Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The magic of this dish lies in the perfect combination of textures: the crispy exterior of the salmon contrasting with its tender, flaky interior. When topped with the creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce, the result is a flavor explosion that’s both addictive and satisfying. It's an easy-to-make recipe with minimal prep time, making it ideal for busy nights or impressing guests at a dinner party. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served in various ways, from tacos to rice bowls.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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

1. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels, then cut it into 1-inch cubes.
2. Toss the salmon with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Cook the salmon using one of the following methods:
   • Pan-sear: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon cubes for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
   • Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the salmon cubes on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
   • Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Cook the salmon for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice.
5. Once the salmon is cooked, toss or drizzle the sauce over the salmon cubes and garnish with fresh herbs or sesame seeds, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 (approx. 4 cups of salmon bites)
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Variation: Increase the amount of sriracha or cayenne pepper if you prefer more heat.
• Sauce Twist: Swap the bang bang sauce for a teriyaki glaze for a different flavor profile.
• Cooking Methods: Choose between pan-searing, baking, or air-frying based on your available equipment and preference for crispiness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To retain the crispiness, reheat the salmon in the air fryer or oven. Alternatively, you can microwave it, but it may lose some of its crisp texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

You can adjust the spice level by reducing or omitting the sriracha and cayenne pepper. Add extra honey to balance the heat.

Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Warm it slightly before tossing with the salmon.

Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-frying it?

Yes, baking is a great option for larger batches. Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake for 10-12 minutes.

What can I serve with these salmon bites?

These bites go well with rice, fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even in tacos with some crunchy slaw.

Can I use a different kind of fish?

Yes, this recipe can be adapted to other firm white fish, such as cod or halibut. Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the fish.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The outside should be golden, and the inside should remain pink and tender.

Can I air fry the salmon?

Yes, air frying is a fantastic way to cook the salmon bites. Set the air fryer to 375°F and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

How can I make the salmon extra crispy?

To get the crispiest salmon, ensure you don’t crowd the pan or air fryer basket, and cook in batches if needed. Pat the salmon dry before cooking to reduce moisture.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double or halve the recipe depending on how many servings you need. Just ensure your cooking method accommodates the larger quantity.

Conclusion

These crispy bang bang salmon bites are a flavorful, versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior, they are sure to impress anyone who tries them. The sweet-spicy bang bang sauce is the perfect finishing touch, making each bite irresistible. Whether served as an appetizer or as a main course, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your household.

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Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

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These crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a delightful combination of crispy, tender salmon cubes coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. Whether you're making it for a quick dinner or an appetizer, this recipe is versatile, customizable, and easy to prepare. Choose between pan-searing, air frying, or baking the salmon, and enjoy a delicious bite-sized treat perfect for any occasion. With a balance of flavors and textures, these salmon bites will surely become a crowd favorite.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: : 4 servings (approximately 4 cups of salmon bites)
• Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
• Method: Pan-sear, Bake, Air Fry
• Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion
• Diet: Gluten Free

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

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Instructions

• Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon dry with paper towels, then cut it into 1-inch cubes.
• Season the Salmon: Toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
• Cook the Salmon:
  • Pan-sear: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the salmon cubes for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
  • Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the salmon cubes on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
  • Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook the salmon for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice.
• Combine: Once the salmon is cooked, toss or drizzle the sauce over the salmon cubes. Garnish with fresh herbs or sesame seeds, if desired.

Notes

• Adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha or cayenne pepper for a hotter flavor.
• Make the sauce ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To get extra crispy salmon, make sure the pieces are spaced out during cooking, and pat them dry before seasoning.