Description
This Sweet and Spicy Crispy Salmon recipe features bite-sized salmon chunks coated in a flavorful cornstarch and spice mix, pan-fried to a golden crisp, and tossed in a tangy, spicy glaze made with soy sauce, honey, sriracha, and fresh aromatics. Perfect as an appetizer or served over rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps, this dish combines crispy texture with a deliciously balanced sweet and spicy flavor profile.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Coating
- 1 lb (450 g) skinless salmon fillet, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1/3 cup cornstarch or all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Vegetable oil or avocado oil for pan-frying
Sweet and Spicy Glaze
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp sriracha, or more for extra heat
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water for thickening, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon chunks dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispiness. In a bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss the salmon pieces in this dry mixture until each piece is evenly coated.
- Pan-Fry the Salmon: Heat 2–3 tablespoons of vegetable or avocado oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated salmon chunks carefully and fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove the cooked salmon and place on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Make the Sweet and Spicy Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), sriracha, rice vinegar (or lime juice), grated garlic, and grated ginger. Heat the mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a gentle boil. For a thicker glaze, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce. Cook while stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Toss Salmon in Glaze: Add the crispy salmon pieces into the saucepan with the glaze. Gently toss the salmon to ensure every piece is fully coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the glazed salmon to a serving dish. Garnish with optional green onions, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve as a tasty appetizer or with steamed rice, noodles, or wrapped in lettuce for a delightful meal.
Notes
- Patting the salmon dry is crucial to achieve a crispy crust when pan-frying.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option for the glaze.
- The cornstarch coating can be replaced with all-purpose flour if preferred, though cornstarch results in a crispier texture.
- If you like extra spice, increase the sriracha amount according to your taste.
- This dish pairs excellently with simple steamed rice, noodles, or crunchy lettuce wraps.
- Garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds adds a nice texture and extra flavor.
