My Irresistible Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites (So Easy!)

Good evening, my dear friends, from a lovely Sunday evening here in Rabat! It’s just past 9:18 PM, and I’m dreaming up interesting food recipes that are both exciting and incredibly easy for busy weeknights. Let me introduce you to my latest obsession: Homemade Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites! Imagine perfectly tender cubes of salmon, baked or air fried until crispy, then tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that is utterly addictive. This recipe is one of my favorite health dinner recipes because it delivers that craveable, restaurant-style flavor using wholesome salmon and a lighter cooking method. It perfectly balances indulgent taste with quick prep and healthy ingredients!

Homemade Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
My Irresistible Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites (So Easy!) 3

Serving Versatility

These amazing salmon bites are incredibly versatile! Serve them as a show-stopping appetizer, pile them into lettuce wraps or tacos for a fun seafood dinner, serve them over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa, or add them to a salad for a protein boost. They are fantastic any way you serve them!

Full Recipe: My Go-To Bang Bang Salmon

  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 10-12 minutes
  • Total time: 25-27 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving

Ingredients

For the Salmon Bites:

  • 1.5 lbs skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • ½ cup Mayonnaise (light mayo works too)
  • ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha (or more, to your heat preference)
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for extra tang)

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat your air fryer according to manufacturer instructions (usually around 380°F/190°C).
  2. Pat the salmon cubes dry with a paper towel. In a medium bowl, gently toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. For Oven Baking: Arrange the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and slightly crispy around the edges.
  4. For Air Frying: Place the salmon cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to work in batches). Air fry for 7-9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
  5. Make the Sauce: While the salmon is cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and rice vinegar (if using) in a small bowl until smooth.
  6. Once the salmon is cooked, let it cool for a minute or two. Then, transfer the crispy salmon bites to a larger bowl. Pour about half to two thirds of the bang bang sauce over the salmon and toss gently to coat. Add more sauce if desired, but be careful not to oversaturate and lose the crispiness.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick preparation: This entire flavor packed dish is ready in under 30 minutes!
  • Budget-friendly ingredients: Uses relatively simple ingredients to create a restaurant quality meal at home.
  • Big, cozy flavor: The combination of crispy salmon and the creamy, sweet spicy sauce is absolutely irresistible.
  • Nutritional value: One of the best healthy food dishes featuring omega 3 rich salmon, baked or air fried instead of deep fried.
  • Customizability: Easily adjust the spiciness of the sauce or serve the salmon bites with the sauce on the side for dipping.

Cultural or Cooking Technique Note

The term “Bang Bang” sauce was popularized by the restaurant chain Bonefish Grill, though similar sweet and spicy mayo based sauces are found in various Asian cuisines. This recipe utilizes baking or air frying, modern techniques that achieve a delightful crispiness on the salmon without deep frying. This method significantly lightens up the dish compared to traditional preparations, making it a healthier way to enjoy these addictive flavors.

Serving Suggestions

  • Rice Bowls: Serve the Bang Bang Salmon bites over a bed of jasmine rice with some steamed broccoli or edamame.
  • Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the saucy salmon into crisp butter lettuce cups and top with extra green onions for a light and refreshing meal.
  • Tacos: Fill warm corn or flour tortillas with the salmon bites, shredded lettuce or slaw, and a drizzle of extra sauce.
  • Appetizer Star: Serve the bites on a platter with toothpicks for an easy and impressive party appetizer.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Pat Salmon Dry: Removing excess moisture from the salmon helps it get nice and crispy when baking or air frying.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Whether baking or air frying, ensure the salmon pieces are in a single layer with space between them. Overcrowding will cause them to steam instead of crisp up.
  • Sauce Sparingly (at first): Toss the salmon with just enough sauce to coat lightly. You can always add more or serve extra on the side. Too much sauce will make the crispy coating soggy quickly.
  • Adjust Spice: Taste your Bang Bang sauce before tossing! Add more Sriracha if you like it spicier, or a little less if you prefer it milder.

Storage & Reheating

Bang Bang Salmon Bites are definitely best enjoyed immediately while they are crispy. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, the best method is using an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes or in a preheated oven until just warmed through. Reheating in the microwave will make the salmon soft, not crispy. It’s best to store leftover sauce separately if possible.

Closing Paragraph

I am so incredibly excited for you to try these Homemade Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites! They are one of my absolute favorite salmon recipes because they deliver such amazing flavor with surprisingly little effort. It’s one of those perfect seafood dishes that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for a Tuesday night. Please give this recipe a try, maybe adjust the heat to your liking, and let me know how they turned out by leaving a rating and comment below!

🎀 Final Thoughts

Oh my goodness, you guys, these salmon bites are dangerously good! That combination of the crispy, savory salmon with the creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce is just chef’s kiss. They disappear so fast every time I make them. It feels like such an indulgent treat, but it’s actually a pretty wholesome meal. Pure happiness in bite sized form!

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