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Crispy Salmon Cubes

Featured in Seafood.

Transform simple salmon into tasty bites with a crisp cornmeal coating. These lightly fried cubes marry the heat of cayenne, sweetness of maple, and tangy lime. Serve with a quick avocado dip for a satisfying balance of flavors. Perfect for a snack or served over greens for a quick meal, they cook in just minutes, retaining tender, juicy fish inside while staying crisp on the outside.
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Updated on Thu, 22 May 2025 14:48:16 GMT
A plate with crispy fish cubes, avocado slices, and lime wedges. Pin it
A plate with crispy fish cubes, avocado slices, and lime wedges. | tasteofmoms.com

Sink your teeth into these zesty salmon chunks and enjoy a flawless mix of smoky spice and gentle sweetness that turns regular salmon into something special. The crunchy outside breaks to reveal soft, flaky fish inside – a wonderful mix of textures that makes you want more. I've spent years getting this dish just right, adjusting the spices each time until I found this perfect combo that brings out salmon's best qualities without drowning its natural richness.

I made these for a dinner get-together last weekend as an opener, and everyone was grabbing for the final pieces! My next-door neighbor, who always says he can't stand salmon, wanted my recipe before we even got to dessert. It's all about finding that right mix of spices and adding that touch of maple syrup for a lovely sweet-spicy balance.

Key Ingredients and Smart Shopping Advice

  • Salmon: Go for firm, vibrant-colored cuts with a fresh sea smell. Wild-caught usually tastes better, but good farm-raised salmon works fine too.
  • Paprika: Grab smoked paprika instead of sweet for richer, more interesting flavor.
  • Maple Syrup: Spend a bit more on real maple syrup (not the breakfast kind) for its genuine taste.
  • Cornmeal: Medium-ground cornmeal gives you the best texture and nice golden look.
A white plate with a variety of food items, including fish, avocado, and onions, sits on a table. Pin it
A white plate with a variety of food items, including fish, avocado, and onions, sits on a table. | tasteofmoms.com

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1:
Cut Your Salmon Right - Slice the salmon into equal 1-inch squares and dry them off.
Step 2:
Mix Your Spices - Blend smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, sea salt, lime juice, and maple syrup until it forms a paste.
Step 3:
Get the Flavor In - Roll salmon squares in the spicy mix and let them sit for 10-15 minutes.
Step 4:
Add the Crunch Factor - Gently roll each salmon cube in cornmeal for that crispy finish.
Step 5:
Cook Them Just Right - Warm up oil in a pan and cook salmon for about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden.
Step 6:
Give Them a Breather - Let your cooked salmon bites sit for 1-2 minutes before you serve them.

I found out about adding maple syrup by chance when I ran out of honey one time. The maple's rich sweetness went so well with the smoky paprika that it's now my personal twist on this dish.

The first time I brought these salmon chunks to a family party, my uncle who hates seafood took one just to be nice. I watched him look surprised after his first taste, then quietly come back for seconds and thirds.

A plate of food with fish, avocado, and onions. Pin it
A plate of food with fish, avocado, and onions. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Could I bake these salmon cubes instead of frying them?
Definitely! Pop them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes. To get them crispier, turn on the broiler for a minute or two after baking.
→ What oil can I use instead of peanut oil?
Got no peanut oil? Try avocado, grapeseed, or refined coconut oil. Even mild olive oil works, but it might add a light taste to the dish.
→ Can I prep these salmon bites ahead of time?
Sure! Slice the fish and mix the spices up to a day early. Add seasoning just before frying. Make the avocado dip right before serving so it stays fresh.
→ What else can I serve these salmon cubes with?
Try them with mango salsa, chipotle mayo, tzatziki, or lemon-yogurt sauce. They also taste great on salads or rice bowls.
→ How do I know the salmon bites are cooked?
They’re done when cooked outside but slightly see-through in the middle. Each side only needs 2-3 minutes. Don’t overdo it, or they'll dry out!

Crispy Salmon Cubes

Salmon pieces coated in maple, lime, and seasonings, fried to crispy perfection. Paired with a fresh avocado and onion dip for the perfect snack.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Seafood

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Salmon Bites

01 2 tablespoons cornmeal
02 ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
03 ¼ teaspoon pepper
04 ½ teaspoon salt
05 ¾ teaspoon maple syrup
06 2 teaspoons paprika
07 1 lb. salmon, cut into chunks about 3-inches wide
08 ½ lime, squeezed for juice
09 ¼ cup peanut oil

→ Avocado Onion Relish

10 ½ lime, squeezed for juice
11 ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
12 Salt and pepper, adjust to your liking
13 2 avocados, diced into cubes
14 ½ tablespoon freshly chopped cilantro

Instructions

Step 01

Slice the salmon into chunks about 3 inches long and pat them dry. You can decide to leave the skin on or remove it—it’s up to you.

Step 02

Grab a big bowl and stir together the paprika, cayenne, salt, maple syrup, lime juice, and pepper. Make sure it’s all smooth and blended.

Step 03

Drop the salmon pieces into the seasoning mix and make sure each piece is evenly covered. Let them sit and soak up the flavors for 15 minutes.

Step 04

When you’re ready to fry, sprinkle cornmeal onto the seasoned salmon and toss everything gently so all the pieces get a nice coating.

Step 05

Warm up the peanut oil in a pan over medium heat (a cast iron skillet works great). Lay the salmon pieces in the pan and cook for a couple minutes on one side until golden, then flip them to cook through.

Step 06

In another bowl, toss together the chopped avocado, onion, lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it gently so the avocado doesn’t mash.

Step 07

Take the salmon out of the pan and serve it up alongside the cool avocado relish. Enjoy!

Notes

  1. These salmon chunks are flavored with spices, a bit of zest, and sweetness, then pan-fried for a crispy finish.
  2. Feel free to leave the skin on the salmon or take it off, depending on how you prefer it.
  3. The creamy avocado relish is a chilled and smooth contrast to the spiced salmon bites.
  4. Serve these salmon bites at your next get-together as a fun finger food, or enjoy them for dinner with extra sides.

Tools You'll Need

  • Cast iron skillet, about 10 inches in size
  • Bowls for mixing
  • Knife and cutting board for prep
  • Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
  • A few paper towels to dry the salmon pieces

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Uses salmon, which is a type of fish.
  • Made with peanut oil, but you can use a different cooking oil if needed for allergies.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 315
  • Total Fat: 24 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 10 g
  • Protein: 17 g