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To make sesame crusted salmon bites, you will need: - 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup sesame seeds (white and black for variety) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option) - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ginger powder - Salt and pepper, to taste - Green onions, for garnish You can easily change these ingredients based on what you have. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. If you want a different flavor, try using maple syrup instead of honey. You can also swap out panko breadcrumbs for crushed nuts or cornflakes for extra crunch. Want more spice? Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the coating mix. Using fresh salmon makes a big difference in taste. Fresh salmon has a firm texture and rich flavor. Look for bright, vibrant color and a clean sea smell. If it's dull or has a fishy smell, it’s not fresh. Fresh salmon enhances the overall taste of your dish. It pairs perfectly with the crunchy sesame coating and adds a delicious, healthy element to your meal. Always choose the best quality salmon for the best results. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Next, grab your fresh salmon fillet. Cut the salmon into bite-sized cubes, about 1 inch each. This size makes them easy to eat and cook evenly. Removing the skin helps the bites get crispy and tasty. In a medium bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and sesame seeds. I like to use both white and black seeds for color. Add garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper to the mix. In another small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and olive oil. Dip each salmon cube into the soy sauce mixture. Make sure it coats well. Then roll each cube into the panko-sesame mix. Press gently to stick the coating on. Place the coated salmon bites on a lined baking sheet. Space them out so they cook evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes. You want them to be golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, take them out and let them cool for a bit. Garnish with chopped green onions for a nice touch before serving. To get that perfect crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs. Mix these with white and black sesame seeds for extra texture. Press the salmon bites firmly into the coating. This helps it stick better when baking. You can boost the flavor in several ways. Try adding a splash of lemon juice to the soy sauce mix. This adds a fresh zing. For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can also brighten the dish. Experiment and find what you like best! One common mistake is overcrowding the baking sheet. Space the salmon bites apart. This allows hot air to circulate and keeps them crispy. Another mistake is not preheating the oven. Always make sure it’s hot before you bake. Finally, don’t skip the resting time after baking. Letting them cool slightly makes them easier to handle. Pro Tips Use Fresh Salmon: Ensure you use the freshest salmon possible for the best flavor and texture. Mix Up the Seeds: Experiment with different types of sesame seeds or even add other seeds like flax or chia for added nutrition. Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the salmon bites towards the end of the baking time to prevent overcooking. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Pair these bites with a homemade dipping sauce like a spicy mayo or ponzu for an extra burst of flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavors of these salmon bites. For a spicy kick, add chili powder or red pepper flakes to the panko mix. If you love citrus, try mixing in some lemon or lime zest. This brightens the dish and adds freshness. You can also use orange juice in the soy sauce mix for a sweet twist. Don't be afraid to experiment with your favorite flavors! Switching up the coating can create new tastes. Instead of panko breadcrumbs, you can use crushed nuts. Almonds or cashews work well. They add crunch and a nutty taste. You can also try different seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. They give a nice texture and a healthy boost. Mix in some spices to the coating for added flavor. These salmon bites are great for any occasion. Serve them as a fun appetizer at parties or gatherings. You can also make a meal by pairing them with rice or a fresh salad. For a nice dip, soy sauce is perfect, but you can also try a spicy mayo or a tangy yogurt dip. Garnishing with green onions not only looks good but also adds a fresh taste. You can store leftover sesame crusted salmon bites in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Make sure they cool down before sealing. This helps keep them crispy. To freeze these salmon bites, first let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 1 hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking. Reheat the salmon bites in the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bites on a baking sheet for about 10-12 minutes. This helps regain their crunch. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy. Yes, you can make these bites ahead. Prepare the salmon bites up to the baking step. Place them on a baking sheet and cover them with plastic wrap. You can store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This way, they stay fresh and ready to bake. When you’re ready, just pop them in the oven. You can serve these salmon bites with many sides. Some great options include: - Steamed rice - Quinoa - Mixed green salad - Roasted vegetables These sides balance the flavors and make a complete meal. You can also serve a small bowl of soy sauce for dipping. It adds a nice touch! To check if the salmon is done, look for a few signs. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. The inside should not be raw or too shiny. You can also use a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for salmon is 145°F (63°C). When you reach this temp, your salmon bites are ready to enjoy! In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious salmon bites. We covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfect results. Fresh salmon is vital for taste and texture. Always coat your salmon well for that crunchy finish. You can try various flavors and coatings to keep things exciting. Don’t forget the storage tips to enjoy leftovers! Making these bites can be fun and easy. I hope you feel ready to cook and impress with your salmon bites. Enjoy the process and delight in the flavor!

Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites

Delicious bite-sized salmon pieces coated with a crunchy sesame and panko crust.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds (white and black for variety)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ginger powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish green onions

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Cut the salmon fillet into bite-sized cubes (about 1 inch each).
  • In a medium bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and olive oil until well combined.
  • Dip each salmon cube into the soy sauce mixture, allowing it to coat evenly.
  • Roll each coated salmon cube into the panko-sesame mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
  • Place the coated salmon bites on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch.

Notes

Serve the salmon bites on a large platter, garnished with additional sesame seeds and green onions. Accompany with a small bowl of soy sauce for dipping.
Keyword appetizer, healthy, salmon, seafood