Bite-Sized Salmon Tikka Recipe

Name: Bite-Sized Salmon Tikka
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons ground red pepper (cayenne); 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.5 pound wild Pacific salmon fillets, cut into 1-inch cubes; 0.5 cup oil for frying; 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Cook Time: 5 minutes

This quick and flavorful dish features tender salmon cubes coated in a blend of spices and fried to perfection. Its a perfect appetizer or main dish for those who love a little heat and a lot of flavor.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
teaspoon ground turmeric
teaspoon salt
8 ounces wild Pacific salmon fillets, cut into 1-inch cubes
cup oil for frying
2 teaspoons cornstarch

Directions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine cayenne pepper, ground turmeric, and salt. Add the cubed salmon and toss to coat evenly. Let the salmon marinate for about 15 minutes to absorb the spices.

Step 2: While the salmon is resting, heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. As the oil heats up, sprinkle the cornstarch over the salmon cubes and toss to coat each piece lightly.

Step 3: Once the oil is hot, add the salmon cubes to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be sure to not overcrowd the pan to ensure each piece gets crispy.

Step 4: Remove the salmon from the skillet and drain any excess oil on a paper towel. Serve immediately as a tasty appetizer or over a bed of greens for a light meal.

Cook's Notes

Adjust the heat level to your preference by varying the amount of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder version, swap the cayenne with paprika. I personally prefer using a full teaspoon of salt for extra flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	229
Total Fat	13g
Saturated Fat	2g
Cholesterol	50mg
Sodium	629mg
Total Carbohydrate	4g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	0g
Protein	25g
Vitamin C	2mg
Calcium	45mg
Iron	1mg
Potassium	453mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Bite-Sized Salmon Tikka is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that combines the rich flavors of Indian spices with the delicate taste of salmon. This recipe is ideal for a snack, appetizer, or a main course and brings an exciting twist to traditional tikka preparations. Below, we delve into the history, regional variations, and unique features of this dish.

History of Salmon Tikka

The origins of "tikka" can be traced back to the Indian subcontinent, where it originally referred to small pieces of meat or vegetables marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices, then grilled or cooked in a tandoor (a traditional clay oven). Though chicken tikka is the most common variant, seafood like salmon has gained popularity in modern recipes due to its rich flavor and tender texture. Over the years, salmon tikka has become a favorite in fusion cuisine, merging the classic Indian flavors with international ingredients.

Regional Variations of Tikka

In India, tikka dishes vary greatly depending on the region. In the North, particularly in Punjab, chicken tikka is a staple, often marinated in a blend of yogurt, garlic, ginger, and spices such as garam masala and cumin. In coastal regions like Kerala, fish and seafood are more commonly used, reflecting the abundance of fresh fish in these areas. The use of salmon in tikka is more common in Western and international versions, where it is adapted to suit a wide variety of tastes and cooking methods. While the basic ingredients and spices remain the same, each regions approach to grilling or frying the tikka adds a distinctive flavor profile.

How Bite-Sized Salmon Tikka Differs from Similar Dishes

While the traditional chicken tikka is famous worldwide, salmon tikka offers a unique twist. Salmon is more delicate than chicken, requiring careful handling to preserve its texture. The spices in salmon tikka, such as cayenne and turmeric, complement the rich, fatty nature of the fish, making it a perfect dish for seafood lovers. Unlike other fish preparations, where the flavor is more subdued, the spices in salmon tikka elevate its natural flavor, creating a savory experience with every bite. Furthermore, the bite-sized pieces of salmon make this dish ideal for sharing, unlike larger fish steaks or fillets often served in other seafood dishes.

Where Bite-Sized Salmon Tikka is Served

Bite-Sized Salmon Tikka is often served as a starter or appetizer at Indian restaurants, especially in the UK and North America, where fusion cuisine has taken hold. It is commonly paired with mint chutney or a cooling yogurt dip to balance the heat from the cayenne pepper. This dish is also perfect for family gatherings, parties, or casual dinners, as it can be easily shared and enjoyed in a variety of settings. Some people even serve it as a topping for salads or as a side dish to complement a main course like biryani or curry.

Interesting Facts About Salmon Tikka

Salmon, a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, adds nutritional value to this flavorful dish, making it not only delicious but also healthy.
In some variations, the marinade is left to sit overnight, allowing the fish to absorb the full depth of the spices, enhancing the overall flavor.
While traditionally cooked in a tandoor, this recipe uses a skillet, making it more accessible for home cooks without specialized equipment.
For those looking to tone down the heat, substituting cayenne pepper with paprika provides a milder version, perfect for those with a lower tolerance for spice.

In conclusion, Bite-Sized Salmon Tikka is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines the best of Indian culinary traditions with a modern twist. Whether youre preparing it as an appetizer for a gathering or as a main dish for a family meal, its sure to impress with its unique flavor and presentation. Enjoy this delightful treat, and let the rich spices transport you to the vibrant culinary world of India!

FAQ about Bite-Sized Salmon Tikka Recipe

Leftover Bite-Sized Salmon Tikka should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking.

Yes, you can freeze Bite-Sized Salmon Tikka. Store it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in a skillet on low heat.

While the recipe calls for wild Pacific salmon, you can substitute other types of fish such as haddock, tilapia, or cod. Just make sure the fish is firm enough to hold its shape when cooking.

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness to suit your preferences. Use less cayenne pepper for a milder version, or substitute paprika if you prefer a less intense heat. You can also add more cayenne for extra spiciness.

