Prepare the Salmon Bites:

1. Cut the Salmon: Start by cutting the salmon fillets into bite-sized cubes, making sure they’re evenly sized to cook uniformly.
2. Season the Salmon: Place the salmon cubes in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and chili flakes (if using). Toss well to coat all the pieces in the seasoning. Let the salmon marinate for a few minutes while you prepare the glaze.

Make the Hot Honey Glaze:

3. Combine the Glaze Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer the Glaze: Heat the mixture over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together. Set aside.

Cook the Salmon Bites:

5. Cook the Salmon: Heat a non-stick skillet or large pan over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil to the pan and once it’s hot, add the seasoned salmon cubes. Cook the salmon for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan—work in batches if necessary.
6. Coat in Hot Honey Glaze: Once the salmon bites are cooked, drizzle them with the prepared hot honey glaze. Toss the salmon bites gently to coat each piece evenly in the glaze. You can also spoon a little more glaze over the top for extra sweetness and spice.

Serve:

7. Serve the Salmon Bites: Transfer the hot honey salmon bites to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately, and enjoy!