Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe
If you’re hunting for a dish that combines convenience with irresistible flavor, you absolutely have to try this Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe! Sweet, savory, and ready in under half an hour, this bite-sized salmon is kissed with a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce and finished with a sprinkle of bright garnishes for good measure. It’s quick enough for weeknights yet delightful enough to serve when friends drop by, all while letting salmon shine at the center of the plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe truly special is how a handful of vibrant, easily accessible ingredients come together to highlight the salmon’s natural richness. Each element plays a unique role—giving depth, aroma, and just the right balance of sweet and savory.
- Salmon Fillet (1 pound, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes): Choose a fresh, firm fillet for the best flavor and texture—wild-caught if possible adds an extra pop.
- Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): Lays the salty, umami-packed foundation for the teriyaki glaze.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Adds natural sweetness and helps the sauce develop a silky sheen.
- Brown Sugar (1 tablespoon): Gives a subtle molasses note, increasing the sauce’s depth and richness.
- Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brightens up the sauce and balances out the sweetness with a bit of tang.
- Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon): Provides aromatic, nutty complexity that’s quintessential in Asian-inspired dishes.
- Fresh Ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Brings warmth and a soft zing, waking up all the flavors.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with an irresistible savory aroma and taste.
- Cornstarch Slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water): Thickens the sauce so it clings beautifully to the salmon.
- Sesame Seeds & Sliced Green Onions (for garnish): Add a pop of color, crunch, and fresh flavor to finish.
How to Make Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, fresh ginger, and garlic. It takes just a minute, and you’ll immediately notice that signature teriyaki aroma wafting up! This is all the magic your salmon needs—the mixture does double duty as both marinade and sauce, maximizing flavor in minimal steps.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
Place your cubed salmon in a shallow dish or zip-top bag, and pour half of your just-made marinade over the top. Toss ever-so-gently to coat every nugget, then slide it into the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes. That short soak is enough to let those sweet and savory notes sink into the fish, making every bite succulent.
Step 3: Sear the Salmon Bites
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Remove salmon from the marinade (letting any excess drip off), then place each piece in the hot pan. Let them sizzle for 2 to 3 minutes on each side—enough to brown but not dry out. You’ll notice the sides turn opaque and the kitchen will fill with incredible aromas. If you love a crispier crust, lightly toss your salmon in a bit of cornstarch first for a golden finish.
Step 4: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
While your salmon is cooking, grab the reserved half of the marinade and pour it into a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Give it 1 to 2 minutes to thicken into a glossy, spoon-coating sauce—this is what will make your Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe restaurant-worthy.
Step 5: Sauce and Garnish
Once your salmon bites are perfectly cooked, drizzle the thickened teriyaki sauce over the top. Give them a gentle toss to coat every surface, then slide everything onto a platter. Shower with sesame seeds and sliced green onions right before serving for that unmistakable finishing flourish!
How to Serve Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe

Garnishes
The classic finish for any Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe is a generous scattering of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of fresh, thinly sliced green onions. These small extras provide a wonderful contrast in texture and a pop of color that makes each bite look as inviting as it tastes. If you’re feeling extra, a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped cilantro adds a new twist!
Side Dishes
Traditional steamed white rice is a perfect partner for soaking up that luxurious glaze. For something lighter, go for fluffy jasmine rice or even a bowl of steamed or roasted veggies—think broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy. If you’re in a hurry, even a simple Asian slaw can round out the meal and keep things fresh and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
Skewer the salmon bites with cocktail picks for a fun appetizer platter, or pile them into lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held option. You can even tuck the bites into warm mini tortillas with crunchy cabbage for a teriyaki-inspired taco night! However you serve them, this Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe adapts beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe, just pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so don’t hesitate to enjoy them cold or gently warmed up for a quick lunch.
Freezing
While fresh salmon always tastes best, you can freeze leftover bites if needed. Simply let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place the salmon bites in a covered skillet over low heat, or microwave them in short bursts until just warmed through. Avoid overcooking—they only need a quick reheat to revive their tenderness and keep the sauce glossy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen salmon works just fine—just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted very dry before marinating. This helps the marinade penetrate and prevents excess liquid in the pan.
Is the Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe gluten-free?
With a simple swap to tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, you can easily make this dish gluten-free. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s a breeze to adapt.
What can I substitute for honey?
If you’re out of honey, pure maple syrup or agave nectar offers a similar sweetness and viscosity, keeping your sauce lush and flavorful. Both bring their own subtle personality to the finished dish!
Can I bake these salmon bites instead of pan-searing?
Definitely! Line a baking sheet with parchment, arrange the marinated salmon pieces, and broil or bake at 425°F for 7-10 minutes. They’ll still be tender and can be sauced and garnished just like the skillet version.
Does this Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe work with other proteins?
Yes, feel free to swap the salmon for cubed chicken, shrimp, or even tofu! The marinade and sauce pair beautifully with all of them, making this recipe a fun base for all sorts of dinner adventures.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s as easy as it is impressive, you can’t go wrong with this Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe. Give it a try the next time you crave a little sweet-and-savory magic—the rave reviews are practically guaranteed!
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Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Teriyaki Salmon Bites are a delicious Asian-inspired dish that is quick and easy to prepare. Tender salmon bites are marinated in a flavorful teriyaki sauce, then seared to perfection and drizzled with a sticky, sweet glaze.
Ingredients
Salmon Bites:
- 1 pound skinless salmon fillet (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Teriyaki Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Additional:
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
- Marinate Salmon: Coat salmon bites with half of the marinade and let sit for 15–30 minutes.
- Cook Salmon: Sear marinated salmon in a skillet until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Sauce: Simmer reserved marinade, add cornstarch slurry, and thicken.
- Finish Dish: Drizzle teriyaki sauce over salmon bites, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a crispier texture, lightly coat salmon in cornstarch before cooking.
- Recipe can be adapted for shrimp or tofu.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg