmon bites for about 5 to 6 minutes total. Start by searing them for 2 to 3 minutes on one side. Then flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. They should be golden brown and flaky when done. Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it first. Thawing helps the salmon cook evenly. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture. This step ensures a great sear. Garlic butter salmon bites pair well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli - A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette - Rice or quinoa for a filling meal - Garlic bread for a tasty touch These sides will balance the rich flavors of the salmon bites. You now know how to make delicious garlic butter salmon bites. We covered fresh salmon, garlic, and herbs as key ingredients. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation and cooking. You learned tips on selecting and searing salmon for great bites. We explored fun variations and how to store leftovers. Keep your dish simple yet tasty. Try different flavors to make it your own. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Delicious bite-sized salmon cubes sautéed in garlic butter, perfect as an appetizer or main dish.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skinless and cut into bite-sized cubes
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
to taste Salt and black pepper
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
for serving Lemon wedges

Instructions

Prepare the Salmon: Start by patting the salmon cubes dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which will help them sear better. Season with salt and black pepper on all sides.
Melt the Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the unsalted butter and let it melt completely, swirling the pan to coat the bottom.
Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Cook Salmon Bites: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the salmon cubes to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown, then gently flip the cubes using tongs or a spatula. Cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until cooked through (the salmon should easily flake but still be tender).
Add Flavor: Once the salmon is done, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the fresh parsley, lemon juice, and chili flakes (if using). Swirl the pan to coat the salmon bites in the garlic butter sauce.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and accompanied with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Notes

For a spicy kick, add chili flakes.

Keyword appetizer, butter, garlic, salmon