Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites

If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful, and super easy way to enjoy salmon, these Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites are about to become your new favorite snack or appetizer! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory, umami-rich flavor, these little bites are a serious crowd-pleaser. The panko breadcrumbs give them that perfect crunch, while the sesame seeds add a nutty, toasty twist. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself to something special, these salmon bites are a total win. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked (pun intended!).

Why You’ll Love Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites

These salmon bites have everything you want in a dish: they’re flavorful, quick to make, and irresistible. Here’s why this recipe is going to be a favorite in your kitchen:

Quick and Easy

Ready in under 30 minutes, these salmon bites are perfect for a quick dinner or appetizer. Whether you’re craving something light or want to impress your guests, this recipe is a total time-saver without skimping on flavor.

Crispy & Crunchy

The combination of panko breadcrumbs and sesame seeds gives each bite a satisfying crunch that’s totally addictive. Paired with the rich, tender salmon, you get the best of both worlds—crisp and juicy!

Packed with Flavor

With the sesame seeds, garlic, and a little soy sauce, these bites are bursting with umami goodness. The hint of ginger adds a subtle depth of flavor that makes these bites extra special.

Healthy & Light

Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, and by baking them instead of frying, these bites are a lighter alternative that still gives you all the delicious flavor you crave.

Versatile

Whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these salmon bites can be paired with a variety of sides. Think a fresh cucumber salad, steamed veggies, or even some rice. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these crispy, sesame-crusted salmon bites:

Salmon

The star of the show! Choose fresh, boneless, skinless salmon fillets for this recipe. They’re easy to cut into bite-sized pieces, and their rich, fatty texture makes them perfect for baking.

Panko Breadcrumbs

These give the salmon bites that crispy, golden-brown exterior that everyone loves. Panko breadcrumbs are light and airy, which makes them perfect for a crunchy coating.

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds add a nutty, toasty flavor that pairs perfectly with the salmon. You can use a mix of white and black sesame seeds for an even more eye-catching look.

Soy Sauce

A dash of soy sauce brings in that savory, umami-packed flavor. It also helps to keep the salmon moist and juicy.

Garlic

A little bit of garlic adds a punch of flavor and makes everything taste just right.

Fresh Ginger

Grated fresh ginger brings a warm, slightly spicy kick that complements the sesame and salmon beautifully.

Egg

Used to help the panko and sesame seeds stick to the salmon for that crispy coating.

Olive Oil

To drizzle over the salmon bites before baking, olive oil ensures that golden, crispy finish while keeping the fish moist and tender.

Salt & Pepper

For seasoning—just a pinch will do to enhance all the other flavors.

Instructions

Ready to make these flavorful, crispy bites? Let’s dive in!

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). You want it nice and hot to get that perfect crisp on the salmon bites.

Prepare the Salmon

Cut the salmon into bite-sized cubes, about 1-1.5 inches each. Make sure they’re roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

Coat the Salmon

In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper. In another small bowl, whisk the egg, soy sauce, garlic, and fresh ginger together.

Dip each salmon cube into the egg mixture, then coat it in the panko-sesame mixture, pressing gently to make sure it sticks.

Bake the Salmon Bites

Arrange the coated salmon bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of each bite to help them crisp up in the oven.

Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the panko coating is golden brown and crispy. The salmon should be slightly flaky but still juicy on the inside.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve these crispy salmon bites hot out of the oven! You can drizzle a little extra soy sauce on top or serve them with a dipping sauce like a spicy mayo, ginger-lime dipping sauce, or even a tangy soy-ginger glaze.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s the nutritional breakdown for each serving (about 5 bites per serving):

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 280
• Total Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 550mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 19g
• Vitamin A: 6% of daily value
• Vitamin C: 4% of daily value
• Calcium: 6% of daily value
• Iron: 15% of daily value

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes

How to Serve Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites

These crispy salmon bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in a number of ways. Here are some serving ideas:

• With a Dipping Sauce: Serve them with a soy-ginger dipping sauce, spicy mayo, or even a tangy chili-lime sauce for extra flavor.
• Over Salad: Serve the salmon bites over a fresh salad of greens, cucumbers, and avocado for a light but filling meal.
• With Rice: Pair them with steamed rice or a grain like quinoa or farro for a more substantial dish.
• On a Skewer: For a fun twist, thread the salmon bites onto skewers and serve them like mini kebabs with a side of dipping sauce.

Additional Tips

• Don’t Skip the Panko: Panko breadcrumbs are key to getting that perfect crispy texture. If you use regular breadcrumbs, the result may not be as crunchy.
• Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated to 400°F (200°C) to get that perfect crisp on the coating. Keep an eye on them as oven times may vary.
• Customize the Flavors: Feel free to play around with the seasonings. You can add a little bit of cayenne pepper or chili flakes if you like things spicy or swap the soy sauce for tamari for a gluten-free version.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but be sure to thaw it completely before cutting and preparing the bites.

Q2: Can I fry these instead of baking them?
A2: Absolutely! If you prefer frying, heat some oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the salmon bites for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy.

Q3: How can I make these bites spicier?
A3: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the panko mixture or drizzle with a spicy sauce after baking.

Q4: Can I use a different fish?
A4: Yes, you can substitute salmon with other firm fish like cod, halibut, or even tuna. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the type of fish.

Q5: Can I make these ahead of time?
A5: These are best served fresh, but you can prep the salmon bites in advance and store the coated pieces in the fridge. Bake them right before serving!

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispiness.

Q7: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A7: Yes! Simply swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and you’re good to go!

Q8: What dipping sauces go well with these salmon bites?
A8: Spicy mayo, soy-ginger sauce, or a tangy honey mustard would all be delicious accompaniments.

Q9: Can I make these without sesame seeds?
A9: Sure! You can omit the sesame seeds or replace them with another type of seed, like sunflower seeds, for a different texture and flavor.

Q10: Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
A10: While panko gives a better crunch, you can use regular breadcrumbs. The texture will be slightly different, but they’ll still be tasty!

Conclusion

Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites are a simple, fun, and flavorful way to enjoy salmon. The crispy, golden crust pairs perfectly with the tender, juicy fish, making each bite absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re serving them for a party, as a snack, or as part of a meal, they’re sure to be a hit. Enjoy!

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