When you think of a dish that perfectly balances flavors, textures, and convenience, Bang Bang Salmon Bites might just be it. Imagine crispy bites of salmon, perfectly seasoned and delicately coated, served with a creamy sauce that brings a sweet and spicy kick. This recipe has become a favorite for me, especially for serving at casual gatherings or putting a gourmet touch on weeknight dinners. The blend of fresh ingredients and simple preparation makes it a standout!
What Makes This Recipe Special
Why should you add Bang Bang Salmon Bites to your culinary repertoire? For starters, it’s an easy, quick recipe that transforms fresh salmon into a delectable dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a fun family brunch, these bites deliver flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen.
“These Bang Bang Salmon Bites were a hit at our dinner party! Everyone was asking for the recipe!”
Quick to prepare and even quicker to vanish from the plate, this dish is also budget-friendly, especially when enjoyed at home rather than ordered from a restaurant. Not only that, it’s kid-approved, making it an excellent way to sneak some healthy salmon onto the dinner table—even the pickiest of eaters love the crispy texture paired with the luscious sauce.
Step-by-Step Overview
Creating Bang Bang Salmon Bites is a straightforward process that involves seasoning, breading, and assembling. You’ll start by prepping your salmon and seasonings before crafting a creamy sauce to bring everything together. Typically, you can expect this dish to take about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those hectic nights when you crave something delicious without the fuss!
Gather These Items
Here’s what you’ll need to whip together these scrumptious bites:
- 1 lb fresh salmon (skinless, cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray for crisping
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to your spice level)
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- Juice of ½ lime
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish
Feel free to experiment with these ingredients! For instance, swap out the sriracha for a milder sauce if spice isn’t your thing, or use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a lighter touch.
Directions to Follow
- Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: Set your oven to 400°F or preheat your air fryer.
- Season the Salmon: In a bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the salmon cubes in this seasoning mix until evenly coated.
- Coat in Breadcrumbs: Place the panko breadcrumbs in another bowl. Toss the seasoned salmon pieces in the panko, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well.
- Bake or Air-Fry: Arrange the coated salmon bites on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Drizzle with olive oil or spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 12-15 minutes or air-fry for about 10, until golden and crispy.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice until smooth.
- Assemble the Bowls: Serve the crispy salmon bites over a bed of jasmine rice or cauliflower rice, topped with shredded cabbage, avocado slices, carrots, and green onions. Drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce and garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serving Bang Bang Salmon Bites is part of the fun! Consider using large bowls for a colorful presentation, allowing everyone to customize their meal. Pair these bites with a refreshing cucumber salad for contrast, or enjoy them alongside a zesty slaw for added crunch. For a party vibe, feel free to prepare small bite-sized servings as appetizers!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you happen to have leftovers, the best way to store them is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness; just avoid microwaving as that can make them soggy.
Pro Chef Tips
- Choose Quality Salmon: Opt for fresh salmon for the best flavor. If you’re short on time, you can also use pre-cut salmon, but fresh is always preferable.
- Get Creative with the Sauce: Don’t hesitate to adjust the Bang Bang Sauce by adding ingredients like lime zest or even a hint of garlic for an extra kick!
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure your salmon is perfectly cooked by checking for an internal temperature of 145°F.
Flavor Swaps
Looking to change things up? Try adding fresh herbs like dill for a different flavor profile, or swap out the jasmine rice for quinoa for an added nutritional boost. For those looking to keep it vegetarian, you could use crispy tofu instead of salmon!
Your Questions Answered
What is the prep time for Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
Prep time is around 10 minutes, with cooking taking about 15-20 minutes, making it an excellent quick meal option.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko, and you’ll be good to go.
How spicy are these Salmon Bites?
The spice level is quite adjustable. You can control the heat by varying the amount of sriracha you use in the sauce.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
These bites pair wonderfully with rice or salad. Try them with some steamed broccoli or even as part of a poke bowl!
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, frozen salmon can be used. Just make sure to thaw and pat it dry before seasoning and breading.
Is it safe to store leftovers?
Yes, leftover Bang Bang Salmon Bites can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo can serve as excellent substitutes for mayonnaise in the sauce.
Can I make the Bang Bang Sauce in advance?
Definitely! The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week—just give it a good stir before serving.
With this guide in hand, you’re all set to experience the delightful flavors of Bang Bang Salmon Bites! Enjoy crafting this flavorful dish that combines crispy texture with creamy goodness, ready to impress your family or guests alike.
Print
Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Crispy salmon bites coated in a flavorful seasoning and served with a creamy sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh salmon (skinless, cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray for crisping
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to your spice level)
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- Juice of ½ lime
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F or preheat your air fryer.
- In a bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the salmon cubes in the seasoning mix until evenly coated.
- Place the panko breadcrumbs in another bowl. Toss the seasoned salmon pieces in the panko, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
- Arrange the coated salmon bites on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Drizzle with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. Bake for 12-15 minutes or air-fry for about 10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth to make the Bang Bang sauce.
- Serve the crispy salmon bites over jasmine rice or cauliflower rice, topped with shredded cabbage, avocado slices, carrots, and green onions. Drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce and garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds.
Notes
For added flavor, feel free to experiment with the sauce and ingredients. Substitute sriracha for a milder sauce if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
