Sweet & Spicy Salmon Skewers
These skewers feature tender cubes of salmon marinated in a sticky sweet and spicy glaze made with honey, chili, and garlic. Grilled to caramelized perfection, they pair beautifully with fresh herbs, citrus, and a side of rice or salad. A quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that feels both elegant and easy.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 20–30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45–55 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
Salmon Skewers:
1 ½ lbs (700 g) salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1–2 tsp chili paste (sriracha, harissa, or chipotle, adjust heat to taste)
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Garnish & Serving:
2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges for squeezing
Optional: sesame seeds
Instructions
Prepare marinade
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, chili paste, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Marinate salmon
Place salmon cubes in the marinade, toss to coat, and cover.
Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes (not too long or the acid will “cook” the fish).
Assemble skewers
Thread marinated salmon cubes onto skewers (metal or wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes).
Grill salmon
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high.
Grill skewers 2–3 minutes per side, basting with leftover marinade, until salmon is just cooked through and caramelized on the edges.
Serve
Transfer to a platter, sprinkle with fresh herbs and sesame seeds, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes & Tips
Use firm salmon (like Atlantic or sockeye) so it holds shape on skewers.
For oven cooking: broil skewers on a lined tray for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Serve with coconut rice, quinoa salad, or a cucumber-tomato salad for a full meal.
For a Mediterranean twist, swap soy sauce with pomegranate molasses for sweetness + tang.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes — thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.
Q: Can I bake instead of grill?
Yes — bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 minutes, broiling at the end for char.
Q: How do I prevent salmon from sticking?
Brush grill with oil before cooking and don’t flip too early.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~350 kcal
Protein: 32 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sodium: ~420 mg