Cajun Baked Salmon Bites Recipe
Introduction
Cajun Baked Salmon Bites are a quick and flavorful way to enjoy salmon with a spicy, smoky kick. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or protein-packed addition to rice bowls, these tender salmon cubes are coated in a zesty Cajun spice mix and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets, skinless, cut into 2.5cm (1″) cubes (about 600–700g / 1.2–1.4lb total)
- 2 tsp paprika (regular or sweet; smoked paprika is also lovely)
- 3/4 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt (halve if using table salt; increase by 50% if using salt flakes)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder (do not substitute with fresh garlic as it will burn)
- 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)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 240°C (460°F) or 220°C (fan-forced, 430°F).
- Step 2: To prepare the baking tray, lightly scrunch a sheet of foil and then gently unfold it so it remains wrinkled. Place it on a tray and fold the edges up to secure. Repeat with another sheet to cover the entire tray. This crinkled foil technique helps lift the salmon pieces, preventing sticking and soggy undersides.
- Step 3: Mix paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and brown sugar in a bowl. Add the olive oil and stir to combine into a seasoning paste.
- Step 4: Add the cubed salmon to the bowl and toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the Cajun seasoning mix.
- Step 5: Spread the seasoned salmon cubes out on the prepared foil. Space them apart slightly to help them brown nicely.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes without turning, until the salmon is lightly browned and cooked through.
- Step 7: Remove the salmon bites from the tray immediately to prevent overcooking, then serve and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- Try smoked paprika in the spice mix for a deeper smoky flavor.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount.
- This recipe works well as a protein topping for rice bowls, salads, or tossed with roasted vegetables.
- For extra flavor, serve with peri-naise, sriracha mayo, or your favorite spicy sauce.
Storage
Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out. These bites are best enjoyed fresh but work well cold in salads or wraps.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
It’s not recommended because fresh garlic can burn during baking and become bitter. Garlic powder provides the right flavor without risking overcooking.
What if I don’t have foil or want to avoid it?
You can bake the salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, but be sure to oil it well to prevent sticking and consider flipping the salmon once halfway through cooking.
PrintCajun Baked Salmon Bites Recipe
Deliciously spiced Cajun Baked Salmon Bites that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. These flavorful salmon cubes are coated in a smoky, savory Cajun seasoning blend, baked to perfection using a clever Japanese foil technique for ideal texture, making them perfect as a snack, appetizer, or a protein-packed addition to rice bowls and salads.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets, skinless, cut into 2.5cm (1 inch) cubes (~600 – 700g / 1.2 – 1.4 lb total)
Cajun Seasoning Mix
- 2 tsp paprika (regular or smoked)
- 3/4 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt (adjust if using table salt or flakes)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder (do not substitute 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 tightly packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 240°C (460°F) or 220°C (425°F) if using a fan-forced oven to ensure high heat for a crisp bake.
- Prepare Foil Tray: Lightly crinkle a sheet of aluminum foil and then gently unfold it to keep wrinkles intact. Place it on your baking tray and fold edges to secure. Repeat to cover the whole tray. This wrinkled surface lifts the salmon, preventing sticking and soggy undersides, a clever Japanese cooking technique.
- Make Cajun Seasoning and Coat Salmon: In a bowl, thoroughly mix paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar. Add olive oil and stir to combine. Toss the cubed salmon in this seasoning mixture until evenly coated.
- Arrange Salmon on Foil: Spread the seasoned salmon cubes evenly on the prepared crumpled foil, spacing them out to promote even coloring and crispiness.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes without turning the pieces. Bake until the salmon bites are lightly browned on the outside and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and promptly transfer the salmon bites off the tray to prevent overcooking from residual heat. Serve immediately on their own or as part of Cajun salmon rice bowls with fresh veggies and your choice of sauces.
Notes
- Do not substitute fresh garlic for garlic powder as fresh garlic burns under high heat.
- The crumpled foil technique helps keep the salmon from sticking and avoids soggy undersides for better texture.
- Adjust salt quantity based on the type used; table salt is stronger than kosher salt.
- Cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted to your preferred spice level.
- These salmon bites work wonderfully as a protein topping for salads, rice bowls, or on their own as an appetizer.
- Leftover salmon can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed fresh.
Keywords: Cajun salmon, baked salmon bites, spicy salmon appetizer, healthy salmon recipe, easy salmon recipe, baked seafood bites
