Bang Bang Salmon Bites are an irresistible dish that combines the rich flavors of crispy salmon bites with a zesty, creamy sauce. These delightful morsels are perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to lively gatherings with friends. With their mouthwatering crunch and the tangy kick of the bang bang sauce, it’s no wonder they’ve quickly become a favorite among home cooks and foodies alike.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Why consider making Bang Bang Salmon Bites at home? First off, they offer a healthy yet indulgent option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Fresh salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and overall wellness. Plus, this recipe is surprisingly quick and budget-friendly, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or spontaneous family dinners.
“These Bang Bang Salmon Bites blew my mind! They were quick to make and just as delicious as anything I’d order from a restaurant.” – Happy Home Cook
You’ll also love that this dish is kid-approved, so it’s perfect for families looking to introduce more seafood into their meals. Not to mention, they can easily be assembled into colorful, vibrant bowls that impress at any occasion.
Preparing Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Now let’s dive into the process of creating these delicious bites. The steps are straightforward, and I’ll guide you through them so you know exactly what to expect. You’ll start by prepping your ingredients, followed by seasoning and coating the salmon. Then, it’s simply a matter of baking or air-frying until crispy. Finally, you’ll whip up the creamy bang bang sauce which ties everything together beautifully. Here’s a brief rundown of the cooking process:
- Preheat your oven or air fryer.
- Season the salmon.
- Coat it in breadcrumbs.
- Bake or air-fry until golden.
- Whip up the bang bang sauce.
- Assemble your bowls for serving.
Gather These Items
You’ll need a variety of fresh ingredients and a few pantry staples to make these Bang Bang Salmon Bites. Here’s your shopping list:
- 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 spray for crisping
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust according to spice preference)
- 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
For substitutions, you can use other types of fish if salmon isn’t available or opt for whole wheat breadcrumbs for a healthier twist.
Directions to Follow
Here’s how to bring this recipe to life:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (or set your air fryer to 375°F).
- Season the salmon: In a bowl, toss the salmon cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until fully coated.
- Coat in breadcrumbs: Place the seasoned salmon in a shallow dish. Dip each piece in panko breadcrumbs, ensuring they’re well-coated. You can lightly spray them with olive oil for extra crunch.
- Bake or air-fry: If using the oven, place the salmon bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. For air frying, cook for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Make the Bang Bang sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice until smooth.
- Assemble the bowls: 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 fresh cilantro and sesame seeds.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
When it comes to serving Bang Bang Salmon Bites, presentation is key! Arrange the colorful ingredients in vibrant bowls to create an eye-catching meal. This dish pairs beautifully with a light, crisp salad or even steamed vegetables to keep it fresh and wholesome. For a twist, try adding cucumber ribbons or pickled jalapeños for an extra kick!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To store any leftovers, place the salmon bites in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days, although they’re best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to bring back that delightful crunch. If you want to freeze them, it’s best to do so before cooking. Place coated salmon bites on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months.
Pro Chef Tips
- Make it spicy: Adjust the sriracha to suit your heat preference, or add cayenne pepper to the seasoning for more heat.
- Use the right breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are key to achieving that light, crispy texture.
- Don’t overcrowd: When baking or air frying, make sure to leave space between the salmon bites to allow for even cooking.
- Dive deeper with flavor: Experiment with different spices for the salmon seasoning—curry powder or lemon pepper can add an interesting twist.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Try these variations to keep your meals exciting:
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the salmon for tofu cubes or extra-firm chickpeas, ensuring they’re well-pressed and seasoned.
- Different flairs: Swap the sweet chili sauce for a tangy mango sauce or a zesty garlic sauce for a fresh twist.
- Toppings galore: Instead of just green onions and cilantro, add radish slices, jalapeños, or even crushed peanuts for added texture.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
From start to finish, including prep and cooking time, you can expect about 30-40 minutes.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, but ensure that it is completely thawed and patted dry before seasoning and coating; excess moisture can prevent the salmon from crisping up.
What if I want to make it gluten-free?
Simply substitute the panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs, or use crushed gluten-free cereal as a crunchy alternative.
How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?
The sauce has a nice balance of sweetness and heat; you can adjust the sriracha to make it as spicy or mild as you prefer.
What type of rice can I use instead of jasmine?
You can easily swap jasmine rice for basmati rice, brown rice, or even go for a low-carb option with cauliflower rice.
Is this a kid-friendly recipe?
Absolutely! The flavors are mild yet tasty, and the crispy texture of the salmon bites is usually a hit with kids.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes! You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and simply cook them when you’re ready to serve. This makes it a great weeknight dinner option.
By recreating this Bang Bang Salmon Bites recipe at home, you’re not just making a meal; you’re crafting a delicious experience that everyone can enjoy. So why wait? Dive in and treat your tastebuds to something amazing!
Print
Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Seafood
Description
Irresistible crispy salmon bites paired with a zesty, creamy bang bang sauce, perfect for any occasion.
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 spray for crisping
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust according to spice preference)
- 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 your oven to 400°F (or set your air fryer to 375°F).
- Season the salmon: In a bowl, toss the salmon cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until fully coated.
- Coat in breadcrumbs: Place the seasoned salmon in a shallow dish. Dip each piece in panko breadcrumbs, ensuring they’re well-coated. You can lightly spray them with olive oil for extra crunch.
- Bake or air-fry: If using the oven, place the salmon bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. For air frying, cook for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Make the Bang Bang sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice until smooth.
- Assemble the bowls: 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 fresh cilantro and sesame seeds.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in an air fryer for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
