Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite crave-worthy dish—Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites! These golden, crunchy salmon nuggets are bursting with bold flavor, drenched in a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce that’s downright addictive. Perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, they’re everything you want in a bite-sized indulgence. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, a fun weeknight dinner, or a crowd-pleasing game day snack, these salmon bites are guaranteed to steal the spotlight and have everyone asking for the recipe.
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a mouthwatering appetizer or main dish that combines the perfect balance of crispy, tender salmon with a creamy, spicy, and tangy bang bang sauce. This dish has become a fan-favorite in many households and restaurants, known for its addictive flavor and texture. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a weeknight dinner, or craving something delicious and new, these crispy salmon bites are the perfect choice. The crispy coating gives way to the juicy, tender salmon inside, and the bang bang sauce adds the perfect sweet and spicy kick.
Why I love this recipe?
I absolutely love this recipe because it takes the classic flavors of crispy fried fish and elevates them with the bold, flavorful bang bang sauce. The sauce is versatile, rich, and has the perfect level of heat and creaminess. The salmon bites are quick to prepare and pack a punch of flavor, making it an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys seafood or crispy snacks.
Why it’s a must-try dish?
This dish is a must-try because it’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. The crispy coating on the salmon bites is irresistible, and the bang bang sauce adds a wonderful creamy tang with a hint of heat. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more!
Preparation Time & Total Cooking Time
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Calories: Each serving (4-5 salmon bites) contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the amount of oil used for frying and the specific ingredients in the sauce.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Prepare the Salmon:
- Cut the salmon fillet into bite-sized cubes, ensuring they are all roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Set Up the Breading Station:
- In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a second bowl, whisk the egg.
- In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Salmon Bites:
- Dredge each piece of salmon in the flour mixture, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until well combined. Adjust the sweetness or spiciness to taste.
- Fry the Salmon Bites:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a breadcrumb – it should sizzle), add the salmon bites in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The salmon should be cooked through but still tender inside.
- Toss in Sauce:
- Once all the salmon bites are cooked, place them in a large bowl and drizzle the bang bang sauce over them. Gently toss to coat the salmon bites evenly with the sauce.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve the crispy Bang Bang salmon bites immediately while they’re hot and crispy. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flair.
How to Prepare this Dish
This dish is simple and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings. The breading process ensures that the salmon bites turn out crispy and flavorful, while the bang bang sauce adds that irresistible sweet and spicy finish. Just follow the steps to coat, fry, and toss in sauce, and you’re good to go!
Tips & Variations:
- For a Healthier Version:
- Try baking the salmon bites in the oven instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and bake for 12-15 minutes or until crispy and cooked through.
- Make it Spicier:
- Add extra sriracha to the sauce if you prefer more heat. Alternatively, you can use a hotter chili sauce like Thai bird’s eye chili sauce.
- Vegetarian Option:
- Substitute the salmon with firm tofu, cut into cubes, and follow the same breading and frying process for a vegetarian twist.
- Air Fryer Version:
- If you have an air fryer, you can air fry the salmon bites at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crispiness.
- Add Extra Crunch:
- Add a little extra texture by mixing in crushed cornflakes or tortilla chips into the panko breadcrumbs.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites as an appetizer with a side of fresh cucumber or avocado slices.
- Pair with a zesty dipping sauce like sweet chili or extra bang bang sauce.
- Serve over a bed of greens for a light, healthy meal or with a side of steamed rice for a more filling option.
- Add a drizzle of lime or lemon juice for extra freshness.
- These salmon bites are also perfect for topping salads or tacos!
Conclusion
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a delicious combination of crispy salmon and creamy, spicy sauce. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main dish, they will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. The flavor is bold, the texture is perfect, and the cooking process is simple and straightforward. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use other types of firm white fish like cod, tilapia, or snapper as an alternative to salmon. Just ensure the pieces are the right size for frying.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the salmon bites ahead of time, bread them, and store them in the fridge for up to a few hours before frying. This will help them stay crispy when cooked.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, use the oven or air fryer to maintain the crispy texture.
Q: Can I make the bang bang sauce spicier? A: Absolutely! You can adjust the level of heat by adding more sriracha or incorporating chili flakes or hot sauce.
Q: Is it possible to bake the salmon bites instead of frying them? A: Yes, baking is a great alternative! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
