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- 1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - Juice and zest of 1 large lemon - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Lemon wedges for serving The key to making Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Bites is using fresh ingredients. Salmon is full of healthy fats and protein, making it a great choice. I love using skinless salmon fillets. They cook nicely and are easy to cut into cubes. Butter adds rich flavor. Unsalted butter lets you control the salt. Fresh garlic gives a sweet, aromatic touch. Make sure to mince the garlic finely for even cooking. For brightness, lemon juice and zest are essential. They balance the fat and enhance the dish. Chopped parsley adds a fresh note. It also makes the dish look pretty. For seasoning, I suggest using salt and freshly ground black pepper. These simple seasonings let the salmon shine. Finally, serve with lemon wedges on the side. They add a zing and can brighten up each bite. Enjoy this dish with your favorite sides for a complete meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, rinse the salmon cubes under cool running water. This helps remove any residue. Next, gently pat the salmon dry using paper towels. Drying is key for a nice sear. Now, season the salmon cubes with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure to coat all sides well for great flavor. In a large non-stick skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Wait until it bubbles, then add the finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes. Stir often until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it, as that can ruin the taste. Next, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer. Make sure they have space to cook. Let them sear undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes. Look for a golden-brown crust on one side. Now, gently flip each salmon bite over using a spatula. Lower the heat back to medium. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon, then add the lemon zest and chopped parsley. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. This keeps it moist and tender. Once the salmon bites are done, remove the skillet from heat. Let the bites rest for about a minute. This helps the flavors settle. For a nice finish, garnish with more chopped parsley. Serve right away with fresh lemon wedges on the side. The lemon adds a bright, zesty flavor that pairs perfectly. To make these salmon bites truly shine, start with the right seasoning. Use a good amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper. This helps enhance the salmon's natural flavor. I recommend seasoning the salmon cubes well on all sides before cooking. This small step makes a big difference. For cooking time, aim for 2-3 minutes per side. You want a golden-brown crust. After flipping, cook for another 2-3 minutes. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily. This ensures a moist and tender bite. To take the flavor up a notch, consider adding spices or herbs. A pinch of cayenne can add a nice kick. Fresh dill or thyme could also work well. Experiment with what you like! For sides, I suggest serving these salmon bites with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. Rice or quinoa also pairs nicely. These options balance the rich butter and lemon flavors. Presentation matters, especially for a dish like this. Use a clean white plate to show off the colors. Arrange the salmon bites in a neat line or cluster. For garnishing, sprinkle extra parsley on top. You can also add a lemon wedge on the side. This not only looks good but also gives a fresh burst of flavor. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Salmon: Always opt for fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture. Look for bright, shiny skin and a mild scent. Perfectly Melted Butter: Make sure the butter is completely melted before adding garlic to prevent it from burning and developing a bitter taste. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the salmon in batches if necessary to ensure proper searing and to achieve that golden-brown crust. Rest Before Serving: Allow the salmon bites to rest for a minute after cooking. This helps to lock in the juices for a more flavorful bite. {{image_4}} You can change the taste of your lemon garlic butter salmon bites. One way is to make a spicy lemon garlic butter. Add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the butter and garlic mix. This will give your dish a nice kick. Another option is to use herbs de Provence. This mix has dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil. Just sprinkle some into your butter and garlic before cooking the salmon. It gives a lovely herbal flavor that pairs well with the fish. If you want to switch things up, try using shrimp or chicken bites. For shrimp, cook until they turn pink and opaque. They will take less time than salmon, so watch them closely. You can also try a vegetarian option with tofu. Use firm tofu and cut it into cubes. Marinate it in the lemon garlic butter mix before cooking. This gives the tofu a burst of flavor while keeping it light. You can cook these salmon bites in an air fryer for a quicker option. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the salmon bites for about 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through. This method makes them crispy and delicious. Grilling is another fantastic way to prepare these bites. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Thread the salmon onto skewers for easy handling. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This will add a smoky flavor that enhances the dish. To keep your Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure the container seals well to prevent air from entering. Place the salmon bites in the fridge within two hours of cooking. They will stay fresh for up to three days. If you notice any off smells or changes in color, it's best to discard them. When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, the best method to reheat salmon bites is using a skillet. Heat a small amount of butter or oil over medium heat. Add the salmon bites and cook for about two to three minutes on each side. This method helps keep the texture nice and flaky. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the salmon rubbery. If you must use a microwave, heat on low power for short bursts. Freezing is a great way to save leftover salmon bites. Start by letting them cool completely. Then, arrange the bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for one to two hours. Once frozen, transfer the bites to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw the salmon bites in the fridge overnight. Reheat them using the skillet method for the best results. Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just remember to thaw it first. The best way to thaw salmon is in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, you can seal it in a bag and place it under cold water for about an hour. Make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking. This way, the salmon cooks evenly and tastes great. Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Bites taste great with many sides. Here are a few quick ideas: - Steamed broccoli or asparagus - Garlic mashed potatoes - A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette - Quinoa or rice for a filling option These sides add color and flavor to your meal. To check if your salmon is done, look for a few signs: - The salmon should turn opaque and flake easily with a fork. - The center should not be translucent. - You can also use a food thermometer. It should read 145°F (63°C) for safe eating. These tips help ensure your salmon is perfect every time. This blog post covered how to make delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Bites. We discussed the key ingredients, including salmon, butter, and garlic, and shared step-by-step instructions for perfect preparation. I provided tips for enhancing flavor and offered ideas for presentation. You also learned about different variations, proper storage, and reheating methods. In conclusion, salmon bites are easy to make and full of flavor. Enjoy experimenting with different spices and sides to make this dish your own. Your kitchen will soon smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!

Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Bites

Delicious and tender salmon bites sautéed in a flavorful lemon garlic butter sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preparing the salmon: Rinse the salmon cubes under cool running water and gently pat them dry with paper towels. Season the salmon generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.
  • In a large non-stick skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once completely melted and bubbling, add the finely minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden—be careful not to let it burn.
  • Increase the skillet's heat to medium-high. Carefully add the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer. Allow them to cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes, or until they develop a delightful golden-brown crust on one side.
  • Gently flip each salmon bite over using a spatula, and reduce the heat back to medium. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the salmon, followed by the lemon zest and chopped parsley. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  • Once the salmon bites are cooked to perfection, remove the skillet from heat and let the bites rest for about a minute. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

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