Name: Lemon Butter Salmon Bites (Quick & Easy)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American / Mediterranean
Ingredients: 454 g (1 pound) salmon fillets skinless; 14 g (1 tablespoon) extra virgin olive oil; 3 g (1/2 teaspoon) salt or to taste; 1 g (1/4 teaspoon) black pepper freshly ground; For the Lemon Butter Sauce; 28 g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter melted; 30 g (2 tablespoons) freshly squeezed lemon juice; 2 g (1 teaspoon) fresh lemon zest; 5 g (2 tablespoons) fresh dill chopped; 5 g (2 tablespoons) fresh parsley chopped

I love having a few truly fast and flavorful recipes on hand for busy weeknights, and these Lemon Butter Salmon Bites are always at the top of my list. The salmon cooks up perfectly tender and flaky, coated in a bright, zesty sauce that feels elegant but comes together in minutes. It’s the kind of dish I make when I want something satisfying and fresh without spending an hour in the kitchen.

Achieving the Perfect Sear

The key to salmon with a crisp exterior and a moist, flaky interior is proper pan-searing technique. Start with a very dry surface on your salmon cubes; patting them with a paper towel is a non-negotiable step. Use a skillet that conducts heat well, like cast iron or stainless steel, and make sure your oil is shimmering before the fish goes in. Place the salmon in a single layer, leaving space between each piece to prevent steaming. Let the cubes cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side. This allows a golden-brown crust to form. Resisting the urge to move them around is crucial for that perfect texture.

Balancing Rich and Bright Flavors

This dish is all about the harmony between the rich, savory butter and the bright, acidic lemon. The fat in the butter mellows the lemon’s sharpness, while the lemon juice and zest cut through the richness, preventing the dish from feeling heavy. Fresh herbs are the final piece of this puzzle. Dill brings a classic, slightly anise-like freshness that pairs beautifully with salmon, while parsley adds a clean, grassy note. If you find your sauce is too tart, a tiny extra pinch of salt can help balance it out. Always taste and adjust right before serving.

Sourcing Quality Salmon

The quality of your salmon will make a noticeable difference in the final dish. Look for fillets with a vibrant, deep orange or pink color and a firm texture. If you press it gently, the flesh should spring back. Avoid salmon that looks pale, has brown spots, or smells overly fishy. Both wild-caught and sustainably farmed salmon work well here. I prefer a thicker, center-cut fillet because it makes it easier to cut uniform, one-inch cubes that will cook evenly. If you can only find thinner tail-end pieces, just be sure to reduce the cook time slightly to avoid over-drying the fish.

Herb Pairing and Preparation

While dill and parsley are a classic combination for salmon, don’t be afraid to experiment. Fresh chives can add a delicate oniony note, or a small amount of tarragon can introduce a sophisticated, anise-like flavor. For the best results, always use fresh herbs over dried ones in a quick-cooking sauce like this. Dried herbs need more time and moisture to rehydrate and release their flavor. When chopping, use a sharp knife to slice through the leaves cleanly. A dull knife will bruise the herbs, causing them to lose their vibrant color and fresh aroma more quickly.

Recipe Overview

Lemon butter salmon bites in a black skillet, garnished with fresh dill and lemon slices.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Salmon Bites

454g (1 pound) salmon fillets, skinless
14g (1 tablespoon) extra virgin olive oil
3g (1/2 teaspoon) salt, or to taste
1g (1/4 teaspoon) black pepper, freshly ground

For the Lemon Butter Sauce

28g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
30g (2 tablespoons) freshly squeezed lemon juice
2g (1 teaspoon) fresh lemon zest
5g (2 tablespoons) fresh dill, chopped
5g (2 tablespoons) fresh parsley, chopped

Step-By-Step Instructions

Prepare the Salmon
Using a sharp knife, cut the salmon fillets into 1-inch cubes. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels—this is essential for getting a good sear. Season the cubes with salt and pepper.
Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir in the chopped fresh dill and parsley. Set this mixture aside for later.
Heat the Skillet
Place a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Let the oil heat for about 2 minutes, or until it shimmers slightly. A properly heated pan prevents the salmon from sticking.
Sear the Salmon
Carefully place the salmon cubes in the hot skillet in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; work in two batches if necessary. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. The inside should be tender and opaque.
Combine and Finish
Reduce the heat to low and pour the lemon butter sauce over the salmon in the skillet. Gently toss the bites to coat them completely. Let it simmer for 1 minute for the flavors to meld, then remove the pan from the heat.
Garnish and Serve
Transfer the salmon bites to a serving platter. Garnish with a little extra fresh dill or lemon zest, if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

If you enjoy this dish, try our Baked Chicken and Veggie Meal Prep for a perfect pairing or next-weeknight option.

Substitutions & Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes (about 1/4 teaspoon) to the lemon butter sauce for a little heat.
Different Herbs: Swap the dill and parsley for 4 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro for a different, vibrant flavor profile.
Dairy-Free: To make this dairy-free, simply substitute the unsalted butter with an equal amount of high-quality olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheat

How to store and reheat Lemon Butter Salmon Bites

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm the salmon bites gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until just heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the salmon dry.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
Per Serving: 350 calories, 25g protein, 28g fat, 5g carbs
Per 100g: 200 calories, 15g protein, 16g fat, 3g carbs

Estimates only.

FAQ

How can I stop my salmon bites from sticking to the stainless pan?

The key is a hot pan and enough fat. Let the oil get a slight shimmer before adding the salmon. Resist moving the pieces for the first couple minutes to let a crust form.

Why aren't my salmon pieces developing a crispy, golden-brown crust?

The most common cause is moisture. Pat the salmon cubes completely dry with paper towels before you season them. This allows the surface to fry and brown instead of just steaming.

What is the best way to cook a double batch of these salmon bites?

To get a good sear on a large amount, you must cook in batches. Overcrowding the pan lowers the temperature and steams the fish. Give each piece space to brown properly.

Can I get a good sear on the salmon if I use a non-stick skillet?

You can, though the crust may be less deep brown. Non-stick surfaces don't retain heat the same way as stainless steel. Make sure the pan is thoroughly preheated first.

Is it okay to use salmon that has been previously frozen for this?

Yes, using thawed frozen salmon is fine. Let it thaw completely in the refrigerator. Most importantly, pat the cubes completely dry to remove excess moisture for a good sear.

Should the salmon be at room temperature before it goes into the pan?

For small pieces like these, cooking straight from the fridge is perfectly fine. The cubes are thin enough to cook through quickly before the exterior has a chance to overcook.

How do I reheat leftovers without making the salmon bites feel dry?

Gently warm the bites in a skillet over low heat with a touch of oil. This method gives you more control and helps avoid overcooking, which is what makes reheated salmon dry.

What are some simple side dishes that go well with these salmon bites?

They pair well with anything that can soak up the sauce, like rice or quinoa. For a vegetable, roasted asparagus or steamed green beans are excellent, simple choices.