Description
These crispy and flavorful sesame salmon bites with pickled citrus garnish are the perfect combination of crunchy, tender, and tangy. Coated in sesame seeds and paired with bright citrus, this easy recipe delivers a balanced, restaurant-quality dish ideal for appetizers or light meals.
Ingredients
For the salmon bites:
- 1 pound fresh salmon, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sesame seeds (white, black, or mixed)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the pickled citrus garnish:
- 1 orange or lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons warm water
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, ginger, and garlic. Add salmon cubes and gently toss to coat. Marinate for 15–20 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and warm water until dissolved. Add citrus slices and let pickle for at least 15 minutes.
- Remove salmon from marinade and coat each piece with sesame seeds, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook salmon bites for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Transfer to a serving plate and top with pickled citrus slices before serving.
Notes
Pat salmon dry before marinating for better coating.Press sesame seeds firmly to prevent them from falling off.Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even crisping.Pickled citrus can be made ahead for stronger flavor.