Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe
If you’re hunting for a show-stopping weeknight dinner or a dazzling party appetizer, this Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe will absolutely win you over. Imagine tender salmon cubes, kissed with a glossy homemade teriyaki glaze and finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions. With every bite, you’ll get that sweet, salty, and umami-packed flavor that makes teriyaki so irresistible. Plus, this dish is quick to prepare and feels extra special, whether you’re serving it over rice or sharing it as finger food with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe is that it relies on simple, fresh ingredients, each playing a unique role. From the rich salmon to the zippy ginger and the sweet touch of honey, every element builds flavor and texture in every bite.
- Salmon fillet (1 lb, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes): Fresh salmon makes the bites buttery and tender, so aim for high-quality fillets.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): Gives the dish its signature salty, umami backbone without overpowering the salmon.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds a mellow sweetness that balances out the salty soy and tangy vinegar.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Lends a bright acidity, keeping the glaze lively and not too heavy.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Brings a toasty, nutty aroma that ties all the flavors together.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Fresh ginger’s zing cuts through the richness of the fish and sweet sauce.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Garlic adds complexity and depth to the homemade teriyaki sauce.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the sauce to that perfect, glossy consistency.
- Water (2 tablespoons): Mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry for thickening.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Perfect for searing and giving the salmon a golden crust.
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions: The final flourish that adds color, crunch, and a fresh pop.
How to Make Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade
Start by grabbing a small bowl and whisking together your soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. This mixture is the foundation of your Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe, giving every bite a punch of flavor. Make sure everything is well combined and that the honey is fully dissolved for a smooth marinade.
Step 2: Marinate the Salmon
Place your salmon cubes in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag, then pour half of the marinade over them. Reserve the other half for the glaze. Let the salmon soak up all those delicious flavors in the refrigerator for about 15 to 30 minutes. Avoid marinating too long, or the fish can get mushy—just enough time to infuse it with teriyaki goodness.
Step 3: Thicken the Glaze
While the salmon is marinating, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir it into the marinade. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Set it aside; you’ll use this as the finishing glaze.
Step 4: Sear the Salmon Bites
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the salmon cubes from the marinade, pat them dry with paper towels (this helps them sear, not steam), and arrange them in the hot skillet. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and cooked just through. Don’t crowd the pan; work in batches if you need to for even cooking.
Step 5: Glaze and Garnish
Once your salmon bites are beautifully seared, remove them from the heat and drizzle the thickened teriyaki glaze all over. Toss gently to coat. Finish by sprinkling with sesame seeds and chopped green onions—the classic final touch for any Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe!
How to Serve Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe

Garnishes
For a truly eye-catching presentation, don’t skip the garnishes. A generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a subtle crunch, while the vibrant green onions provide fresh flavor and color. If you’re feeling fancy, a little zest of lime or a few sprigs of cilantro can also elevate your platter.
Side Dishes
These salmon bites pair beautifully with fluffy steamed rice, garlicky stir-fried noodles, or even a crisp Asian-inspired slaw. For a lighter meal, serve them atop a bed of mixed greens or alongside steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. The beauty of this Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe is how easily it slots into so many different meal combos.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, thread the salmon cubes onto skewers for easy sharing, or serve them in lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held option. For a party platter, arrange the bites on a large tray with toothpicks and little bowls of extra teriyaki glaze for dipping. No matter how you serve it, this recipe always gets rave reviews.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), let the salmon bites cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors will continue to deepen, making the bites just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooled Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe portions in a single layer on a baking sheet until just frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Warm the salmon bites gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra teriyaki glaze to keep things saucy. You can also reheat them in the microwave in short bursts, but be careful not to overcook—the salmon is best when it stays moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure the salmon is fully thawed and patted dry before marinating. Fresh salmon is always ideal, but high-quality frozen fillets work beautifully.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes! Simply swap out the regular soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. This small tweak makes the Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe perfect for gluten-sensitive guests.
How long should I marinate the salmon?
Keep the marinating time to 15 to 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to infuse without breaking down the delicate texture of the salmon. Avoid marinating longer, as acids in the marinade can make the fish too soft.
Can I make this Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the marinade and cut the salmon in advance. For best results, cook the salmon bites just before serving so they stay juicy and fresh. The glaze can also be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
What’s the best pan to use for searing?
A large nonstick skillet is ideal, as it helps prevent sticking and ensures even browning. If you don’t have nonstick, a well-seasoned cast iron skillet is a great alternative—just make sure to use enough oil.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe enough—it’s the kind of dish that’s both quick to make and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re serving it as a party appetizer or a weeknight dinner, these salmon bites are a celebration of flavor in every mouthful. Give them a try, and you just might find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!
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Teriyaki Salmon Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Teriyaki Salmon Bites featuring tender salmon cubes glazed with a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these bites are marinated to perfection and seared to achieve a golden crust, then finished with a thickened teriyaki glaze and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Ingredients
Salmon Marinade and Bites
- 1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Thickened Teriyaki Glaze
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Cooking and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for searing)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon cubes in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Pour half of the prepared marinade over the salmon, reserving the other half for later. Refrigerate and marinate the salmon for 15 to 30 minutes to infuse flavor without over-marinating.
- Make the Teriyaki Glaze: While the salmon marinates, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the marinade. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Sear the Salmon Bites: Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the salmon cubes from the marinade and gently pat them dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture. Sear the salmon for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Drizzle the thickened teriyaki glaze over the seared salmon bites. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- Avoid marinating salmon for longer than 30 minutes to prevent the fish from becoming mushy.
- These salmon bites pair excellently with steamed rice, noodles, or a side of sautéed or steamed vegetables.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari for the soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 60mg