If you’ve been craving a dinner that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious, let me introduce you to Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites. Imagine juicy cubes of salmon, perfectly seasoned, pan-seared for irresistibly crisp edges, and then tossed in a tangy, creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce that clings to every nook and cranny. It’s a flavor explosion you’ll want to share with your favorite people—even if that’s just yourself tonight! This recipe comes together in no time yet tastes restaurant-worthy, and it will quickly earn a spot on your weeknight regulars list.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part of making Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites is that you only need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients—each one playing a key role in nailing the flavor, crunch, and sauciness that make this dish such a stunner.
- Salmon fillets (1½ lb, skin removed, cut into 1″ cubes): Choose fresh, vibrant salmon for moist, flaky bites with loads of flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Coats the salmon so the seasonings adhere and helps the cubes crisp up during searing.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds a deep, savory punch to the spice mix.
- Onion powder (1 tsp): Boosts the umami notes for more complexity with every bite.
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Gives a beautiful color and a subtle smoky note that works magic with seafood.
- Salt (½ tsp): Essential for bringing out the natural taste of the salmon and balancing spicy notes.
- Black pepper (½ tsp): Gives gentle heat to round out the spice profile.
- Cayenne pepper (¼ tsp, optional): Kick things up a notch for those who love extra heat!
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy base for the Bang Bang sauce that coats each bite perfectly.
- Thai sweet chili sauce (¼ cup): Sweet-tart with a gentle kick, it brings that signature Bang Bang flavor.
- Sriracha (1 tbsp, adjust to taste): This is where the punchy heat comes from—add more or less as you wish.
- Honey (1 tbsp): Adds a touch of mellow sweetness to balance the heat in the sauce.
- Fresh lime juice (1 tbsp): Lifts the whole sauce with a flash of citrus brightness.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
Start by patting your salmon cubes dry with paper towels. This quick little step is the secret to achieving those coveted crispy edges—excess moisture will steam the fish rather than let it brown, so don’t skip it! Set the cubes aside while you gather your seasonings and heat up your pan.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Place the salmon cubes in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle over the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne. Use your hands or a large spoon to gently toss everything until each piece is coated in that flavorful, colorful spice mixture. They’ll look pretty even before cooking!
Step 3: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce
Grab a small bowl and whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and fresh lime juice. Taste the sauce and adjust the sriracha or honey if you want it spicier or sweeter. The end result should be creamy, tangy, and just a little bit addictive—this is the signature for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites, so make it just how you love it!
Step 4: Sear the Salmon to Crispy Perfection
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high and add a little oil if needed. Sear the salmon cubes in batches, spacing them out so they brown instead of steam. Let each side cook for about 2–3 minutes until you see a gorgeous golden crust and they’re cooked through (opaque all the way, but still juicy). Transfer the bites to a paper towel-lined plate as you go. This step is where the magic happens and gives you the signature crispiness we’re after!
Step 5: Sauce and Toss
Once all your salmon cubes are ready, you have options: drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over the bites or toss them gently in a mixing bowl for a more even coating. Either way, the sauce will cling beautifully to the crispy surface, creating the irresistible coating that puts Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites in a league of their own.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish things off with a flourish: sprinkle the bites with plenty of chopped cilantro or parsley, a handful of sliced green onions, and a generous scattering of sesame seeds. These final touches add color and freshness, rounding out every bite with crunch and brightness.
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Garnishes
The right garnishes can take this dish from homey to impressive in seconds. I love showering my Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites with chopped cilantro or parsley for herbal pop, a handful of thinly sliced green onions for crunch and color, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for subtle nuttiness and polish. A squeeze of fresh lime is also a game-changer if you want even more flavor punch.
Side Dishes
Pair your salmon bites with fluffy jasmine rice or steamed brown rice to soak up every drop of that amazing sauce. For something lighter, a crisp cabbage slaw with a zesty citrus dressing is an ideal contrast. You can also serve them atop a simple salad, add to rice bowls, or tuck them into lettuce wraps for the ultimate weeknight meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites to the next level by threading them onto skewers for party-ready appetizers, or serve buffet-style with a big bowl of sauce for dipping. Layer them in lettuce cups with rice and crunchy veggies for a salmon taco night, or top with extra herbs and serve family style for a show-stopping platter. These bites are as versatile as they are crowd-pleasing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites (lucky you!), simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, though they’re at their crispiest right after cooking. Store sauce separately if possible to keep the bites from getting soggy.
Freezing
While you can freeze the cooked salmon bites, note that the texture will be softer after thawing. Freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. The sauce doesn’t freeze well, so always make fresh when serving.
Reheating
To bring back as much crisp as possible, reheat the salmon bites in a hot oven (about 375°F) or in an air fryer for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them rubbery. Toss with fresh sauce and garnish for a meal that feels like it was just made!
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry thoroughly before seasoning and searing. Removing extra moisture is the secret to keeping the bites wonderfully crispy.
What type of mayonnaise works best for the sauce?
Any creamy mayonnaise will work, but a full-fat classic mayo gives you the richest, silkiest texture for the Bang Bang sauce. For a lighter option, use a good quality light mayo.
Is it possible to bake the salmon instead of searing?
Absolutely! Arrange the seasoned salmon cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll still get deliciously crispy edges, just without the stovetop splatter.
How spicy are Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
The spice level is totally customizable. With just a touch of sriracha and cayenne, the heat is moderate, but you can scale up or down depending on your preference or who you’re sharing with.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the Bang Bang sauce can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before tossing with your freshly cooked salmon bites for best results.
Final Thoughts
Every time I make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites, I fall a little more in love with the bold flavors and that addictive crunch. This is one of those recipes that feels special but comes together so easily you’ll want it in regular rotation. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends (or keep them all to yourself), and let this new favorite light up your next meal. You’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
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Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are irresistibly crunchy salmon cubes seared to golden perfection and tossed in a creamy, sweet-and-spicy Bang Bang sauce. This quick and easy main-course recipe brings together fresh salmon, bold spices, and a zesty sauce, creating a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or crowd-pleasing appetizers.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites
- 1½ lb salmon fillets, skin removed, cut into 1″ cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
For Garnish
- Chopped cilantro or parsley (optional)
- Sliced green onions (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon cubes dry using paper towels to ensure they sear well. Set aside.
- Season the Salmon: In a large bowl, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) until every piece is evenly coated.
- Mix the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust sriracha for desired heat.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if needed, sear the salmon cubes for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown, crisp on the outside, and cooked through. Transfer cooked salmon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Dress the Salmon Bites: Drizzle or gently toss the crispy salmon bites with Bang Bang sauce until well coated but not soggy.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped cilantro or parsley, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.
Notes
- Use fresh, skinless salmon for best results.
- Let the salmon rest on a paper towel after cooking to remove excess oil and keep bites crisp.
- You can prepare the sauce ahead and refrigerate, but only toss with salmon just before serving.
- Cayenne pepper is optional but adds a nice kick to the seasoning.
- Serve with rice, salad, or in lettuce cups for a meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Asian fusion