Bite-Sized Salmon Tikka pairs well with basmati rice, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with a yogurt-based dipping sauce or a spicy mayo for extra flavor.

Yes, you can use other oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil for frying. Just ensure the oil has a high smoke point for best results.

The salmon should be marinated in the spice mixture for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. For a deeper flavor, you can marinate it for up to an hour.

Yes, you can skip the cornstarch if you prefer. It helps create a crispy coating, but the recipe will still work without it. Just fry the salmon in the oil as is.

If the salmon is too spicy, try serving it with a cooling side dish like plain yogurt or a cucumber salad to balance out the heat. You can also reduce the cayenne pepper in the recipe next time.

Comments

PATZ2

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I have cooked every kind of fish conceivable and this is absolutely the best stir fry salmon ever! Just the right about of spices and it would be great as an appetizer for a fish dinner.

Panfish Wife

07/12/2011 10:26:55 AM

Tastes great. I did marinade the salmon in the Tikka masala over night. I added the masala to olive oil, let that sit for an hour or so in a the fridge, and then added it to the chopped fish pieces. We then grilled the salmon on a stove top grill. I served it on a hot bed of basmati rice. Started with a fresh salad.

fruitdog

07/25/2021 09:08:26 PM

I have been wanting to make these for a while now, so sorry I waited. Fantastic flavor, good heat and texture! I didn't use cornstarch, just let the fish marinate in the seasoning for a while before frying in a little bit of oil. I added garam masala and used less cayenne, will do again!

Dorothy Bailey

09/28/2021 10:08:55 PM

We loved this, but as others pointed out the spice was a little to intense for us. But by cutting it to 1/4tsp it was something else. Yum, my husband even asked for this twice in one week I did use haddock instead of the salmon.

Kitchenqueen

06/27/2014 05:14:27 AM

Was great as is, but even better when I added 3 finely chopped cloves of Garlic, 1tsp hot madras Curry and a 1/2tsp Garam Masala. It was just wow! Even my non-fish eating son loved it!

DollArtistFoodie

03/20/2018 02:49:31 PM

My son brought this recipe home from culinary school and I finally had the chance to make it. I was planning to make sushi rolls with it. I made it according to recipe but I fried half and baked the other half. I must say, we love spicy and if your a big fan of spicy, BAKE IT! It reeeaaallly turns up the heat! Fried was delicious and it was the perfect compliment to the other ingredients. Baked really accentuated the cayenne and added kick to the mellow flavor of the sushi rice. My very picky son gave it a thumbs up! Try it, you won't be sorry.

Anna-Bat

07/24/2014 09:49:05 PM

Added a little bit of garam masala, curry power and cumin per some suggestions. Did not use cornstarch, and just used enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Everything cooked quickly and it was delicious for being so simple. Would definitely make again. With the suggested amount of cayenne, it was pretty spicy.

TCapri

07/03/2019 06:31:10 AM

This was very good. I made it for a potluck and everyone loved it. I used 1 and 1/2 pound sockeye salmon. I did cut down the cayenne pepper to 1/2 tsp and put 2 tsp turmeric and a generous tsp salt for this amount of salmon. We are big salmon eaters (we fish Bristol Bay sockeye commercially) I would definitely make it again. Thanks for the recipe!

just_jam

06/22/2013 07:36:33 PM

the trick to these is the size you cut it into.. the 1 inch cubes are perfect.. but too small it's too spicy.. too big and you lose the flavor.. didn't deep fry or use the cornstarch.. just sauteed.. these were surprisingly easy and very tasty.. ty for the recipe~~~UPDATE: you can use just about any fish.. i've also doubled the turmeric in one instance.. still super tasty

Lori K Bogren

07/12/2012 10:11:20 PM

We live in Alaska and eat *a lot* of salmon. My husband's first response when he took a bite: "This is epic." Needless to say, it is now in the salmon rotation. I did sub crushed red peppers for the cayenne due to allergies.

ALBIANNE

03/01/2012 05:08:36 PM

This tasted awesome, we only added a scant 1/2 tsp of cayenne because we are spice wimps and it was perfect for us, zingy but not enough to leave my mouth burning. Thank you for sharing your great recipe.

ArtsyCow2667

09/07/2023 09:34:17 PM

Used paprika instead of cayenne and used creole seasoning and adobo seasoning

mamagee

03/24/2021 11:44:47 PM

My family usually doesn’t like any “Indian” flavors like turmeric. I made this as written (except I added fresh ground pepper out of habit with the salt). My family ate it and nobody complained or said it tasted like Indian food. It was good I served it with a spicy Mayo dipping sauce and rice and broccoli on the side.

Patricia Perez

07/23/2019 02:55:09 AM

So satisfying and easy to make.

Marni Tambling

01/20/2019 12:45:44 AM

Very good and super fast and easy.

Karen Stoesz

12/07/2018 04:35:30 AM

These salmon bites were delicious. I followed the recipe as written and wouldn’t change anything. I served them as an appetizer but they would be great as a meal with a green salad. Thank you Tarama for submitting this.

Mokatasu

12/02/2018 06:37:15 PM

ur sooooo awesome! Loved it! TOOOOOOOOOOO good!

monita

05/26/2017 09:50:44 PM

David Phipps

01/05/2016 06:54:25 PM

These made the perfect hors d'oeuvre for our dinner party.

Bobbie Reed

07/17/2015 04:57:48 PM

I added a 1/4 cup of brown sugar to the marinade. Great taste!

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Italian Wedding Pasta Bake Recipe

View Recipe

Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna Recipe

audio version

Cook Time: 70 minutes