Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the best of both worlds: crispy salmon bites and a creamy, spicy sauce. The salmon is seasoned with a mix of savory spices and seared to create a crunchy exterior while keeping the inside flaky and juicy. The Bang Bang sauce, a luscious blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice, adds the perfect amount of heat and sweetness. It’s the ideal combination for a satisfying bite that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or an appetizer, these bites are sure to become a crowd favorite!

Ingredients

For the Salmon Bites:

• 1 1/2 pounds salmon fillets (skin removed, cut into bite-sized pieces)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce

• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust for preferred heat level)

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

• Green onions, sliced

• Sesame seeds

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prep the Salmon:
   Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy texture. Remove any skin and cut the salmon into 1-inch bite-sized cubes. Place the salmon pieces in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss gently to coat the salmon evenly with the seasoning.

2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
   In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sauce—add more sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness. Set aside.

3. Cook the Salmon:
   Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if needed. Sear the salmon for 2-3 minutes per side, gently turning to brown all sides. Cook until the salmon is golden and crispy on the outside, tender and flaky inside. Transfer cooked salmon bites to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

4. Coat in Bang Bang Sauce:
   Place the salmon bites on a serving platter and drizzle the sauce over them, or add the salmon bites to a bowl, pour the sauce over, and gently toss to coat.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves about 4 people as an appetizer or 2-3 people as a main dish.

• Total Time: 25 minutes

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add extra heat: Increase the amount of sriracha sauce or add a few chili flakes to the Bang Bang sauce for an extra kick.

• Try other proteins: Instead of salmon, use chicken breast or shrimp for a different protein option.

• Crispy coating: For an extra crispy texture, dredge the salmon bites in flour or breadcrumbs before cooking.

• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip the breading for a naturally gluten-free dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce can also be stored separately in a small container.

• Reheating: Reheat the salmon in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to maintain its crispiness. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. The sauce can be microwaved for a few seconds before drizzling.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to ensure the best texture.

2. Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the Bang Bang sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

3. Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing it?

Yes, you can bake the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through and golden.

4. What can I serve with these crispy salmon bites?

These salmon bites are great with a side of rice, a fresh salad, or even some crispy fries.

5. Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from the sriracha sauce, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha, or by leaving out the cayenne pepper.

6. How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

The salmon should be golden and crispy on the outside while remaining tender and flaky inside. Use a fork to gently flake the salmon to check for doneness.

7. Can I use store-bought mayo for the sauce?

Yes, store-bought mayonnaise works perfectly for the Bang Bang sauce, but homemade mayo can give it an extra creamy flavor.

8. Can I add other herbs or spices to the salmon?

Absolutely! You can experiment with additional spices like cumin, coriander, or chili powder for different flavor profiles.

9. Can I make this dish without the Bang Bang sauce?

Yes, if you prefer, you can serve the salmon bites on their own with a side of dipping sauce like tartar sauce or aioli.

10. Can I make this dish low-carb?

Yes, omit the honey or use a sugar substitute in the Bang Bang sauce for a lower-carb option.

Conclusion

These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a perfect combination of flavors and textures, with crispy salmon and a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner or serving them at a gathering, these bites are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the crispy perfection and bold flavors in every bite!