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Cajun Baked Salmon Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 79 reviews

Delicious Cajun Baked Salmon Bites featuring tender, flavorful salmon cubes coated in a smoky, spicy Cajun seasoning and baked to perfection. This quick and easy recipe uses a clever foil technique for even cooking and prevents sticking, resulting in beautifully browned bites perfect for snacking or adding to rice bowls.

Ingredients

Scale

Cajun Spice Mix

  • 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 (don’t sub with fresh garlic, 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)

Main Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets, skinless, cut into 2.5cm / 1″ cubes (~600 – 700g / 1.2 – 1.4lb total)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 240°C/460°F (220°C fan-forced) to get it ready for baking the salmon bites at a high temperature for a nicely browned finish.
  2. Prepare Foil: Lightly scrunch up aluminum foil and then gently unfold it so that it remains wrinkled with lots of little peaks. Place the foil on your baking tray and fold up the edges to secure; use another sheet to cover the full tray if needed. This Japanese-inspired trick lifts the fish slightly to prevent sticking and keeps the undersides from becoming soggy.
  3. Make Cajun Spice Mix: In a bowl, combine paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar. Mix well to create the Cajun seasoning blend.
  4. Coat Salmon: Add the cubed salmon fillets to the bowl with the Cajun spice mix along with the olive oil. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the salmon cubes evenly with the seasoning and oil.
  5. Arrange Salmon on Foil: Spread the seasoned salmon cubes out evenly on the prepared foil tray. Make sure they are spaced out well to ensure even browning on all sides.
  6. Bake Salmon Bites: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the salmon for 12 minutes without turning. The high heat and foil wrinkles help create a lightly browned exterior while keeping the salmon tender inside.
  7. Remove and Serve: Once the baking time is complete, remove the salmon bites from the tray to stop any residual cooking. Serve immediately, either as a snack or added to dishes like Cajun Salmon Rice Bowls with fresh veggies and sauces.

Notes

  • Using garlic powder instead of fresh garlic prevents burning during the high heat baking.
  • The crinkled foil technique helps avoid soggy undersides and sticking, making cleanup easier.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper amount or omit for milder flavor.
  • Serve with Peri-naise, mayo mixed with sriracha or ketchup, or a fresh avocado salsa for a tasty accompaniment.
  • These salmon bites are perfect for adding to rice bowls or crisp salads.

Keywords: Cajun salmon bites, baked salmon cubes, easy salmon recipe, spicy salmon bites, Cajun seafood, healthy salmon snack

Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/cajun-baked-salmon-bites-recipe/