Jerk Salmon Bites

Name: Jerk Salmon Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped; 2 medium habanero peppers (or Scotch bonnet), seeded and chopped; 3 medium green onions, roughly chopped; 6 teaspoons minced garlic; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ¾ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon allspice; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 pounds skinless salmon, cut into 1-inch cubes; ¼ cup (½ stick / 57g) unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons water; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Featured in 30-Minute Weeknight Meals.

Jerk Salmon Bites offer a bold Caribbean twist on traditional salmon dishes. Succulent cubes of salmon are marinated in a vibrant jerk seasoning featuring habanero peppers, aromatic spices like cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg, along with garlic and lime juice. After a short marination period, the salmon is quickly air-fried until perfectly tender and flaky. The dish is finished with a luscious butter sauce made from the reserved marinade, creating a glossy coating that amplifies the flavor profile. Ready in under an hour, these spicy salmon bites make an impressive yet simple dinner that works equally well as an appetizer for entertaining or a protein-packed main course. With options for air-frying, pan-searing, or baking, this versatile recipe delivers restaurant-quality results at home.

By Comfort Cravings Recipes

Updated on Tue, 11 Mar 2025 21:56:25 GMT

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Jerk salmon bites transform ordinary fish into extraordinary Caribbean-inspired morsels with bold flavors. Succulent salmon cubes caramelize under a vibrant spice blend, creating crisp exteriors with tender interiors. This dish balances fiery heat, aromatic spices, and natural sweetness for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Inspired by Jamaican cooking traditions, this recipe converted my salmon-skeptic brother-in-law into a seafood lover. Now a party favorite, these bites challenge preconceptions about both fish and spice levels.

Essential Components

Fresh salmon: Bright, firm fillets with no fishy odor
Scotch bonnets: Fruity heat authentic to jerk seasoning
Allspice berries: Warm spice blend cornerstone
Fresh thyme: Earthy herbal backbone

Marinade Preparation

Spice Blending: Pulse peppers, onions, garlic, and spices into textured paste. Balance heat with brown sugar and lime acidity.
Fish Prep: Cube salmon uniformly for even cooking. Marinate 30-120 minutes for flavor infusion without over-tenderizing.

Spicy Jerk Salmon Bites | comfortcravingsrecipes.com

Cooking Methods

Air Fryer Technique: Cook at 400°F for caramelized edges. Maintains moisture better than traditional frying.
Skillet Searing: Develop golden crust in heavy pan. Ideal for visual presentation.

These bites became legendary at my sister's engagement party, converting a spice-averse guest into an enthusiast. The transformative power of balanced flavors makes this dish my secret culinary weapon.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with coconut rice and mango salsa for Caribbean harmony. Offer lime wedges and cooling avocado crema to balance heat. Perfect atop greens for vibrant salads.

Flavor Variations

Use jalapeños for milder versions. Apply marinade to chicken or tofu. Create appetizer bites on cucumber rounds with herb garnish.

Caribbean Jerk Salmon Bites | comfortcravingsrecipes.com

Storage Solutions

Refrigerate leftovers up to three days. Reheat in air fryer to restore crispness. Freeze uncooked marinated cubes for monthly meal prep.

This recipe embodies culinary alchemy - transforming simple ingredients into conversation-starting dishes. Watching hesitant eaters become converts reminds me food's power to connect and delight across preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How spicy are these Jerk Salmon Bites?: These Jerk Salmon Bites have a moderate to high heat level due to the habanero peppers. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing the amount of peppers or removing the seeds and membrane for a milder flavor while still enjoying the authentic jerk taste.
→ Can I make Jerk Salmon Bites without an air fryer?: Absolutely! The recipe includes instructions for pan-frying and baking as alternatives. Pan-fry in olive oil and butter for 2-3 minutes per side, or bake at 425°F for 7-10 minutes and finish under the broiler for a minute to get that sear.
→ How long should I marinate the salmon?: For best results, marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours. Don't marinate longer than that as the acidity from the lime juice can start to break down the delicate salmon texture.
→ What can I serve with Jerk Salmon Bites?: These Jerk Salmon Bites pair wonderfully with coconut rice, roasted sweet potatoes, grilled pineapple, or a fresh mango salsa. A simple side salad with a citrus dressing also complements the spicy flavors nicely.
→ Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?: Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to completely thaw it before marinating. Pat it dry with paper towels to ensure the marinade adheres properly to the surface of the fish.
→ How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?: The salmon is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F. The cubes should be opaque on the outside but still slightly translucent and moist in the center. They should flake easily with a fork.

Jerk Salmon Bites

These Jerk Salmon Bites feature tender salmon cubes marinated in a spicy Caribbean jerk seasoning, then air-fried and tossed in a rich butter sauce.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

8 Minutes

Total Time

23 Minutes

By: Comfort Cravings Recipes

Category: Quick & Easy

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Caribbean

Yield: 4 Servings (4 portions)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Marinade & Spices

01 1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped

02 2 medium habanero peppers (or Scotch bonnet), seeded and chopped

03 3 medium green onions, roughly chopped

04 6 teaspoons minced garlic

05 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

06 2 tablespoons soy sauce

07 2 tablespoons lime juice

08 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

09 1 teaspoon ground ginger

10 1 teaspoon dried thyme

11 ¾ teaspoon kosher salt

12 ½ teaspoon cinnamon

13 ½ teaspoon allspice

14 ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

15 ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Main Ingredients

16 2 pounds skinless salmon, cut into 1-inch cubes

17 ¼ cup (½ stick / 57g) unsalted butter

18 2 tablespoons water

19 Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

In a food processor, combine the yellow onion, habanero peppers, green onions, garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, ginger, thyme, salt, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and black pepper. Blend until smooth. Set aside ¼ cup of this mixture for the sauce later.

Step 02

Place the salmon cubes in a large zip-top bag and pour in the remaining marinade. Seal the bag and gently massage to coat all pieces evenly. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours.

Step 03

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and coat the basket with nonstick spray. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, arrange the marinated salmon in a single layer. Air fry for 7-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F, shaking halfway through. Transfer cooked salmon to a bowl and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 04

While the salmon cooks, make the sauce. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the reserved ¼ cup marinade and water, then stir to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 05

Add the cooked salmon bites to the skillet with the sauce and gently toss to coat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.

Notes

You can adjust the spice level by using fewer habanero peppers or substituting with milder peppers if you prefer less heat.
This dish pairs wonderfully with coconut rice, roasted sweet potatoes, or a fresh mango salsa.
The jerk marinade can be made a day ahead and refrigerated for even more flavor development.

Tools You'll Need

Food processor
Large zip-top bag
Air fryer (or skillet/oven for alternative methods)
Large skillet
Aluminum foil

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

Contains fish (salmon)
Contains soy (soy sauce)
Contains dairy (butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Calories: 588
Total Fat: 38 g
Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
Protein: 48 g