Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the ultimate combination of texture and flavor. The flaky, juicy salmon is coated with a delicious blend of spices, then tossed in a creamy, sweet spicy bang bang sauce that brings everything together. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer, a protein packed main dish, or a fun twist on classic seafood, these bites will become a household favorite.
Best of all, they’re incredibly versatile you can pan sear them for a restaurant style crisp, air fry them for a healthy crunch, or bake them for an effortless meal. Serve them over rice, in tacos, or as a party snack, and watch them disappear! Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound salmon fillets, skin removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon lime juice
Directions:
- Cut salmon into 1 inch cubes and pat dry with paper towels. Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Choose a cooking method:
- Pan-searing: Heat a skillet over medium high heat and cook salmon for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F and bake on a lined sheet for 10-12 minutes.
- Air frying: Set air fryer to 375°F and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- While salmon is cooking, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice to create the bang bang sauce.
- Drizzle or toss cooked salmon with the sauce, ensuring even coating.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or sesame seeds and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4
Bang Bang Salmon Bites – A Crispy, Flavor-Packed Delight
Salmon is one of the most versatile proteins you can cook with, offering a rich, buttery texture that pairs beautifully with a wide variety of seasonings and sauces. Among the many ways to prepare salmon, Bang Bang Salmon Bites stand out as a must try dish. These bite sized pieces of crispy salmon are coated in a deliciously creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce that elevates their flavor to new heights.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a fun party appetizer, or even as a meal prep option, these salmon bites can be cooked in multiple ways pan seared, baked, or air fried to suit your preferred cooking method. Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply looking to add more omega 3 rich fish to your diet in a creative and flavorful way, this dish is a guaranteed hit.
What Makes Bang Bang Salmon Bites So Special?
The magic of this dish lies in two key elements: the perfectly crispy salmon and the irresistible bang bang sauce.
- The Salmon: When cooked correctly, salmon develops a light, crispy crust while remaining tender and flaky inside. The seasoning blend, which includes garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a touch of cayenne, enhances the natural flavors of the fish while providing a subtle heat and smokiness.
- The Sauce: Bang bang sauce is a creamy, sweet spicy blend of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. The combination of ingredients creates a balance of flavors sweet from the honey and chili sauce, creamy from the mayo, tangy from the lime, and spicy from the sriracha. It clings perfectly to the salmon bites, coating them in a layer of bold, delicious goodness.
This dish is all about contrast: crispy yet tender salmon, creamy yet spicy sauce, and a balance of sweetness, heat, and umami flavors that keep you coming back for more.
A Dish with Multiple Cooking Options
One of the best things about Bang Bang Salmon Bites is that they can be cooked in different ways depending on your preference and available kitchen tools.
1. Pan-Searing for Maximum Crispiness
If you love a crispy exterior, pan searing is the way to go. Cooking salmon in a hot skillet with a little olive oil creates a golden brown crust that adds texture and flavor. This method takes just a few minutes and results in salmon bites that are perfectly crispy on the outside while still juicy on the inside.
2. Baking for an Easy, Hands-Off Approach
If you prefer a more hands off method, baking is a great choice. Simply place the salmon bites on a lined baking sheet and let the oven do the work. While baking doesn’t produce quite the same crispiness as pan searing, it still results in delicious, tender salmon with minimal effort.
3. Air Frying for a Healthier Crisp
For those who want the crispiness of pan searing but with less oil, air frying is an excellent alternative. The air fryer circulates hot air around the salmon, creating a crispy crust without the need for deep frying. This method is quick, efficient, and perfect for those looking for a healthier option.
No matter which method you choose, the key is to cook the salmon just until it flakes easily with a fork. Overcooking can dry out the fish, so keeping an eye on the cooking time is essential.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bang Bang Salmon Bites are more than just another seafood dish they’re a crowd pleasing, flavor packed recipe with plenty of reasons to love them:
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, over rice, in tacos, or on salads.
Packed with Flavor: A perfect mix of crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy.
Healthy Option: Salmon is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, making this a nutritious meal choice.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level by tweaking the sriracha and cayenne amounts to your taste.
Serving Ideas for Bang Bang Salmon Bites
One of the things that makes this dish so exciting is its versatility. Here are a few creative ways to enjoy your Bang Bang Salmon Bites:
- Over Rice: Serve them on a bed of jasmine or coconut rice, drizzling extra bang bang sauce over the top for a flavorful rice bowl.
- In Tacos: Stuff them into warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado, and extra sauce for an amazing seafood taco experience.
- As a Salad Topper: Toss them over a fresh salad with crunchy veggies and a drizzle of bang bang sauce for a protein packed meal.
- On Skewers: Thread the salmon bites onto skewers and serve them as a fun, party friendly appetizer.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair them with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or sweet potatoes for a balanced, nutritious plate.
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Salmon Bites
To ensure your salmon bites turn out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Pat the Salmon Dry: Before seasoning, use paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispier texture when cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan or Air Fryer: Give each piece space to cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
- Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: If you love extra spice, add more sriracha. If you prefer a sweeter taste, increase the honey.
- Serve Immediately: These bites are best enjoyed fresh and hot for the crispiest texture.
Common Questions About Bang Bang Salmon Bites
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! If using frozen salmon, make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and cooking.
2. How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The spice level is moderate, but it can be easily adjusted. Reduce the sriracha for a milder taste or add extra for more heat.
3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The bang bang sauce can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.
4. What can I serve with these salmon bites?
They pair well with rice, vegetables, tacos, or even as part of a poke bowl. They’re also great as an appetizer with a side of extra dipping sauce.
5. Can I use another type of fish?
Yes! While salmon is the best choice for this recipe, you can also use other firm fish like cod or tilapia. Just be mindful of cooking times, as thinner fish will cook faster.
Conclusion:
Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a delicious, easy to make dish that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Whether you pan sear, bake, or air fry them, these crispy, tender salmon bites will become a favorite in your household. The sweet and spicy bang bang sauce takes them to the next level, making them an irresistible choice for any meal.
With multiple serving options and customization possibilities, this dish is perfect for any occasion whether you’re meal prepping, hosting a dinner party, or just looking for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal. Give this recipe a try, and get ready to fall in love with the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy goodness!