Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe for Quick Weeknight Meals

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Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

The mix of crispy salmon bites and a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce is magical. Anyone who tries this Bang Bang Salmon recipe will love it right away. The sriracha adds heat, the chili sauce and honey add sweetness, and the mayonnaise adds richness. All of these flavors come together to make every bite taste amazing. This recipe is going to become a new favorite if you like crispy seafood like you get at restaurants but want to make it at home in less than 30 minutes.

The fact that this dish can be used in many ways makes it even better. You can make a quick and easy dinner by serving these crispy salmon bites over rice, or you can put them in tacos for a fun twist. You can also add them to a salad for a lunch that is full of protein. The Bang Bang sauce that coats each piece of crispy salmon perfectly is the best part, no matter how you like them.

This recipe is based on the well-known Bang Bang Shrimp, but it uses salmon instead of shrimp, which is healthier and has more protein. You can use an air fryer or oven to make it even lighter, but if you want it to be crispy, you can pan-fry it. No matter what, you’ll get crunchy, golden salmon bites that go great with the rich, creamy sauce.

This Bang Bang Salmon is for you if you want a quick weeknight meal, a fancy appetizer for a party, or just a way to spice up your seafood game. You don’t need fancy ingredients or hard-to-follow steps to make something that tastes great and is crispy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Bang Bang Salmon recipe is one of those meals that you’ll want to make again and again. Here’s why:

Quick and Easy: You can make this dish in about 20 minutes, which is great for busy weeknights when you want something tasty but don’t have a lot of time to cook.
Crispy Perfection: These salmon bites are lightly coated in cornstarch, which makes the outside crispy while keeping the inside soft and flaky. This recipe is great if you like food with a lot of texture.
The Bang Bang sauce is what makes this dish taste so good. The creamy mayo, spicy sriracha, sweet chili sauce, honey, and lime juice all work together to make a flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
You can serve these salmon bites in a lot of different ways. They can be the main dish, a salad topping with a lot of protein, or even a taco filling that is different from the rest.
Healthier Option: This salmon is lightly pan-fried with little oil, or it can be air-fried for an even healthier twist that doesn’t lose its crispiness.

This recipe will not let you down if you love seafood or just want to try a new way to eat salmon. It’s a simple way to get restaurant-quality taste into your kitchen without much work.

Health Benefits of Salmon

Salmon is not only tasty, but it is also very good for your health, making it one of the best proteins you can eat. Here are some reasons why adding salmon to your meals is a good idea:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart because they lower inflammation, support brain health, and make your heart work better.
High-Quality Protein: A single serving of salmon has a lot of protein, which helps build and repair muscle and keeps you full and satisfied.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: This fish is a great source of B vitamins, vitamin D, selenium, and potassium, all of which help the immune system, boost energy levels, and improve overall health.
Supports Brain Health: Omega-3s in salmon have been linked to better brain function and may lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Good for Hair and Skin: Salmon has healthy fats that keep your skin and hair healthy by keeping them hydrated and fed.

You can eat salmon instead of deep-fried seafood and still enjoy the taste. This recipe stays tasty and healthy when served with the light Bang Bang sauce.

Time and Serving Info

Time to get ready: 10 minutes
Time to cook: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: Four servings

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

350 calories
30 grams of protein
20g of carbs
Fats: 18 grams
2,000 mg of omega-3s

These numbers may change a little depending on how big the portions are and how the food is cooked, but in general, this is a healthy meal that tastes good.

Ingredients

The Salmon Bites

1 pound of fresh salmon fillet, with the skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
½ teaspoon of salt
½ teaspoon of black pepper
½ teaspoon of garlic powder
½ cup cornstarch to coat
2 tablespoons of olive oil (for frying in a pan)

The Sauce for Bang Bang

1/2 cup of mayonnaise
2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce
1 teaspoon of sriracha (or more or less to taste)
One teaspoon of honey
1 teaspoon of lime juice

Garnish

Green onions that have been cut
Seeds of sesame
Red pepper flakes (optional for more heat)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Get the salmon ready
First, use a paper towel to dry off the salmon pieces. This helps get rid of extra moisture, which makes the outside crispy when cooked. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on the salmon, then gently toss it to coat each piece evenly.

2. Cover the salmon with cornstarch.
Put the cornstarch in a dish that is not too deep. Lightly coat each piece of salmon with cornstarch, making sure they are all covered evenly. This step is very important if you want to get that crunchy outer layer when frying. Before cooking, shake off any extra cornstarch.

3. Cook the Salmon Bites
Put the olive oil in a big skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the salmon bites in one layer. Don’t put too many in the pan at once. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. After cooking, move to a plate with paper towels on it to soak up extra oil.

4. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
Mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice together in a small bowl. Taste and change the spice levels if you need to. The sauce should be creamy, tangy, and a little sweet, with a little heat.

5. Put the salmon in the sauce.
Put the crispy salmon bites in a big bowl carefully. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over them and gently toss them until each piece is well covered. When you mix, be careful not to break the salmon apart.

6. Add a garnish and serve
Put the salmon bites that have been coated on a plate to serve. If you want more spice, add chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes on top.

