Description
Deliciously seasoned Cajun Baked Salmon Bites, featuring tender salmon cubes coated with a flavorful blend of paprika, garlic, onion, and cayenne pepper, baked to perfection. This quick and easy seafood dish is perfect for a healthy snack or appetizer, packed with vibrant spices and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets, skinless, cut into 2.5cm (1 inch) cubes (~600-700g / 1.2-1.4 lb total)
Seasoning Mix
- 2 tsp paprika (regular/sweet, smoked also lovely)
- 3/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (halve if using table salt, increase by 50% for flakes)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder (do not substitute with fresh garlic, 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 teaspoons)
Other
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon: Start by cutting the skinless salmon fillets into small cubes about 2.5cm (1 inch) in size. This ensures even cooking and allows the seasoning to coat every bite thoroughly.
- Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, cooking salt, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and brown sugar. Stir the mixture until well blended.
- Coat the salmon bites: Place the cubed salmon in a mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning blend over the top. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the spice mixture and oil.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) and allow it to fully preheat to ensure even baking throughout the salmon bites.
- Bake the salmon bites: Spread the seasoned salmon cubes evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or lightly greased foil to prevent sticking. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 12 minutes. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. These spicy, juicy salmon bites are perfect as an appetizer or a protein-packed snack.
Notes
- Do not substitute garlic powder with fresh garlic, as fresh garlic tends to burn during baking.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your heat preference or omit if you want a milder dish.
- Use parchment paper or foil to line your baking tray to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Halve the salt amount if using table salt instead of kosher or cooking salt, as it is more concentrated.
- Brown sugar balances the heat of the spices, but can be adjusted for sweetness to taste.
