Introduction
Sweet, spicy, and savory, these Spicy Maple Salmon Bites are a quick and delicious way to elevate your dinner table or impress at a party. Perfect as an appetizer, over rice, or in salads, these tender salmon pieces are coated in a rich maple glaze with a kick of heat.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 1 lb (450 g) salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Spicy Maple Glaze:
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
- Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels.
- Toss them in olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the salmon cubes and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Remove the salmon and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium.
- Add maple syrup, soy sauce, sriracha, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Stir and simmer for 1-2 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
Step 4: Coat the Salmon
- Return the cooked salmon bites to the skillet and gently toss to coat them in the glaze. Let them cook for 1 minute to absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately as an appetizer, over rice, or with roasted vegetables.
Tips:
- For extra crispiness, lightly coat the salmon cubes in cornstarch before searing.
- Adjust the sriracha and red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Try using honey instead of maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
These Spicy Maple Salmon Bites are irresistible with their perfect balance of heat and sweetness.