Salmon lovers, rejoice! If you’re craving something crispy, tender, and absolutely bursting with flavor, this Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites recipe is about to become your new favorite. Combining perfectly seared salmon with a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce, this dish is versatile enough for dinner, appetizers, or even meal prep. It’s a restaurant-quality dish you can whip up in under 30 minutes, making it a weeknight winner that feels special enough for weekends too.

Bang Bang sauce first gained fame as a pairing for shrimp, but let me tell you it works wonders with salmon. It’s rich, tangy, and has just the right amount of heat, all wrapped up in a creamy, luscious texture. I still remember trying a similar dish at a seafood restaurant and thinking, “I need to recreate this magic at home.” After a little experimenting, these crispy salmon bites were born, and they’ve been a huge hit with family and friends ever since!

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a party, serve up a quick and healthy family dinner, or just treat yourself to a special meal, this Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites recipe checks all the boxes. Ready to dig in? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salmon Bites:
1 1/2 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
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little extra heat)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to your preferred heat level)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
Optional Garnish:
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds

Preparation:

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

Start by preparing the salmon. Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels this is key for getting that crispy texture. Remove any skin and cut the salmon into bite-sized cubes, roughly 1-inch pieces.

Place the salmon pieces in a large bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a little kick. Gently toss until the salmon is evenly coated in the seasoning.

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust the flavors if needed. For example, add more sriracha for heat, or a touch of honey if you prefer it sweeter.

Set the sauce aside. You’ll use it for drizzling, dipping, or tossing the salmon bites later.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little more olive oil to prevent sticking. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned salmon pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if needed).

Sear the salmon for 2-3 minutes per side, turning them gently to ensure all sides get a golden, crispy exterior. The salmon should be cooked through but still tender and flaky inside.

Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 4: Coat in Bang Bang Sauce

You have two options for serving the Bang Bang sauce:

Drizzle it: Place the salmon bites on a serving platter and generously drizzle the sauce over the top.
Toss it: For a full coat, place the salmon bites in a clean bowl, add the sauce, and gently toss to combine.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Garnish your crispy salmon bites with freshly chopped parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds for added texture and color.

Serve immediately for the best flavor and crunch!

Variation Ideas:

This recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are a few creative ways to adapt it:

Baked Salmon Bites: Instead of pan-searing, bake the salmon pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Fryer Version: Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free mayonnaise and Thai sweet chili sauce.
Spicy Lovers: Increase the sriracha or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Bang Bang sauce for extra heat.
Protein Swap: Replace salmon with shrimp, chicken bites, or tofu cubes for a delicious twist.
Healthier Option: Use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a lighter version of the Bang Bang sauce.

Cooking Notes:

Choosing Salmon: Fresh, high-quality salmon works best for this recipe. Look for fillets that are firm, moist, and vibrant in color.
Don’t Overcook: Salmon cooks quickly, and overcooking can make it dry. Aim for a golden exterior while keeping the inside tender and flaky.
Crispiness Tip: Pat the salmon dry before seasoning, and don’t overcrowd the skillet this ensures even browning.
Adjust the Sauce: Taste the Bang Bang sauce and customize it to your liking. A little more lime juice adds brightness, while extra sriracha brings more heat.

Serving Suggestions:

These crispy Bang Bang salmon bites pair beautifully with a variety of sides and can be served in several ways:

Over Rice: Serve the salmon bites over steamed jasmine or coconut rice, drizzling extra Bang Bang sauce on top.
As Tacos: Stuff the salmon bites into warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for quick and flavorful tacos.
On a Salad: Toss the salmon bites into a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette.
With Noodles: Serve alongside garlic butter noodles or spaghetti for a filling meal.
Appetizer Style: Serve these salmon bites with toothpicks and extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping perfect for parties or gatherings.

Tips for Success:

Meal Prep: You can season the salmon and make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time. Simply cook the salmon when ready to serve.
Storage: Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Freezing: While cooked salmon bites can be frozen, they’re best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture.
Bang Bang Sauce: Double the sauce recipe and store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week. It’s fantastic as a dip for fries, veggies, or chicken tenders.

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 320 per serving
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 12g
Fat: 18g
Sodium: 460mg

Note: Values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs:

1. Can I make Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

2. What can I use instead of salmon?
You can substitute shrimp, chicken breast, or tofu for this recipe.

3. Can I bake the salmon bites instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. Is Bang Bang sauce spicy?
The sauce has a mild kick from sriracha, but you can adjust the heat level by adding more or less.

5. How do I keep the salmon crispy?
Avoid overcrowding the skillet, and pat the salmon dry before cooking to ensure a crispy finish.

Conclusion:

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and spicy all in one bite! Whether you’re serving them as a main dish, appetizer, or party snack, they’re guaranteed to impress. With the versatility of the recipe, you can customize the flavors to your preference and enjoy restaurant-quality salmon at home.

Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your experience. Did you add a special twist? Leave a comment, and check out more irresistible recipes on the site!

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Author: Imili Johnson
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 1x

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