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- 1 lb salmon fillet, skinless and cut into 1-inch cubes - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Juice and zest of 1 lemon - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste Lemon garlic butter salmon bites are simple yet packed with flavor. The salmon fillet is the star here. I use skinless fillets. They cook evenly and soak up all the butter and garlic goodness. Next, I grab unsalted butter. It gives me control over the salt level. Garlic adds a rich aroma and taste. I use four cloves, minced well. Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. They add a refreshing zing that pairs perfectly with the salmon. Fresh parsley brings a pop of color and flavor. Finally, I season with salt and pepper to enhance all the tastes. - Additional herbs for flavor - Spices for seasoning - Side dishes for serving While the main ingredients shine, I sometimes add optional herbs. Dill or thyme can add a nice touch. Spices like paprika or cumin can give it a twist. For sides, try rice or a salad. They balance the meal and make it hearty. Feel free to get creative! {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, rinse the salmon under cold water. This gets rid of any unwanted bits. - Next, pat the salmon dry with paper towels. This helps it sear nicely. - Now, cut the salmon fillet into 1-inch cubes. Try to make them even for best cooking. - Finally, season the salmon pieces with salt and pepper. This adds flavor right from the start. - In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. The butter gives a rich taste. - Once the butter melts, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic tastes bitter. - Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned salmon cubes to the skillet. - Let the salmon cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side. It should turn golden brown. - Carefully flip the salmon bites over. Reduce the heat back to medium. - Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the salmon pieces. Add the zest and sprinkle with chopped parsley. - Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the salmon is cooked through but still tender. - Once done, remove from heat and let sit for a minute. This helps the flavors set. - Garnish with extra parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. This adds a fresh touch. To avoid overcooking salmon bites, watch the time closely. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown, but still tender inside. Use a meat thermometer for best results. The internal temperature should reach 145°F. Even seasoning is key for flavor. Start by generously salting and peppering the salmon cubes before cooking. This helps each bite taste great. Stir the garlic in the butter well, so it coats all the salmon. For side dishes, consider simple options. Steamed veggies, rice, or a fresh salad work well. These sides offer balance and keep things light. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. Garnishing can be fun. Sprinkle extra parsley over the salmon. Serve lemon wedges on the side for a zesty touch. This adds color and brightens each bite. When it comes to drinks, white wine pairs nicely. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the salmon. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with lemon. To enhance the dish, think about adding fresh herbs. Dill or cilantro can bring a new twist. A dash of red pepper flakes gives a bit of heat, too. These small choices make a big difference in flavor. Pro Tips Fresh Salmon is Key: Always use the freshest salmon you can find for the best flavor and texture. Look for bright, firm fillets without any off smell. Perfectly Sear the Salmon: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the salmon. This ensures a nice golden crust while keeping the inside tender. Don’t Overcook: Salmon cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it. Remove it from the heat as soon as it flakes easily with a fork for the best results. Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the dish’s flavor. Consider adding lemon zest as a garnish for extra brightness. {{image_2}} You can swap salmon for other fish like cod or halibut. Both have a mild taste. They cook in a similar way, so you can follow the same recipe. For a fun twist, try shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time, as shrimp cooks faster. If you're looking for vegetarian options, consider using tofu. Firm tofu absorbs flavors well. Cut it into cubes, just like the salmon. Cook it the same way for tasty bites. Another option is chickpeas. Toss them in the garlic butter for a hearty, plant-based twist. You can add different citrus for a fresh kick. Try lime or orange juice. They brighten the dish while keeping it zesty. For a unique twist, use grapefruit juice. It offers a slight bitterness that balances well with the butter. Spices and herbs can change the flavor profile too. Add smoked paprika for a warm, smoky taste. Fresh dill or basil gives a nice herbal note. Don't be afraid to experiment with your favorite spices. Each mix can create a whole new dish. You can bake these salmon bites in the oven for a hands-off approach. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the seasoned salmon in a baking dish. Drizzle with lemon juice and melted butter. Bake for about 10-12 minutes. This method keeps the fish tender and juicy. Grilling is another fun option. Preheat your grill and oil the grates. Skewer the salmon cubes for easy flipping. Grill each side for about 3-4 minutes. This gives a nice char and smoky flavor that is hard to beat. To store leftover salmon bites, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they cool to room temperature before sealing. If you leave them out too long, they can spoil quickly. To reheat salmon bites, use a skillet on low heat. This method helps maintain the texture. Heat them for about 3-5 minutes, flipping gently. You can also use the microwave, but be careful. Heat in short bursts to avoid drying them out. Yes, you can freeze salmon bites. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. They can last for about three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This keeps them moist and tasty. To check if salmon is cooked, look for its color and texture. Properly cooked salmon should be opaque and easily flake with a fork. The center should be slightly translucent, but not raw. If it feels firm and moist, you are good to go. - Checking for doneness: Use a fork to gently press the salmon. If it flakes easily, it is ready. A food thermometer can also help; aim for 145°F (63°C) for safe eating. - Signs of properly cooked salmon: Look for a light pink color, a flaky texture, and a firm surface. If it looks dull or is falling apart, it may be overcooked. Yes, you can prepare lemon garlic butter salmon bites in advance. This makes meal prep easy and fun. - Preparation tips for meal prep: Cut the salmon into cubes and season them. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also mix the garlic and butter in advance. Just heat and cook when you’re ready to eat. Lemon garlic butter salmon bites pair well with many tasty sides. - Complementary side dishes and salads: Consider serving them with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. Rice or quinoa also makes a great base. For a lighter option, serve with steamed asparagus or broccoli. A lemon wedge adds a nice touch! This article focused on making delicious lemon garlic butter salmon bites. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. I shared ways to enhance flavor, serve, and store leftovers. With a few easy steps, you can create a tasty dish that impresses. Experiment with protein and flavor variations to suit your taste. Enjoy these bites with your favorite sides for a complete meal. Now, it’s time to have fun in the kitchen!

Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Bites

Delicious salmon bites cooked in a lemon garlic butter sauce, perfect for a quick appetizer or main dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb salmon fillet, skinless and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 whole lemon, juice and zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • as needed lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • Start by prepping the salmon: rinse the salmon under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Cut the salmon fillet into 1-inch cubes and season generously with salt and pepper.
  • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant—being careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the salmon cubes to the skillet. Allow the salmon to sear for about 2-3 minutes on one side until it turns golden brown.
  • Carefully flip the salmon bites over and reduce the heat back to medium. Squeeze the juice of the lemon over the salmon pieces, add the lemon zest, and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Cook for another 2-3 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through but still tender.
  • Once cooked, remove from heat and let sit for a minute. Garnish the salmon bites with extra parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Keyword appetizer, butter, garlic, lemon, salmon