15 Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites: Easy 30-Minute Recipe | Grammy Recipes

Learn how to make the best crispy bang bang salmon bites with this easy, step-by-step guide. Packed with flavor and simple to prepare, these bite-sized salmon treats are perfect for any occasion!

Introduction

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a culinary masterpiece that combines the rich, flaky texture of salmon with a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce. These bite-sized pieces of flavor-packed salmon offer the perfect balance of crispiness and bold flavor, making them an irresistible option for both casual weeknight dinners and special gatherings.

What makes this crispy salmon bites recipe truly special is its incredible versatility. It’s not just a meal—it’s an experience that transforms ordinary salmon into extraordinary bites of heaven. The magic happens when the perfectly seasoned, crispy salmon meets the creamy, slightly spicy bang bang sauce, creating a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a unique main course, these bang bang salmon bites deliver exceptional taste without complicated techniques. Ready to elevate your salmon game? Let’s dive into this amazing recipe!

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

• Ready in just 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen
• Incredibly versatile – serve as an appetizer, main dish, in tacos, or as part of a rice bowl
• Perfect balance of flavors – the creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce complements the salmon perfectly
• Healthier than takeout – enjoy restaurant-quality food with ingredients you control
• Customizable heat level – easily adjust the spiciness to suit your preference
• Great for meal prep – make a batch and enjoy throughout the week
• Impressive enough for guests – simple to make but looks and tastes like you spent hours
• Kid-friendly option – serve the sauce on the side for little ones who prefer milder flavors

Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

For the Salmon Bites:

• 1½ pounds fresh salmon fillets (skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (regular or Kewpie for extra richness)
• ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
• Green onions, thinly sliced
• Sesame seeds
• Red pepper flakes for extra heat

For a gluten-free option, ensure all store-bought sauces are certified gluten-free. Looking for a dairy-free version? No worries – this recipe is naturally dairy-free!

this …

How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

1. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving crispy salmon bites.
2. Carefully remove any skin and cut the salmon into uniform 1-inch cubes.
3. Place the salmon pieces in a large bowl for seasoning.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

1. Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon cubes.
2. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the salmon and gently toss to coat evenly.
4. For best results, let the seasoned salmon rest for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and well combined.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – add more sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness.
3. Set aside about half of the sauce for serving, and reserve the other half for coating the cooked salmon.

Step 4: Cook the Salmon (Choose Your Method)

Pan-Searing Method:

1. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of olive oil.
2. Once hot, place the salmon pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy on the outside while still tender inside.
4. Work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.

Air Fryer Method:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
3. Arrange the salmon pieces in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
4. Cook for 8-10 minutes, gently shaking the basket halfway through.

Baking Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Arrange the seasoned salmon pieces on the baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cooked through.
5. For extra crispiness, broil for the final 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 5: Coat with Bang Bang Sauce

1. Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a large bowl.
2. Pour half of the prepared bang bang sauce over the hot salmon.
3. Gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 6: Serve

1. Arrange the sauced salmon bites on a serving platter.
2. Drizzle with additional bang bang sauce if desired.
3. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds.
4. Serve immediately while still hot and crispy.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

• Choose high-quality salmon – Look for salmon with bright, firm flesh and no fishy smell. Fresh salmon will give you the best flavor and texture.
• Pat the salmon completely dry – Removing excess moisture is the secret to achieving that perfect crispy exterior.
• Cut uniform pieces – Even-sized salmon cubes ensure they all cook at the same rate, preventing some from being overcooked while others remain undercooked.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – Whether you’re pan-searing, air frying, or baking, give the salmon pieces enough space for hot air to circulate around them.
• Add a coating for extra crispiness – For even crispier bites, lightly dust the seasoned salmon with cornstarch before cooking, or try coating with panko breadcrumbs.
• Make the sauce ahead of time – The bang bang sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• How to tell when salmon is done – Perfect salmon should flake easily with a fork but still maintain some translucency in the center. For best results, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time? The sauce and seasonings can be prepared in advance, but for the best texture, cook the salmon just before serving.

Best Ways to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

These versatile crispy bang bang salmon bites shine in multiple serving presentations:

As an Appetizer:

Arrange the bites on a platter with toothpicks and a small bowl of extra bang bang sauce for dipping. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an elegant presentation.

In a Rice Bowl:

Create a nutritious and satisfying meal by serving the salmon bites over steamed jasmine or brown rice. Add steamed broccoli, sliced avocado, shredded carrots, and cucumber for a colorful bang bang salmon bowl.

In Tacos:

Fill soft tortillas with the crispy salmon bites, top with shredded cabbage, avocado slices, and a drizzle of bang bang sauce for delicious fusion tacos.

With a Fresh Salad:

Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the salmon and sauce.

Perfect Pairings:

• Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or bok choy
• Cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing
• Coconut rice or cauliflower rice
• Asian slaw with sesame dressing

Nutritional Information for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

(Per serving, approximately 4-5 pieces)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 480mg

This dish is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. For a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt in place of half the mayonnaise.

Storage & Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store leftover crispy bang bang salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the salmon rubbery and soggy.
• Freezing: While possible, freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture of both the salmon and the sauce.
• Sauce storage: Leftover bang bang sauce will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week and can be used as a dressing for salads or a dip for vegetables.

FAQs for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen salmon works perfectly fine. Just ensure it’s completely thawed and patted dry before seasoning and cooking. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

How can I make the bang bang sauce less spicy?

Easily adjust the heat level by reducing or omitting the sriracha. For a milder version, increase the amount of mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce while decreasing the sriracha. You can also serve the sauce on the side, allowing each person to control their spice level.

What can I substitute for Thai sweet chili sauce?

If you don’t have Thai sweet chili sauce, you can mix honey with a bit of rice vinegar and red pepper flakes. Alternatively, apricot or peach preserves mixed with a little vinegar and hot sauce can work in a pinch.

Can I make this recipe with other types of fish?

Absolutely! While salmon is ideal due to its rich flavor and firm texture, this recipe works well with other firm fish like cod, halibut, or mahi-mahi. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness and type of fish.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy these crispy bang bang salmon bites, try these other delicious recipes:

• Honey Garlic Salmon – Sweet and savory glazed salmon fillets ready in under 20 minutes
• Crispy Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw – Light, fresh, and perfect for Taco Tuesday
• Asian Salmon Rice Bowls – A complete meal in one bowl with teriyaki-glazed salmon
• Spicy Tuna Poke Bowls – Fresh, healthy, and bursting with flavor
• Bang Bang Shrimp – The classic appetizer that inspired this salmon recipe

Conclusion

These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the perfect blend of texture and flavor—crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, all coated in a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as an impressive appetizer, a quick weeknight dinner, or a protein-packed addition to your meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and adaptability. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, you can create restaurant-quality bang bang salmon right in your own kitchen. Plus, with multiple cooking methods to choose from, you can prepare these delicious bites in whatever way works best for your schedule and kitchen setup.

Now you know how to make the best crispy bang bang salmon bites at home! We’d love to hear how yours turned out—share your experience in the comments below!

Tags: crispy salmon bites, bang bang salmon recipe, salmon appetizer, spicy salmon bites, easy salmon recipe, bang bang sauce, crispy fish recipe, healthy salmon recipe

Print