Stovetop Crispy Salmon Bites (15-Minute Recipe)

Crispy salmon bites made on the stovetop are perfectly seasoned with paprika, onion, and garlic, then seared until golden and crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Ready in just 15 minutes, this easy, protein-packed dish is full of flavor!

This recipe for crispy salmon bites has just three easy steps and makes a great main course.

You'll master this recipe in one try, and you can serve it in so many different healthy and delicious ways.

My favorite: Add charred broccoli and serve it over roasted garlic rice.

Ingredient Notes

• salmon - Select salmon with firm flesh and a fresh aroma. I prefer to remove the skin for this recipe, but leaving it on is okay, too.
• smoked paprika - Paprika is made from dried, ground red peppers. It ranges from mild to hot - use whatever intensity you like. I love smoked paprika because the peppers used have been smoked, which adds a delicious smoky flavor to the salmon.
• dried minced onion - I love using the dried minced onion because they crisp up nicely and add to the overall crunch.
• garlic powder - I prefer the fine garlic powder because the flavor evenly spreads over the salmon.
• Kosher salt - I cook with Kosher salt because I like its larger flake size and it usually doesn't contain additives. (If you use table salt, use half the amount.)
• cornstarch - Cornstarch absorbs moisture, and when the salmon bites are seared over high heat, this helps to form a beautiful crust.
• olive oil

How to Make It

- Combine the paprika, garlic powder, dried minced onion, salt, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Be sure it's evenly blended together.

- Cut the salmon fillet into bite-sized cubes (1 to 2 inches), and add them to a mixing bowl with the spice mix. Gently toss so all of the salmon pieces are well coated. (This is easiest to do with your hands, and I usually wear cooking gloves for this sort of thing.)

- Place a large (12-inch+) nonstick skillet over high heat, and lightly coat the bottom with olive oil. Once it's hot, add the salmon bites in a single layer with space between them. (This is important for crispness!) You will most likely need to do this in two batches.

- Cook for about 4 minutes, flipping halfway through. When you flip them, turn the heat down a bit. They should be golden, crisp and deliciously aromatic. Transfer them to a bowl and set aside. Repeat with the remaining spiced salmon and then add this to the bowl.

That's it - you're done!

Variations

• Spicy version. There are a few ways to add heat to the crisped salmon bites. You can add cayenne pepper or crushed red chili to the spice mix. You can also use chili crunch or chili paste (sambal oelek). If you choose one of the latter two, toss the salmon with the salt and cornstarch first, then add the desired amount of the chili crunch or chili paste and mix to blend. (I'd use about 2 tablespoons.)
• Mild version. If you're adding the salmon bites to something that's already very flavorful, you might want to make a more bland version. In this case, use the salt, cornstarch, and a few turns of freshly ground black pepper.
• Try it with other proteins. This spice rub is also delicious with shrimp, chicken, or steak. Cooking times will vary, but the technique will stay the same. (If you use red meat, be sure to use a tender fast-cooking cut like ribeye, sirloin, or skirt steak.)

Serving Suggestions

I have a few favorite ways to serve this salmon:

• On a large platter with cubed avocado and citrus segments—not mixed; rather each item takes up a third of the platter. This combination of ingredients is incredibly delicious together, and is best when avocados are in season. They should be ripe, but slightly firm, and once cut, drizzle them with any excess citrus juice.
• Crispy salmon bites are also an excellent addition to a rice bowl. I love them with Coconut Rice and charred broccoli.
• It's also delicious to drizzle the salmon with Creamy Avocado-Lime Dressing. (With or without rice.)

⇧ Do you see those textures!? Flaky and tender inside, and perfectly crisped with tons of flavor outside.

Can you make it ahead?

Since making crispy salmon bites on the stovetop takes just a few minutes, so there's no need to make them ahead, and they're scrumptious right out of the pan! However, they're also fantastic at room temperature or even cold, in which case you can make them a few hours before you want to serve.

More Must-Try Salmon Deliciousness

I hope you love this recipe as much as my family and I do.