Description
This Cajun Baked Salmon Bites recipe offers a flavorful and quick way to enjoy tender salmon cubes coated in a vibrant Cajun seasoning. Baked to perfection on crumpled foil using a clever Japanese technique, the salmon bites are lightly browned and packed with smoky, spicy, and sweet notes. Perfect for a healthy snack or lunch, these salmon bites pair beautifully with rice bowls or salads.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasoning Mix
- 4 salmon fillets, skinless, cut into 2.5cm / 1″ cubes (~600 – 700g / 1.2 – 1.4lb total)
- 2 tsp paprika (regular/sweet, smoked also lovely)
- 3/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (halve for table salt, +50% for flakes)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder (do not substitute with fresh garlic)
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for slight spiciness)
- 2 1/2 tsp brown sugar (tightly packed teaspoons)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 240°C / 460°F (220°C fan-forced) to prepare for baking the salmon bites.
- Prepare the Foil: Lightly scrunch up a sheet of foil, then gently unfold it so it remains wrinkled with lots of little pointy bits. Place this on a baking tray and fold the edges to secure it. Cover the entire tray with another wrinkled foil sheet. This technique elevates the salmon, preventing sticking and sogginess underneath.
- Mix the Cajun Seasoning: In a bowl, combine paprika, cooking salt, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), brown sugar, and olive oil. Stir well to form an even spice mix.
- Coat the Salmon: Add the salmon cubes into the seasoning mix and toss thoroughly to coat every piece with the Cajun spices and oil.
- Arrange for Baking: Spread the seasoned salmon cubes evenly on the prepared foil, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow even browning.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes without turning. Monitor for light browning on the salmon bites.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and transfer the bites off the tray to prevent overcooking. Enjoy immediately while hot.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the Cajun salmon bites over rice bowls with fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomato, radish, and avocado. Complement with sauces such as Peri-naise, pink Gyros sauce, or a mix of mayonnaise with sriracha or ketchup, garnished with chopped coriander or green onion for extra flavor.
Notes
- The crinkled foil baking method helps prevent sticking and sogginess by elevating the salmon cubes.
- Do not substitute garlic powder with fresh garlic as fresh garlic burns quickly during high-temp baking.
- If using table salt instead of cooking or kosher salt, reduce the quantity by half; if using salt flakes, increase by 50%.
- Cayenne pepper is optional and adds a mild heat; adjust to taste.
- This recipe can be paired well with roasted corn avocado salsa and other fresh veggies for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Fish & Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
