Bang Bang Salmon

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Introduction

Bang Bang Salmon is a delightful and spicy dish that pairs crispy salmon bites with a sweet, tangy, and spicy Bang Bang sauce. The salmon bites are air-fried to perfection, ensuring they remain juicy inside while getting a crispy exterior. The Bang Bang sauce, made with a mix of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime, adds a punch of flavor that complements the richness of the salmon. This dish is perfect for an appetizer, a main course, or even a party platter. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

For the Salmon Bites:

  • 1 ½ pounds salmon fillets, skin removed, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 tablespoon lime juice until smooth and well combined. Set the sauce aside.

Step 2: Season the Salmon Bites

  1. In a large bowl, place the 1 ½ pounds of salmon bites.
  2. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat) over the salmon.
  3. Toss the salmon bites gently until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.

Step 3: Air Fry the Salmon

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  2. Place the seasoned salmon bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches for even cooking.
  3. Air fry the salmon bites for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. The salmon should be cooked through and crispy on the edges.

Step 4: Serve

  1. Once the salmon bites are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter.
  2. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the salmon bites or serve it on the side for dipping.
  3. Garnish with fresh herbs, lime wedges, or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.

Cooking Notes:

  • Air Fryer Tip: To ensure even cooking, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the salmon bites in batches if necessary to allow the air to circulate and crisp up the salmon properly.
  • Oven Option: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the salmon bites in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and crispy on the edges.

Serving Suggestions:

  • With Rice: Serve the Bang Bang Salmon over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a complete meal.
  • With Vegetables: Pair with a side of roasted vegetables, a green salad, or grilled asparagus for a balanced meal.
  • For Tacos: Use the Bang Bang Salmon bites as a filling for tacos, along with slaw, avocado, and more of the Bang Bang sauce for a fun twist.

Tips:

  • Adjust the Spice: You can adjust the heat of the Bang Bang sauce by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha sauce. For a milder flavor, reduce the sriracha or omit the cayenne pepper from the salmon seasoning.
  • Make Ahead: The Bang Bang sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.

Prep Time:

  • 10 minutes

Cooking Time:

  • 10 minutes

Total Time:

  • 20 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Protein: 28g
  • Sodium: 600mg

Conclusion

Bang Bang Salmon is an irresistible dish that brings together the bold flavors of spicy, tangy, and creamy Bang Bang sauce with perfectly cooked salmon bites. The crispiness of the air-fried salmon and the richness of the sauce make every bite a delightful experience. This dish is quick to make, and its versatility means you can serve it as an appetizer, main course, or even in tacos for a fun twist.

With just 20 minutes from start to finish, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this flavorful and easy-to-make Bang Bang Salmon with your favorite sides or as a stand-alone treat

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