Sometimes it feels like there’s a formula to our favorite Asian dishes. I’m thinking about orange chicken, teriyaki shrimp, sweet-and-sour pork … tiny bites of meat, fried up, and soaked in a sweet Asian sauce.

And now here’s one more.

This Teriyaki Salmon Bites recipe won’t take you more than thirty minutes to cook up, but I promise you’ll be ranking it right up there with your favorite Asian dishes.

In fact, it’s so good that I’ve already started incorporating it into my weekly meal planning.

Just double or triple up your preparation, store safely in the fridge, and throw it back together for an even quicker meal later in the week!

Ingredients

2 salmon filets
1/4 cup coconut aminos / tamari
1 tbsp rice vinegar
Drizzle of honey
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
3 large garlic cloves
1 spoonful cornstarch

Benefits of Salmon

Salmon is easily one of my favorite proteins. For one, it’s deliciously versatile. Throw it on a plate with a grain and some veggies, and I can all but guarantee you’re going to enjoy it.

But in terms being the centerpiece of a nutritious meal, that’s where salmon really stars.

Probably best known for being high in omega-3 fatty acids (those same fatty acids that make up fish oil), Salmon has great anti-inflammatory properties and can play a role in improving your brain and cardiovascular health. It’s also full of crucial vitamins and minerals that can do everything from aid your immune system to ease the oxidative stress on your cells.

And if you’re looking to soak up all the nutrition possible from your meal, make sure you look to purchase wild-caught salmon when possible, as it maintains more of its nutrients than farm-raised salmon.

Air Fryer vs Pan Fried

Whether you air fry or pan fry your salmon, you’re going to end up with a tasty meal. But if you’re debating between the two options, here’s what you need to know.

Not only will air frying your salmon be quicker, but it requires minimal oil to create that crispy texture. That means you’ll still get all the crunch without the additional carbs.

On the other hand, if you’re someone who wants full control over the cooking process, pan frying is the way to go. You’ll be able to adjust temperatures and cook times far more easily with your salmon bites cooking out on the stove.

If you’re worried about the added oil, check out my blog on the five best oils to cook with!

Tips for Marinating Your Salmon

If time is not on your side and you’ve got to get this meal done fast, the world won’t end if you keep your salmon marinating in your homemade teriyaki sauce for five minutes instead of ten.

But … the longer the better.

In fact, if you know you’re going to be saving a serving for the next day, consider storing the salmon and teriyaki in a sealed container overnight in the fridge. When you’re ready, all you’ll have to do is fry the salmon up for a few minutes and then assemble for a dish absolutely bursting with favor!

If you want to take it the extra mile and prep this dish for the whole week, sign up below for my free Meal Prepping Guide!

Instructions

Remove the skin from the salmon and cut into 1-2 inch cubes. Tip: pour hot water on skin and it will peel off.
Teriyaki sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine coconut aminos, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, and garlic. Mix thoroughly.
Place the salmon cubes in a wide and shallow container. Pour the mixture over the salmon cubes and let sit for 10-20 minutes.
Cook salmon in air fryer or fry in pan. See below.
While the salmon is cooking, place teriyaki sauce into saucepan and heat until boiling. Then add in a spoonful of cornstarch, simmer and mix constantly until the sauce has thickened.
Pour sauce over salmon bites and enjoy.

Air Fryer:

Preheat air fryer to 400 degree F. Place salmon bites in air fryer and ensure they are not touching. Air fry for 5 minutes.

Pan Fried:

Preheat a non-stick sauce pan and add in olive oil. Place salmon bites on the pan and cook for 2 minutes on each side over medium heat.

How to Enjoy:

Cook 1 cup of brown rice according to instructions.
Make with your favorite veggie.
Top with sesame seeds and green onions.