Bang Bang Salmon Bites

If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful way to enjoy salmon, these Bang Bang Salmon Bites are about to be your new favorite dish! They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a quick dinner, a game-day snack, or a party appetizer, these little bites will steal the show.

What makes them extra special? The bang bang sauce—a sweet, spicy, and creamy blend that brings the perfect kick to every bite. Pair these salmon bites with a fresh salad or serve them over rice for a complete meal. Plus, they’re super easy to make, so you don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: These salmon bites come together in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
• Crispy & Flavorful: The light coating gives a satisfying crunch, while the sauce adds a bold, zesty kick.
• Healthy Option: Salmon is packed with protein and omega-3s, making this a tasty yet nutritious dish.
• Versatile: Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or main course with rice or veggies.

Ingredients

For the Salmon Bites:

• 1 lb fresh salmon, skin removed, cut into bite-sized cubes
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (helps with crispiness)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or avocado oil)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice level)
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Extra sriracha drizzle

Now that we have everything ready, let’s start cooking!

Kitchen Tools Needed

Before you get started, make sure you have these kitchen tools on hand:

• Cutting board & sharp knife – for cutting the salmon into bite-sized pieces
• Mixing bowls – for coating the salmon and making the sauce
• Whisk or spoon – to mix the bang bang sauce
• Shallow bowls – for setting up the breading station (flour, egg, and panko)
• Tongs – to easily flip and remove the salmon while frying
• Large skillet or frying pan – for cooking the salmon bites
• Paper towels & plate – to drain excess oil after frying

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

1. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel and cut it into bite-sized cubes. This helps the coating stick better.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg.
4. In another bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with cornstarch for extra crispiness.

Step 3: Coat the Salmon

5. Dip each salmon piece into the seasoned flour, then into the beaten egg, and finally into the panko mixture, pressing lightly so the crumbs stick.

Step 4: Cook the Salmon Bites

6. Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop in a breadcrumb—if it sizzles, it’s good to go!
7. Fry the salmon bites in batches, cooking for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
8. Use tongs to transfer the salmon bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

9. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.

Step 6: Assemble & Serve

10. Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the salmon bites or toss them in the sauce for full coverage.
11. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or an extra drizzle of sriracha.
12. Serve immediately with rice, salad, or as an appetizer!

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use fresh salmon: Fresh salmon holds up better during frying and gives the best flavor. If using frozen salmon, thaw and pat it dry completely.
• Keep the coating light: A thick coating can make the bites too heavy. A light, even breading gives the perfect crisp texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and get an even, crispy finish.
• Adjust the spice level: If you love heat, add more sriracha to the sauce. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha or use less chili sauce.
• Bake or air-fry for a lighter option: Instead of frying, bake the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are sure to be a hit, whether you’re making them for a quick meal or a crowd-pleasing snack. Enjoy!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some easy swaps and variations to customize your Bang Bang Salmon Bites:

• Salmon Substitute: Try using shrimp, chicken, or even tofu for a different protein. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Flour Alternatives: Swap all-purpose flour for almond flour or gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free option.
• Breadcrumb Options: Use crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs if you don’t have panko. Panko gives the crispiest texture, though!
• Sauce Adjustments: Want it milder? Reduce the sriracha or swap it for a dash of hot sauce. For a tangier taste, add a bit more lime juice.
• Healthier Cooking Method: Instead of frying, you can bake or air-fry for a lighter version (see the tips section for times and temperatures).
• Extra Crunch: Toss some sesame seeds into the panko coating for a nutty flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are super versatile! Here are some delicious ways to serve them:

• As an appetizer: Arrange them on a platter with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
• With rice or quinoa: Serve over steamed rice, coconut rice, or quinoa for a filling meal.
• In a salad: Toss them onto a fresh salad with lettuce, cucumber, and avocado for a crisp contrast.
• With tacos: Wrap them in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado, and a drizzle of bang bang sauce for tasty fish tacos!
• In a sandwich or wrap: Stuff them into a soft brioche bun or tortilla with lettuce and sauce for a flavorful twist.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you have leftovers (which is rare because these are so good!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Storing:

• Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Keep the bang bang sauce separate so the coating stays crispy.

Reheating:

• Oven/Air Fryer (Best Method): Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy again.
• Stovetop: Warm them in a pan over medium heat with a little oil.
• Microwave (Least Recommended): You can use the microwave, but they may lose their crispiness. Heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

FAQ

Q: Can I make these in advance?
A: Yes! You can prep and coat the salmon bites ahead of time, then store them in the fridge for a few hours before frying or baking.

Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes! Freeze the cooked salmon bites on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Q: What if I don’t like spicy food?
A: Simply reduce or skip the sriracha in the sauce. You can also add a bit more honey for sweetness.

Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Absolutely! Just thaw it completely and pat it dry before cutting and coating.

Q: How do I make this healthier?
A: Bake or air-fry instead of deep-frying, and use Greek yogurt instead of mayo in the sauce.

Now you’re all set to make the best Bang Bang Salmon Bites ever! Let me know how yours turn out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!