Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Tangy Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Crafting these delectable crispy bang bang salmon bites will transport you to a world of flavor explosions.

Seafood enthusiasts appreciate quick and tasty appetizers that impress without complicated techniques.

Each tender salmon morsel gets coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that tingles taste buds.

Panko breadcrumbs create an irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the succulent fish.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum satisfaction for hungry guests or weekend snack seekers.

Perfectly seasoned and golden-brown, these bite-sized delights promise to become your new go-to recipe.

Let’s dive into a culinary adventure that guarantees smiles around the table.

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites to Savor

  • Spice Up Your Meal: Blast your taste buds with a flavor-packed salmon dish that combines crispy texture and zesty bang bang sauce for an unforgettable dining experience.
  • Master Quick Cooking: Prepare a restaurant-quality appetizer or main course in mere minutes, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious yet speedy meals.
  • Customize with Ease: Adjust heat levels and flavors by tweaking the bang bang sauce ingredients, making this recipe adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Impress Your Guests: Elevate your cooking game with a stunning dish that looks professionally made but requires minimal culinary skills to execute perfectly.

Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

For the Core Ingredients:
  • Salmon: A rich, flavorful fish that provides a delicate and tender base for the crispy bites.
  • Olive Oil: Helps create a crispy exterior and adds a smooth, rich flavor to the salmon.
For the Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: A blend of spices that enhances the salmon's natural flavor with depth and a hint of heat.
For the Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise, Thai Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha, Honey, Lime Juice: A creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce that adds a burst of flavor and complements the crispy salmon bites.
For the Garnish Ingredients:
  • Fresh Parsley, Cilantro, Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Optional toppings that add freshness, color, and a crunchy texture to the dish.

How to Cook Bang Bang Salmon Bites Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare Salmon Cubes

Grab fresh salmon fillets and pat them completely dry using paper towels. Remove any skin and slice the salmon into perfect 1-inch bite-sized cubes.

In a large mixing bowl, toss the salmon with:
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Cayenne pepper (optional for extra kick)

Gently mix to ensure every cube gets a flavor-packed coating.

Step 2: Whip Up Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, blend together:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Thai sweet chili sauce
  • Sriracha
  • Honey
  • Lime juice

Whisk until the sauce becomes silky smooth.

Give it a quick taste and adjust the heat or sweetness as you prefer. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the salmon.

Step 3: Create Crispy Golden Salmon

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Carefully place salmon cubes in a single layer, ensuring they’re not crowded. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Work in batches if your pan is small.

Step 4: Sauce and Coat

Transfer the crispy salmon cubes to a large bowl.

Pour the prepared bang bang sauce over the hot salmon. Gently toss to coat each piece completely, allowing the sauce to cling to every delicious cube.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle with fresh herbs and toppings:
  • Chopped parsley
  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Serve immediately while the salmon is hot and crispy. Enjoy this flavor explosion that’s perfect as an appetizer or main course!

Tips for Flavorful Bang Bang Salmon Bites

  • Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy, golden exterior that locks in flavor and prevents soggy bites.
  • Customize the bang bang sauce by adding more sriracha for extra spiciness or honey for a sweeter touch, tailoring the flavor to your preference.
  • Cook salmon in batches to maintain high pan temperature, creating a crisp, evenly cooked exterior without steaming the fish.
  • Sear salmon for 3-4 minutes per side over medium-high heat, watching for a golden-brown crust that signals perfect doneness and prevents overcooking.
  • Select high-quality, fresh salmon and check sauce ingredients for optimal flavor and texture in your bang bang salmon bites.

Exciting Variations of Bang Bang Salmon Bites

  • Spicy Asian Salmon Skewers: Thread seasoned salmon cubes onto bamboo skewers, grill until charred, and brush with a spicy Korean gochujang-based sauce for an intense flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Salmon Bites: Coat salmon cubes with za'atar, oregano, and lemon zest, then pan-sear and serve with a cool tzatziki dipping sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Coconut Curry Salmon Poppers: Roll salmon cubes in shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs, then bake until golden and serve with a creamy Thai red curry sauce for a tropical twist.

Pairing Ideas for Bang Bang Salmon Bites

  • Crisp White Wine Companion: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the spicy, creamy sauce and cut through the richness of the salmon.
  • Fresh Cucumber Slaw Sidekick: Prepare a light, tangy cucumber salad with rice vinegar, dill, and a touch of honey to balance the bold flavors and provide a cool, refreshing contrast.
  • Jasmine Rice Bed: Serve the salmon bites over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the delicious bang bang sauce and create a complete, satisfying meal with a subtle aromatic backdrop.

Best Ways to Store Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep sauce separate to maintain crispiness.

Not recommended due to salmon’s delicate texture and potential loss of crispiness when thawed.

Warm briefly at 50% power for 30-45 seconds to prevent overcooking. Drizzle extra sauce to restore moisture.

Preheat oven to 275°F. Spread salmon bites on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Add fresh sauce before serving to revive flavor and texture.

FAQs

  • What type of salmon works best for this recipe?

Salmon with firm flesh like sockeye or king salmon are ideal. Look for fresh, high-quality salmon with minimal bones and a bright color.

  • How spicy is the bang bang sauce?

The sauce has a mild to medium heat level. If you prefer less spice, reduce the sriracha or skip it entirely. For more heat, add extra sriracha or cayenne pepper.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free mayonnaise and verify that your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels to ensure compliance with dietary needs.

  • Do I need any special cooking skills to make these salmon bites?

No! This recipe is beginner-friendly. Follow the steps carefully, watch the salmon while cooking, and you’ll create delicious crispy bites with minimal cooking experience.

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Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe


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4.9 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 23 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy bang bang salmon bites bring zesty coastal flavors to your dinner table with crunchy panko-crusted salmon pieces drizzled in spicy mayo. Seafood enthusiasts will discover an irresistible appetizer that delivers bold Thai-inspired tastes in each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) salmon fillets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasoning:

  • 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

Bang Bang Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • Green onions, sliced
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the salmon by gently patting it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp exterior when cooked. Carefully remove any skin and slice the fillet into uniform 1-inch cubes.
  2. Create a flavor base by coating the salmon pieces with olive oil and a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Toss the cubes delicately to distribute the seasonings evenly.
  3. Craft the signature bang bang sauce by whisking mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and fresh lime juice in a small bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated. Adjust the flavor profile by adding more sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness.
  4. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, adding a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking. When the oil shimmers, carefully arrange salmon pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, rotating to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
  5. Transfer the perfectly cooked salmon to a large mixing bowl and drizzle the prepared bang bang sauce over the pieces. Gently toss to ensure each cube is thoroughly coated with the vibrant, tangy sauce.
  6. Elevate the presentation by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, and a light dusting of sesame seeds. Serve immediately while the salmon remains hot and crispy.

Notes

  • Ensure salmon is completely dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy texture.
  • Experiment with different spice blends like Cajun or Mediterranean seasoning for varied flavor profiles.
  • Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best taste and texture, preferably wild-caught varieties.
  • Adjust spice levels in bang bang sauce by adding more or less sriracha to suit personal heat preferences.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 425 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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