Sesame Salmon Bites with Pickled Citrus Garnish

Can I reduce the gochugaru if I don't like spicy food?

Gochugaru is a Korean red chili flake or powder. It brings a gentle heat to recipes, plus a slightly smoky, fruity flavor. If you’re sensitive to spicy ingredients, you can reduce the amount of gochugaru that goes in or leave it out entirely and still have a delicious result.

These miso salmon bites are designed to be balanced, not overwhelmingly spicy. Whether or not you use gochugaru, you’ll still get a rich umami note from the miso, a touch of sweetness, and the savory depth that makes these glazed salmon bites so addictive. If you do enjoy a little kick, you can also adjust with red pepper flakes at the end for more control.

How to Remove Salmon Skin (The Easy Way)

If you’re starting with a whole salmon fillet, removing the skin is easier than it looks. Start by placing the salmon, skin-side down, on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, start at one end and gently slide the blade between the flesh and the skin. It helps if you keep the knife angled slightly downward and hold onto the skin to keep it in position while you slice. Most importantly, take your time—there’s no rush.

Do I have to remove the skin to make these salmon bites?

For this recipe, it’s best to use skinless salmon. Removing the skin allows the marinade to fully coat each cube and helps the sesame seeds stick better on all sides. It also helps ensure even cooking so you get that perfect caramelized finish. So yummy on salmon nuggets or bite-sized pieces!

If you’d rather skip this step, you can always ask your fishmonger to do it for you. It’s a small request that makes this easy salmon bites recipe even easier once you get home. Don’t worry about asking—it’s a pretty common request, and they know what to do.

What is the difference between Atlantic and wild salmon?

Both types work—you’ll still get the best salmon bites recipe you’ve ever tried! Just note that they do have some differences. Atlantic salmon is typically farm-raised and tends to be richer and fattier, which makes it very forgiving. Atlantic salmon is ideal for recipes like this where you want tender, juicy salmon nuggets. Wild-caught salmon (like sockeye or coho) tends to be leaner and has a deeper, more pronounced flavor. It cooks a bit faster, so you’ll want to keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking. Either way, you’ll end up with delicious Asian salmon bites that everyone will enjoy!

Can you reheat these salmon bites if you make them early?

You can—but they’re best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature. If you do decide to reheat them, do so gently in the oven at a low temperature (around 275 °F) for just a few minutes. This helps maintain their texture without drying them out. That said, this easy salmon bites recipe is a favorite for prepping ahead and serving at room temp. Easy and perfect for gatherings!

What other foods go well with these salmon bites?

These salmon bites are so versatile! You can serve them as a standalone appetizer or pair them with a simple rice bowl with greens, cucumber slices, cabbage slaw, steamed rice or noodles, or even some creamy mashed potatoes (trust me on this one—it’s a great contrast)! They also work beautifully in a larger spread of hors d'oeuvres or alongside other seafood dishes.

More Salmon Recipes (Because One Just Isn’t Enough)

When I find a salmon recipe I love, I always want more. Think of these salmon bites as your gateway—perfect for entertaining, quick dinners, or even adding to salads and grain bowls. They’re proof that a seemingly simple ingredient can really shine when you prepare it right. Here’s some more where that came from.