Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my latest culinary obsession: Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Bites! I’ve been whipping these up on weeknights, and they’ve quickly become a favorite in my household. The combination of sweet, spicy, and crunchy is just heavenly, and can we talk about how quick they are to make? They’ve become my go-to when I want to impress friends or just treat myself on a cozy evening at home.
I remember the first time I tried something similar at a little bistro in town. I was hooked the moment I tasted that crunchy exterior with the sweet heat that followed. It was like fireworks in my mouth! Since then, I knew I had to recreate it. Spoiler alert: I think I nailed it! Let’s dive into why these bites are not just delicious but also super fun to make.
What’s in Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Bites?
Salmon fillet: The star of the show! I recommend wild-caught salmon for its flavor and freshness, but farm-raised works just as well. Just be sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces for perfect munching!
All-purpose flour: This is the foundation of our crispy coating. It helps create that lovely crunch when fried.
Cornmeal: Adds a delightful texture to the breading. I love using a coarser grind for more crunch in every bite.
Seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper): You can’t have crispy salmon bites without some flavor! They’re essential for giving the salmon that tasty kick. I like adjusting the cayenne based on how spicy I’m feeling that day—it’s totally customizable!
Eggs and buttermilk: These make up our wet mixture, helping to bind the breading to the salmon. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, regular milk works just fine!
Vegetable or canola oil: This is for frying the salmon—be sure to use oil with a high smoke point to avoid any burning!
Honey and hot sauce: The dynamic duo that transforms ordinary salmon into crispy, spicy bites of heaven. The sweetness from the honey balances out the heat from the sauce. Don’t be shy; adjust to your taste!
Lemon wedges, fresh thyme, and flaky sea salt: These are not just garnishes; they amplify that fresh flavor and add an elegant touch to your dish.
Is Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Bites Good for You?
Now, while these delicious bites are undeniably flavorful, there are some health benefits and considerations to note.
Salmon: It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are fantastic for heart health. Plus, it’s a high-quality protein, making it a great choice for muscle repair and growth.
Eggs: Full of essential nutrients, eggs are an excellent source of protein and can help keep you feeling full!
Honey: While it adds sweetness, it’s also loaded with antioxidants. Just remember to use it in moderation, since it is still a sugar.
However, frying does add extra calories and fat. Depending on your dietary goals, you might want to enjoy these in moderation. If you want to lighten things up, try baking them in the oven instead of frying!
Ingredients
– 1 pound salmon fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornmeal
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup buttermilk (or milk)
– Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
– Lemon wedges, for serving
– Fresh thyme, for garnish
– Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Serves: 4 (or 2… if you’re really hungry!)
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Salmon Bites?
1. **Prepare the Salmon**: Start by cutting your salmon fillet into bite-sized pieces. Set those lovely little gems aside.
2. **Make the Breading Mixture**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Give it a good mix to blend all the flavors.
3. **Prepare the Wet Ingredients**: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until well combined.
4. **Coat the Salmon**: Dip each salmon piece into the wet mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then, coat it in the breading mixture. Be sure to press gently to ensure a thorough coat.
5. **Heat the Oil**: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C).
6. **Fry the Salmon**: Carefully add the coated salmon bites to the oil, frying in batches. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remember to flip them occasionally for that even golden color! Drain on paper towels.
7. **Make the Hot Honey Sauce**: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and hot sauce until you have a smooth sauce.
8. **Combine**: Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the crispy salmon bites and gently toss to coat.
9. **Serve**: Transfer the salmon bites to a serving platter with fresh thyme, flaky sea salt, and lemon wedges on the side.
10. **Enjoy**: Serve these delightful bites immediately while hot and crispy. And if you’ve got extra hot sauce, I won’t judge if you want to slather those babies!
Serving Suggestions for Extra Yummy Greatness
Let’s be real—what can’t you pair these delicious bites with? They make a fabulous appetizer for game day or a fun dinner with friends. I like serving them with a side of coleslaw or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance out the spice. You could even set out a little dipping station with ranch or sweet chili sauce.
So, gather your ingredients and get ready for a flavor explosion! I promise once you try these, you’ll come back for seconds (and thirds). I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Happy cooking!
