1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. I always do this to keep my cleanup easy and to ensure crispiness.
2. Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because excess moisture can prevent the butter from sticking and help achieve a nice sear.
3. In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned. This is my favorite part—your kitchen will start to smell like a cozy, comforting kitchen from childhood.
4. Place the salmon cubes on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly, making sure each piece gets a little garlic butter love.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and lightly golden on the edges. I like to peek halfway through and spoon some of the garlic butter over the pieces for extra flavor and moisture.
6. While the salmon is baking, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same saucepan or a small skillet. Add a splash of lemon juice and red pepper flakes, if using. Stir to combine.
7. Once baked, transfer the salmon bites to a serving dish. Pour the warm garlic butter mixture over the top, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately. I love adding a lemon wedge on the side for that extra zing.

This process might seem simple, but I’ve found that paying attention to these small details—like patting the salmon dry and spooning the garlic butter—makes a big difference in flavor and texture. It’s a technique I picked up from years of experimenting in my grandma’s kitchen, and I love passing it along to my readers.