Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a delightful twist on a popular dish, perfect for those evenings when you crave something crispy, spicy, and refreshing all at once. Imagine bite-sized chunks of salmon, coated in a crunchy panko crust, paired with a creamy bang bang sauce that delivers both sweetness and heat. When I first tried this recipe, I fell in love with how simple yet elegant it is—making it an ideal option for everything from a cozy weeknight dinner to a lively family get-together.

Why you’ll love this dish

This recipe shines for several reasons, making it a must-try! First and foremost, it combines the health benefits of salmon with vibrant, fresh ingredients. You can whip it up in about 30 minutes, making it a quick weeknight solution for busy families. Plus, with kid-friendly flavors and a touch of heat you can customize, it’s a crowd-pleaser, even for the picky eaters.

"Absolutely love the Bang Bang Salmon Bites! They’re not only delicious but also quick to make. Perfect for our family movie nights!" – Happy Home Cook

How this recipe comes together

Making Bang Bang Salmon Bites is a straightforward process that can be broken down into a few simple steps. You’ll start by preparing your salmon, seasoning it to perfection, and then coating it in crunchy panko breadcrumbs. Next, you’ll either bake or air-fry the bites until golden and crispy. While they’re cooking, whip up a quick and delightful bang bang sauce to drizzle over the top. Finally, serve them beautifully on a bed of jasmine rice or cauliflower rice, topped with fresh veggies!

What you’ll need

Before diving in, gather these essential ingredients for your delightful Bang Bang Salmon Bites:

1 lb fresh salmon (skinless and cut into bite-sized cubes)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray for crisping
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to your spice level)
1 tsp honey (optional)
Juice of ½ lime
2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice)
1 cup shredded purple cabbage
1 avocado (sliced)
½ cup shredded carrots
2 green onions (sliced)
Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish

Feel free to swap out some ingredients! For instance, use almond flour instead of panko for a gluten-free version, or vary the veggies based on what’s in season.

Step-by-step instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simplified steps to prepare a delightful meal:

Preheat your Oven or Air Fryer: If using an oven, set it to 400°F (200°C).
Season the Salmon: In a bowl, mix the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the salmon cubes in this seasoning mix until well coated.
Coat in Breadcrumbs: Roll the seasoned salmon into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating. If you want extra crispiness, drizzle with olive oil or use a cooking spray.
Bake or Air-Fry: Place the coated salmon bites on a lined baking tray or in the air fryer basket. Bake for 12-15 minutes or air-fry at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes, until golden brown.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice. Adjust flavors according to your spice preference.
Assemble the Bowls: Serve the crispy salmon bites over jasmine rice or cauliflower rice, with a beautiful array of shredded cabbage, avocado slices, carrots, and green onions. Drizzle with the bang bang sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds.

Best ways to enjoy it

Presentation can elevate your meal! Serve your Bang Bang Salmon Bites in a colorful bowl; layer the rice first, followed by the salmon and veggies. A drizzle of bang bang sauce at the top adds a glossy finish, while a sprinkle of cilantro and sesame seeds provides a lovely crunch. Pair this dish with a chilled glass of white wine or iced tea for a refreshing balance to the flavors.

Keeping leftovers fresh

To store your leftovers, let them cool to room temperature before transferring them into an airtight container. You can refrigerate them for up to 2 days. If you’re looking to store for a longer period, the salmon bites can also be frozen separately in freezer-safe bags. For the best quality, consume within a month. When reheating, use an air fryer to keep that crunchy texture intact!

Pro chef tips

Here are some chef-approved tips to ensure your recipe shines:

Pat the salmon cubes dry before seasoning to help the spices stick.
If you’re not a fan of spicy food, start with just one teaspoon of sriracha and adjust according to your preference.
Consider letting the panko breadcrumbs sit out for a few minutes after coating the salmon; this step helps it stick better when cooking.

Creative twists

Looking to mix things up? Try these variations:

Use chicken instead of salmon for a delicious spin on the recipe.
Infuse the bang bang sauce with a touch of lime zest for an extra kick of freshness.
Add more vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a colorful rainbow effect that’s packed with nutrients!

Common questions

How long does it take to make Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from preparation to table—perfect for a quick weeknight meal!

Can I use frozen salmon?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it properly before cooking to ensure even cooking and seasoning depth.

What is a good substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
You can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a similar crunch, though the texture may differ slightly.

Is it safe to reheat leftovers?
Yes! Just ensure you reheat the salmon bites until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Now you have all the tools and knowledge you need to make these mouthwatering Bang Bang Salmon Bites a hit! Enjoy every crispy bite!

Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Author: majestyrecipes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Pescatarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful twist on a popular dish, these Bang Bang Salmon Bites are crispy, spicy, and refreshing, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb fresh salmon (skinless and cut into bite-sized cubes)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray for crisping
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tsp honey (optional)
Juice of ½ lime
2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice)
1 cup shredded purple cabbage
1 avocado (sliced)
½ cup shredded carrots
2 green onions (sliced)
Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your Oven or Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, mix the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the salmon cubes with this seasoning mix until well coated.
Roll the seasoned salmon into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating and drizzle with olive oil or use cooking spray for extra crispiness.
Place the coated salmon bites on a lined baking tray or in the air fryer basket. Bake for 12-15 minutes or air-fry at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes, until golden brown.
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice to make the bang bang sauce. Adjust flavors according to your spice preference.
Serve the crispy salmon bites over jasmine rice or cauliflower rice, topped with cabbage, avocado, carrots, and green onions. Drizzle with bang bang sauce and garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds.

Notes

Pat the salmon dry before seasoning for better spice adhesion. Adjust sriracha to taste for a milder dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking/Air-Frying
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: salmon, crispy, bang bang sauce, quick dinner, family-friendly, healthy