Serving Suggestions

Bang Bang Salmon Bites can be used in so many ways that they are great for any meal. Here are some of the best ways to serve them, whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer:

On top of steamed rice: Over a bowl of fluffy steamed rice is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to eat these crispy salmon bites. The Bang Bang sauce soaks into the rice very well, making a tasty and filling meal. Add some soy sauce or sriracha on top for extra flavor, and then sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top.
Soft Tacos Inside: Make these salmon bites into a tasty and fun taco filling! Just heat up some soft tortillas, add some crispy salmon, and top with shredded cabbage, avocado slices, and more Bang Bang sauce. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice or some chopped cilantro to make it taste even better.
To Top a Salad: Put the salmon bites on a fresh salad if you want a lighter meal. A bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions cut into thin slices is perfect. You can use Bang Bang sauce as a creamy dressing on top, or you can serve it with a citrus vinaigrette for a fresh taste.
With a side of roasted vegetables: Serve these crunchy salmon bites with roasted vegetables for a meal that is full of nutrients. The rich, spicy flavors of the Bang Bang sauce go well with roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or sweet potatoes.
As a starter: These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a great party or gathering snack. Put them on a plate with toothpicks and some extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping. Your guests will love how crunchy and flavorful it is!

Sides and Drink Pairings

Best Side Dishes

Garlic Butter Asparagus: The asparagus is fresh and has a little crunch, which balances out the salmon’s richness.
Coconut Rice: This rice has a sweet and fragrant flavor that goes well with the spicy and creamy sauce.
Avocado Slaw: This crunchy slaw is made with shredded cabbage, avocado, lime juice, and a little bit of honey. It makes the dish taste fresh.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The potatoes’ natural sweetness balances out the heat from the Bang Bang sauce.

Pairings with Drinks

Lemon or lime-infused sparkling water: The citrusy taste helps clean your mouth between bites.
Iced Green Tea: Green tea is light and refreshing, and it goes well with the strong flavors of the salmon without overpowering them.
Fresh Mango Smoothie: The mango’s sweetness balances out the sriracha’s heat.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Don’t worry if you have leftovers. These Bang Bang Salmon Bites keep well and can be reheated without losing their crunch.

How to Keep
Put any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you can, keep the Bang Bang sauce separate so the salmon stays crispy.
To Freeze
Put the cooked salmon bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for 1–2 hours, or until they are solid. Put the frozen salmon bites in a bag or container that can go in the freezer and keep them there for up to two months. Before you eat, put it in the fridge overnight to thaw, then heat it up.
To Heat Up
Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 10 minutes, or until the food is hot and crispy.
Air Fryer: Heat up to 375°F for 4–5 minutes, or until the food is warm and crispy.
On the stovetop, heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until the food is crispy.
Microwave (Not Recommended): This method will make the salmon soggy instead of crispy, so it’s best to stay away from it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not letting the salmon dry before coating it: If the salmon has too much moisture on it, it won’t get crispy. Before seasoning and coating the salmon pieces in cornstarch, always dry them off with a paper towel.
Putting too many things in the pan: If you put too many salmon bites in the pan at once, they will steam instead of getting crispy. If you need to, cook in batches to make sure everything is evenly browned.
Putting in too much or too little oil: If you use too much oil, the salmon will be greasy, and if you use too little, it won’t get crispy. Try to get just enough to cover the bottom of the pan lightly.
Throwing the salmon too hard: When you mix the cooked salmon with the sauce, be gentle so you don’t break the pieces apart. The best way to coat each piece is to give it a light toss or use a spoon.
Not Changing the Amount of Spice: For some people, Sriracha can be very hot. Start with a small amount, taste the sauce, and then add more if you want. Adding more honey or lime juice can also help you balance the heat.

Expert Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Salmon Bites

For the best results, use fresh salmon. Fresh salmon tastes and feels better than frozen salmon, even though frozen salmon works. If you use frozen salmon, make sure to thaw it out and drain it well before cooking.
For more crunch, add Panko. Mixing panko breadcrumbs with the cornstarch coating will make the texture even crispier. This gives it an extra crunch that makes it taste like deep-fried seafood.
Use the air fryer to make it healthier. You don’t need to use oil. Just air fry the salmon bites at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This method still makes things crispy but with fewer calories.
Make the sauce twice as thick for dipping. You’ll want more Bang Bang sauce for dipping because it’s so good. Make twice as much and keep the extra in the fridge for up to a week.
Let the salmon sit for a while before adding the sauce. Letting the salmon sit for a few minutes after cooking helps it stay crispy before adding the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to use frozen salmon?
Yes! Before cooking, make sure to let it thaw all the way in the fridge. Before you coat it in cornstarch, pat it dry to get rid of any extra moisture.
What else can I use instead of cornstarch?
You can use all-purpose flour or panko breadcrumbs instead of cornstarch to get a similar crispy effect.
Is the Bang Bang sauce really hot?
The sriracha gives the sauce a little bit of a kick, but it’s not too hot. You can change how spicy it is by adding more or less sriracha.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free flour instead of cornstarch, and make sure your sweet chili sauce doesn’t have any gluten in it.
What can I do to make this dish even better for you?
Instead of mayonnaise, use Greek yogurt to make the sauce lighter. Instead of pan-frying, air fry the salmon.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the best dish for any occasion because they are crispy, spicy, and sweet all at the same time. You can serve them over rice, in tacos, or as an appetizer, and they will always be a hit.

I’d love to hear what you think if you make this recipe! Please leave a comment below to let me know how it went. Don’t forget to tag me and share your creations on social media. I love seeing how you make this dish your own. Have fun with your Bang Bang Salmon Bites that are crunchy and tasty!