Cooking salmon has never been easier before. These honey gochujang salmon bites are packed with flavor and can be prepared in the pan, oven, or air fryer!

Salmon is one of my favorite protein sources because it’s rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals and is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which helps reduce inflammation. It is a pricier protein option than, say, chicken, so I purchase it in bulk when it’s on sale and keep it stored in my freezer. Although typically eaten in filet portions, turning them into bites makes them extremely versatile – eat it as an appetizer, as a main, or as a side, the options are endless.

These salmon bites flavored with honey butter and gochujang are spicy, salty, and sweet, and may just be your new favorite way to eat salmon. I like to pair the salmon with rice, avocado, and pickled cucumbers for a nutritious and balanced meal or with nori and rice as quick “sushi” bites. The bites can be prepared in a pan, oven, or air fryer – the method is up to you, but the key is to keep the salmon skin on and make sure you crisp it up when cooking as the crispy skin is a great contrast to the tender salmon meat.

The salmon bites are first marinated in a sweet and savory marinade, then coated with a caramelized honey gochujang sauce. The caramelization of the honey intensifies the sugars which results in a nutty and sweet flavor.

What is gochujang?

Gochujang is fermented Korean red chili paste that is moderately spicy, sweet, and sometimes slightly smoky. It is very commonly used in Korean cooking for marinades and dishes like tteokbokki (rice cakes), bibimbap (rice bowl), and jiggae (stews). For those who have low spice tolerance, gochujang is a good introduction to spice because it’s very tolerable and boasts other flavors besides straight up spice.