Cajun Garlic Butter Salmon Bites
Salmon bites are perfectly seasoned, pan-fried until flaky and tender, then coated with cajun garlic butter. Devour these crispy salmon bites in a taco, wrap, salad, or rice bowl.
For more mouthwatering salmon recipes, try Cajun Pasta with Salmon, Easy Salmon Croquettes Recipe, and Delicious Smoked Salmon Dip next.
Salmon cajun bites may be small but they are packed with flavor. They are coated with seasoning and pan-seared until crispy and golden brown. Then the salmon is tossed in butter infused with cajun seasoning.
They are ready in just minutes and I guarantee the whole family will love them! Enjoy the best salmon bites on your next busy weeknight.
Why We Love This Salmon Bites Recipe:
Quick Prep! You deserve a meal that is ready in no more than 30 minutes. This seafood entree only takes 15 minutes!
Versatile! This pairs well with everything. Serve it with a side of rice, vegetables, noodles, or salad.
A New Take On A Classic Entree! These salmon cubes are a unique way to enjoy an old delight.
Ingredients you need:
- Salmon filet: Although I recommend using fresh wild caught salmon, you can also use frozen salmon. Just thaw it first.
- Butter and Olive Oil: I cook with both to enhance the flavor.
- Seasoning: Coat each salmon bite with cajun seasoning, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and paprika.
Cajun Garlic Butter:
- Butter: Use unsalted butter since the other ingredients contain salt.
- Seasoning: Use cajun seasoning, paprika, and black pepper.
How to Make Salmon Bites:
How to Cut Salmon Bites
Remove the salmon skin and chop the salmon pieces into approximately 1 inch cubes.
Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter, and olive oil into the skillet.
Season Cubed Salmon
While the skillet is heating up, season the salmon bites in a large bowl. Use your hands or tongs to evenly coat each piece of salmon with the seasoning.
Cook Salmon Bites
Now gently place the salmon into the skillet in one even layer. Careful not to overcrowd the pan as you want each piece to sear and brown (cook in batches if needed).
Cook the salmon for 2 minutes on each side, flipping to ensure every side is browned and cooked through.
Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Then turn the heat down to medium-low.
Make Cajun Butter
Place the other two tablespoons of butter into the skillet, and sprinkle the cajun seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Stir until combined.
Then turn off the heat, and add the salmon back into the skillet. Gently mix it into the garlic butter until the salmon is coated.
Serve right away, and finally, ENJOY!
Alternatives and Variations:
- Air Fryer Salmon Bites: Remove the salmon skin, chop, season, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and then air fry at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes. Microwave the cajun garlic butter ingredients in a medium bowl then toss the cooked salmon in the bowl.
- Salmon Teriyaki Bites: Instead of tossing the salmon in butter, mix them with sweet, savory sticky teriyaki sauce. My homemade recipe includes soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Baked Salmon Bites: Remove the skin, chop, season, and bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 8 minutes. Prepare the cajun garlic butter sauce on the stove and toss the cooked salmon in the mixture.
- Salmon Bites Wrapped in Bacon: For a keto-friendly party appetizer, wrap raw salmon cubes with 1/2 a strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Pan fry for about 3 minutes on each side.
Pro-Tips:
- If using frozen salmon, completely thaw and dry before seasoning and cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or fill a medium bowl with cold water and let the salmon sit for 30 minutes.
- Serve with lemon wedges because fresh lemon juice enhances the overall taste of the salmon bites.
Storing and Reheating:
Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or air fryer.
FAQ:
What pairs well with salmon bites?
For a quick, satisfying meal, serve salmon bites with white rice and a steamed veggie like broccoli, brussels sprouts, or asparagus. Add it to a salad for protein, or use as it as the base for tacos. The possibilities are endless!
How long should you marinate salmon for?
You do no have to marinate salmon for this recipe. If you choose to do so, marinate the salmon for just 30 minutes.
How do you cut salmon into cubes?
Use a sharp knife to cut the salmon fillets into about 1 inch wide strips. Now cut those salmon pieces into about 1 inch cubes.
More Fish Recipes to Try
Cajun Garlic Butter Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Salmon filet
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ¼ tablespoon Seasoned salt
- ¼ tablespoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
Cajun Garlic Butter:
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Remove the skin from the salmon (if it has skin on it). Cut the salmon into about 1 inch wide strips. Now cut the strips into about 1 inch cubes.
- Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, and the olive oil into the skillet.
- While the skillet is heating up, place the salmon bites into a bowl and sprinkle with the seasonings; including the Cajun seasoning, seasoned salt garlic powder, and paprika.
- Use your hands or tongs to ensure every piece of salmon is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Now gently place the salmon into the skillet in one even layer. Careful not to overcrowd the pan as you want each piece to sear and brown (cook in batches if needed).
- Cook the salmon for 2 minutes on each side, flipping to ensure every side is browned and cooked through.
- Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it to the side. Turn the heat down to medium-low.
- Place the other two tablespoons of butter into the skillet, and sprinkle the cajun seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Stir it around until everything is combined.
- Turn the heat off, and add the salmon back into the skillet. Gently mix it into the garlic butter until the salmon is coated.
- Serve right away, and ENJOY!
Yum