Description
Tender, juicy cubes of salmon, seared to golden perfection and tossed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce with a bright kiss of lemon. Quick, indulgent, and packed with flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing last-minute guests.
Ingredients
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1 lb salmon filet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
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1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
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1 tbsp butter (or plant-based alternative)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
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Optional garnish: chopped parsley, green onion, chives, or dill
Instructions
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Prep & Season Salmon:
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Pat salmon cubes very dry with paper towels.
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Toss gently with paprika, salt, and pepper to coat evenly.
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Sear Salmon Cubes:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
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Add salmon cubes in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.
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Sear 2–3 minutes per side until deep golden brown. The centers should remain slightly soft; they’ll finish cooking in the next step.
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Make Garlic Butter Glaze:
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Reduce heat to medium. Push salmon to the side or create a space in the skillet.
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Add butter and let it melt and foam. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant (do not burn).
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Spoon butter over salmon bites and gently toss for 1 minute until fully coated and cooked through.
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Bright Finish:
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Remove skillet from heat. Drizzle lemon juice over salmon and toss gently.
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Serve:
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Plate as desired. Serve over rice, quinoa, salad, or in lettuce wraps. Garnish with parsley, green onion, or herbs of choice.
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Notes
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Spicy Honey Garlic: Add ¼ tsp red pepper flakes and toss with 1 tbsp warm honey after cooking.
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Herb & Lemon Zest: Add 1 tsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp fresh herbs with butter.
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Creamy Dill Sauce: After removing salmon, stir ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt + 1 tbsp fresh dill into pan juices and coat salmon.
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Asian-Inspired: Replace paprika with ginger and use 1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp honey instead of lemon juice.
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Air Fryer Option: Toss seasoned cubes with 1 tsp oil. Air fry at 400°F for 6–8 min. Melt butter with garlic and lemon separately, then toss with cooked bites.