Lemon Pepper Salmon Nuggets

$- 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes Fresh salmon is key for this recipe. It brings rich flavor and a soft texture. Always choose wild-caught salmon for the best taste and health benefits. - 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt These flavoring ingredients add a bright and zesty taste. Lemon zest and juice give a fresh punch. Black pepper and garlic bring warmth and depth. The sea salt helps enhance all the flavors. - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten well - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) The breading makes the nuggets crispy. Flour helps the egg stick, while the panko breadcrumbs add an extra crunch. This combo gives a delicious texture. - Olive oil, for frying - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) Using olive oil for frying adds flavor and keeps the nuggets moist. Fresh parsley not only looks nice but also adds a hint of freshness. Always have a good amount of oil to ensure even cooking. Start by grabbing a medium bowl. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, and sea salt. Mix them well. This zesty marinade brings bright flavors to the salmon. Now, gently add the salmon cubes to the marinade. Toss them carefully. Make sure each piece gets coated evenly. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes. This step helps the salmon soak in all the tasty flavors. It's time to set up your breading station. Use three shallow dishes. Put the flour in the first dish. In the second, place the beaten eggs. Finally, add the breadcrumbs to the third dish. This setup makes breading easy and fun. Once the salmon has marinated, take it out of the bowl. Let any extra liquid drip off. First, dredge each piece in flour and shake off the excess. Next, dip it in the beaten eggs. Finally, coat it with breadcrumbs. Press gently to make sure they stick well. Grab a large skillet and heat olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the breaded salmon nuggets in batches. Don't overcrowd the pan. This keeps them crispy. Fry each side for about 3 to 4 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up the extra oil. Before serving, sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley over the salmon nuggets. This adds a nice touch and a pop of color. Enjoy your crispy and flavorful lemon pepper salmon nuggets! When picking salmon, look for fresh fillets. Fresh salmon has a bright color and a clean smell. Avoid fish that looks dull or has an off odor. You can use wild-caught or farmed salmon, but wild is often richer in flavor. Always check for skin removal; it saves time in prep. To make your nuggets crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. They are larger and give a great crunch. Don't skip the flour and egg steps; they help the breadcrumbs stick. Ensure your oil is hot before frying. If it's too cool, the nuggets will soak up oil and turn soggy. For the best flavor, marinate your salmon for 15 to 30 minutes. This short time lets the fish soak up the lemon and spices without becoming mushy. If you leave it too long, the acid from the lemon can "cook" the salmon. Keep an eye on the clock! I recommend using olive oil for frying. It's healthy and adds flavor. You can also use vegetable or canola oil if you want a higher smoke point. Make sure to heat enough oil to cover the base of your pan. This helps cook the nuggets evenly and keeps them crispy. {{image_4}} You can change the flavors in your salmon nuggets. Try using smoked paprika for a nice kick. You can also add some dill or oregano for a fresh taste. If you love heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper. Mix and match these spices for fun new flavors. Frying gives your salmon nuggets a crispy outside. If you want a healthier option, try baking them. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the nuggets on a baking sheet and spray with olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Both methods taste great, so choose what you prefer! Serve your lemon pepper salmon nuggets with a variety of sides. A fresh salad or steamed veggies pair nicely. You can also enjoy them with a side of rice or quinoa for a filling meal. For dipping, try a tangy yogurt sauce or a classic tartar sauce. These options make your meal fun and tasty! Store your lemon pepper salmon nuggets in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure they cool down before you store them. This helps prevent condensation. To reheat, place the salmon nuggets in a skillet. Use medium heat for about five minutes. Flip them halfway to ensure even heating. You can also use an oven set to 350°F. Bake for about ten minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can freeze salmon nuggets if needed. Allow them to cool completely first. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just thaw it completely first. This helps the salmon cook evenly. If you need a substitute, try crushed crackers or oats. You can also use ground nuts for a tasty crunch. Store your salmon nuggets in the fridge for up to three days. Keep them in an airtight container to stay fresh. Yes, they are a healthy option! Salmon is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. This dish uses fresh ingredients and less oil, making it a smart choice. Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. These swaps keep the dish tasty and safe for gluten-sensitive eaters. This blog post shared how to make delicious salmon nuggets. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for crispy texture. I highlighted variations, storage options, and answered common questions. Try the recipe your way, whether frying or baking. Salmon nuggets can be a tasty, healthy meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure and make it fun!$

Elevate your dinner game with these delicious lemon pepper salmon nuggets! This easy recipe combines tender salmon cubes with a zesty lemon marinade, giving you a flavorful and crispy treat everyone will love. In just one hour, you can enjoy perfectly breaded, golden nuggets that are ideal for any occasion. Click to discover the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this tasty dish!

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Ingredients

1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes

1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten well

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

Olive oil, for frying

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, and sea salt. This will create a zesty marinade for the salmon.

Gently add the salmon cubes to the marinade, tossing carefully to ensure each piece is coated evenly. Cover the bowl and allow the salmon to marinate in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Prepare your breading station by placing the flour in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in a second dish, and the breadcrumbs in a third. This setup will streamline the breading process.

Once marinated, remove the salmon nuggets from the marinade and allow any excess liquid to drip off gently.

Dredge each salmon piece in flour, shaking off any excess flour. Dip the floured nugget into the beaten eggs, and then coat it thoroughly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.

In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering hot, add the breaded salmon nuggets in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan for even cooking.

Fry the nuggets for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Before serving, garnish the salmon nuggets with finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

- Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4