These Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Bites are simply delightful! They feature bite-sized pieces of salmon, perfectly crispy on the outside and sweet with a hint of heat from hot honey.
Honestly, they’re so tasty that you may find yourself sneaking a few straight from the oven. I know I do! Perfect for snacks or as a fun appetizer at parties!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is ideal for this recipe, but you can also use frozen salmon—just make sure it’s completely thawed and well-drained. If you’re looking for a milder flavor, try using cod or tilapia instead.
Flour and Cornmeal: I like the combination of all-purpose flour and cornmeal for a nice crunch. If you’re gluten-free, you can swap these for a gluten-free flour blend and cornmeal made from gluten-free grains.
Spices: The mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne adds a lovely kick. If you want something milder, skip the cayenne or use smoked paprika instead for a different flavor.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, a mix of regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice works fine. I often use Greek yogurt thinned with a bit of water; it adds creaminess.
Hot Sauce: Sriracha is a great choice, but any hot sauce you love will work. For a milder option, try a sweet chili sauce instead, which has flavor without too much heat.
How Do I Ensure the Salmon Bites are Perfectly Crispy?
Getting that crispy texture is key to this dish! After coating the salmon in the flour-cornmeal mixture, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. This prevents the bites from soaking up too much oil.
- Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature; around 350°F (175°C) is ideal.
- Fry in batches. Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy bites.
- After frying, place the salmon on paper towels to absorb any excess oil, keeping them crispy.
Remember not to rush this step—getting that golden brown color takes just a few minutes, but patience pays off with texture!
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1/2 tbsp vinegar)
- Oil for frying (such as vegetable oil)
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1-2 tbsp hot sauce (like Sriracha or your choice of hot sauce)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and another 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 35 minutes from start to finish—a quick and delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, lemon zest (if you want to add some zing), lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Set this mixture aside for a bit to let the flavors combine nicely.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and some salt and pepper. This is going to give the salmon a crispy, flavorful coating.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk together until well combined. This mixture will help the coating stick to the salmon.
4. Coat the Salmon:
Take each salmon cube and dip it into the egg mixture first, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dredge it in the flour-cornmeal mixture, packing it on well to ensure a good crunch.
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat enough oil over medium-high heat until it’s hot, about 350°F (175°C). You can test if it’s ready by dropping a small piece of batter in—if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
6. Fry the Salmon Bites:
Carefully add the coated salmon cubes to the hot oil in batches, so they’re not too crowded. Fry them until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bites to a paper towel-lined plate to let any excess oil drain off.
7. Serve with Hot Honey Sauce:
Once all the salmon bites are cooked, you can drizzle the hot honey sauce over them or serve it on the side for dipping. Both options are delicious!
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, sprinkle some fresh thyme on top and add lemon wedges for a pop of color. Serve your crispy hot honey salmon bites immediately and enjoy the tasty goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to fully thaw it beforehand. The best way to thaw is to leave it in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. Once thawed, pat it dry to ensure a crispy coating when frying.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mixing regular milk with vinegar is a great substitute! For every 1/2 cup of buttermilk, combine 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
How Can I Make the Salmon Bites Less Spicy?
If you prefer mild flavors, you can simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the coating and use less hot sauce in the honey sauce. Additionally, consider adding a bit of sugar to the honey mixture to balance the heat without sacrificing flavor!
How to Store Leftover Salmon Bites?
To store leftovers, place the cooled salmon bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, briefly warm them in a hot oven (about 350°F or 175°C) to help maintain their crispy texture, rather than using a microwave, which may make them soggy.
