Name: Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb skinless salmon fillet (cut into 1-inch cubes); 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp sesame seeds (white or black); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling or spraying); Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s something truly joyful about sharing bite-sized appetizers that are packed with flavor and irresistibly crunchy, and these Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites absolutely deliver every time. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or adding flair to a weeknight dinner, these savory treats combine tender salmon nestled beneath a golden crust of panko breadcrumbs and nutty sesame seeds. With their balance of freshness, umami, and crunch, they’re sure to win over friends and family—no matter the occasion!

Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every scrumptious bite of these Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites is made possible by a handful of easy-to-find ingredients. Each one plays a special role in building layers of crunch, flavor, and color you just can’t get from ordinary salmon recipes.

Salmon Fillet: Opt for fresh, skinless salmon for the perfect flaky, buttery texture when baked into cubes.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These ultra-crispy Japanese-style breadcrumbs are what give the salmon bites their unforgettable crunch.
Sesame Seeds (white or black): Toasty and nutty, sesame seeds add both texture and a beautiful visual pop.
Garlic Powder: Infuses a subtle layer of savory depth that complements the richness of the salmon.
Salt: A pinch of salt pulls all the savory flavors together for a perfectly seasoned bite.
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick and brings out the complexity in the salmon and crust.
Soy Sauce: Brings essential umami and a touch of savory, Asian-inspired flair.
Honey: Just a drizzle sweetens and glazes the exterior, balancing the salt and spice.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a mild tang that brightens the marinade and pairs beautifully with salmon.
Olive Oil: A quick drizzle or spray before baking helps achieve that perfect golden crispiness.
Sliced Green Onions and Sesame Seeds (optional): The ultimate garnish for added freshness and a pop of color on your Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites.

How to Make Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites

Step 1: Prep Your Salmon and Workspace

To set yourself up for smooth cooking, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Make sure to cut your skinless salmon fillet into even 1-inch cubes; this ensures that every bite-sized piece cooks evenly and makes a lovely presentation later on.

Step 2: Mix the Crunchy Panko-Sesame Coating

In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, a dusting of garlic powder, and a hit of salt and freshly ground black pepper. The panko brings an addictive crunch, while the sesame seeds add both flavor and those iconic speckles that set these Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites apart from ordinary fish appetizers.

Step 3: Whisk the Soy-Honey Marinade

Grab a small bowl and whisk together soy sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth. This quick marinade coats the salmon cubes with sweet, salty, and tangy flavors—plus, it helps the coating stick for maximum crunch in every bite.

Step 4: Coat the Salmon Cubes

Working with one cube at a time, lightly brush each piece of salmon with the soy-honey mixture. Immediately press the marinated salmon into the panko-sesame mixture, coating each side generously. Take your time and ensure each piece gets a good layer, since the crunchy exterior is the star of these Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites.

Step 5: Arrange, Drizzle, and Bake

Place the coated salmon cubes evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Either lightly drizzle or spray olive oil over the top; this is your ticket to achieving a deep, golden crust. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through and the coating is perfectly crisp and golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, transfer the salmon bites to a serving platter. Scatter with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds if you like. They’re delicious served hot with a dipping sauce—think spicy mayo or sweet chili sauce. Now, gather friends and get ready for rave reviews!

How to Serve Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites

Garnishes

A final flourish of freshness is always welcome! Top your platter of Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites with thinly sliced green onions for a mild, oniony crunch and a scattering of extra sesame seeds for toasty nuttiness. If you’re feeling festive, try adding a squeeze of lemon or a few sprigs of fresh cilantro for color and zing.

Side Dishes

While these salmon bites are perfectly snackable on their own, they also play well alongside a variety of side dishes. Serve them with crisp Asian cucumber salad, a simple green salad tossed in sesame vinaigrette, slivers of pickled ginger, or even nestle them over a bowl of steamed jasmine rice for a more filling meal. The versatility of Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites means you can dress them up for a party or keep things casual for family dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring some fun to your table by threading these bites onto skewers for easy grab-and-go eating, or arrange them in mini lettuce cups for a fresh, modern spin. For a crowd-pleasing appetizer platter, pair the Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites with a trio of dipping sauces—like soy-ginger, sriracha mayo, and sweet chili—letting guests choose their adventure. Turn leftovers into a vibrant bento-style lunch with simple rice, edamame, and pickled veggies on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites left over (which is a big “if”!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Lay them out in a single layer or separate with parchment paper so the coating stays as crisp as possible.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the baked salmon bites. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months; just be sure to thaw them in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To revive that irresistible crunch, reheat your Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites in a preheated 350°F oven or air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as that can make the crust soggy instead of crisp!

FAQs

Can I make Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Simply preheat your air fryer to 400°F, arrange the coated salmon bites in a single layer, and cook for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking halfway through. The air fryer yields a wonderfully crispy crust in even less time.

What dipping sauces go best with these salmon bites?

These bites are delicious on their own, but they shine with a variety of sauces—try spicy mayo, sweet chili sauce, soy-ginger dip, or even a simple squeeze of lemon and a dab of wasabi if you’re feeling adventurous!

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just make sure to thaw the salmon thoroughly and pat it dry before cubing and coating. Removing excess moisture is key to getting the crunchiest crust possible on your Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites.

Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?

You can easily make these bites gluten-free by using certified gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and tamari in place of regular soy sauce. The results will be just as delicious and crispy!

What can I do with leftovers?

Toss leftover Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites over a fresh salad, tuck them into wraps with crunchy veggies and a zesty dressing, or create a vibrant sushi bowl with rice, sliced avocado, and pickled ginger for a fuss-free lunch the next day.

Final Thoughts

Bringing these Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites to your table is a guaranteed way to add excitement, flavor, and a little bit of flair to any meal. Whether you serve them as a party appetizer, a standout salad topper, or a fun weeknight main, I hope you’ll find them as crave-worthy and crowd-pleasing as I do. Don’t wait—go make a batch, then watch them disappear!

Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Panko Sesame Crusted Salmon Bites are a delightful Asian-inspired appetizer or protein-packed salad topper. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor from the sesame seed coating, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon Bites:

1 lb skinless salmon fillet (cut into 1-inch cubes)
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp sesame seeds (white or black)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Soy-Honey Mixture:

1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard

Additional:

1 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling or spraying)
Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Make the Soy-Honey Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard.
Coat the Salmon: Lightly brush each salmon cube with the soy-honey mixture, then press into the panko-sesame mixture to coat all sides.
Bake: Place the coated salmon bites on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly drizzle or spray with olive oil. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve with a dipping sauce like spicy mayo or sweet chili sauce.