Blackened Salmon Bites

Name: Blackened Salmon Bites
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 6-ounce salmon fillets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons paprika; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt; Pepper; Optional: cayenne pepper, parsley to garnish

Salmon is delicious, but there’s something about salmon bites that’s even better.

These tasty little bites are perfectly flaky and flavorful.

There are so many reasons to love salmon bites.

They cook super quickly because they’re so small.

It’s also easy to keep them soft and flaky without overcooking them.

And, because they’re so small, they each absorb flavor so easily.

“Blackened salmon” refers to a mix of seasoning that gives the salmon its crispy and blackened exterior. While you can buy the seasoning, it’s so easy to blend stuff you likely already have at home and make your own.

This version uses a mix of paprika (lots!), onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Many people add cayenne pepper for a little spice. I didn’t add any here, but it definitely works!

I also added a little brown sugar for a little touch of sweetness. Not only does it make the salmon that much better, but it also signifies so much about a healthy relationship with food to me.

Deep in my disordered eating days, I thought food had to be “perfect.”

I never added salt to my meals or sugar to anything. I so clearly remembering watching a friend add a salt packet to her lunch and being in a total shock. Salt?! How could she!

Of course, I know now that salt brings out flavor and makes food taste better. Sugar adds sweetness and also makes food taste better.

Not only are both delicious but also, adding a little salt or sugar to your meals will not make or break your health.

After all, food is meant to be enjoyed.

So, if you needed to hear it, please know this: it’s perfectly okay to flavor your food with salt. And it’s perfectly okay to add sugar when you cook.

Anyway, now that that’s out of the way… I recommend this salmon over fluffy rice and with a vegetable of some sorts.

It would be delicious with a simple roasted broccoli or a chopped cucumber and avocado salad… both with salt added, of course :)

Cut salmon into 1-inch cubes

Turn the oven on to broil. Line a baking sheet with foil.

Remove skin from the salmon and cut into 1-inch pieces.

Toss salmon with spices

Add salmon to a bowl and toss with olive oil, spices, sugar, salt, and pepper until all pieces are well coated.

Broil for 10 min

Add the salmon bites to the baking sheet, spreading evenly in one layer.

Place in the oven to broil for 10 minutes (make sure the oven is already hot before adding the salmon).

Flip & broil again

Flip the salmon and broil for another 5 minutes (keep an eye that the salmon doesn’t get too blackened all over, as some ovens may broil more quickly or strongly than others).

Garnish & Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Everything else you should know:

Other cooking methods: You can also make this salmon over the stove or in an air fryer. To make in an air fryer, assemble the salmon the same way, and then air fry for about 7 minutes, flip, and then air fry for another 3 minutes. If cooking on the stove, make sure the pan is hot before adding the salmon, and then cook it until blackened on each side.
Leftovers: To reheat salmon, I recommend putting it under the broiler for a minute or so to warm and crisp it back up again. In a pinch, you can also just microwave it or even eat it cold.
Storage: Store salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Did you try this recipe?

I hope you love these Blackened Salmon Bites! If you make it be sure to leave a comment below, mention @Veggiesandchocolate or tag #Veggiesandchocolate so I know how you liked it. I can’t wait to see your creations!