Hey there, foodie friend! Ever wondered what happens when you take the king of fish—salmon—and give it a makeover with a sauce that’s so good, it should probably come with a warning label? Well, wonder no more, because Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are here to rock your world.
These little morsels are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and slathered in a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang Sauce that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a showstopper appetizer for your next gathering, these bites have covered you. After scouring the top recipes online, I’ve pulled together the ultimate guide to making these at home. Let’s get cooking!
What is Bang Bang Sauce?
Let’s start with the star of the show: Bang Bang Sauce. If you haven’t met this sauce yet, prepare to fall in love. It’s a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy condiment that first gained fame with bang bang shrimp. The classic recipe combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a kick of sriracha for that perfect balance of sweet, sour, and heat. Some folks add a squeeze of lime juice or a drizzle of honey to take it up a notch. It’s so versatile, that you might catch yourself dipping everything in it—fries, veggies, you name it. But paired with salmon? It’s pure magic.
Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these bad boys. I’ve combined the best from top recipes to keep it simple yet flavorful.
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh salmon fillets (wild-caught king or Atlantic salmon is best; avoid sockeye, it’s too lean)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil for a higher smoke point)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for that smoky vibe)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1-2 teaspoons honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Japanese Kewpie mayo is a game-changer if you can find it)
- 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to your spice tolerance)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for a hint of sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed for brightness)
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds (white, black, or furikake for flair)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
Cooking Methods: Pick Your Style
You’ve got options when it comes to cooking these salmon bites, and each method delivers that crave-worthy crispiness. Here’s the lowdown, inspired by the best recipes out there:
Air Fryer
Got an air fryer? You’re in luck—this is the fastest way to crispy perfection. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the seasoned salmon bites in the basket, making sure they don’t touch (crowding is the enemy of crispiness). Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll get golden, crunchy bites with minimal oil. (I Heart Umami swears by this method.)
Oven Baking
No air fryer? No problem. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer and bake for 10-12 minutes. For extra crispiness, switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes—just keep an eye on them to avoid burning. (Grammy Recipes nails this technique.)
Skillet Searing
If you love a good sear, grab a skillet. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the salmon bites and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. This method gives you a restaurant-quality crust and is great for smaller batches. (The Roasted Root has a killer skillet recipe.)
Making the Bang Bang Sauce
While your salmon is cooking, whip up the sauce. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Taste and adjust—more sriracha for heat, more honey for sweetness. Want a lighter version? Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt, as suggested by I Am Homesteader. Pro tip: Make this ahead and chill it for a few hours to let the flavors meld together. This will enhance the taste of the Bang Bang Sauce, making it even more irresistible.
Serving Suggestions
These salmon bites shine as a standalone appetizer, skewered with toothpicks for easy party snacking. For a heartier meal, pair them with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, or toss them into a fresh salad with greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and radish. For a trendy twist, create a bang-bang salmon bowl with roasted broccoli, avocado, pickled cucumbers, and a drizzle of extra sauce or even coconut aminos for added depth. You can also use them in tacos with crunchy slaw, soft tortillas, and a squeeze of lime for a fun twist.
Garnishes for Extra Flair
Elevate the dish with simple garnishes like chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro. These add color, texture, and a burst of flavor to complement the creamy, spicy sauce. For an extra touch, try sprinkling furikake or red pepper flakes for a bit of flair and heat.
Recipe Variations
You can tweak this recipe to suit your preferences:
- For a less spicy version: Reduce the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang Sauce or omit it altogether. Compensate by adding more honey or Thai sweet chili sauce to maintain sweetness.
- Extra crispiness: Coat the salmon bites in a mixture of cornstarch and panko breadcrumbs before cooking for an even crunchier texture.
- Different proteins: While salmon is delicious, try shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Alternative grains: Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Additional toppings: Add edamame, kimchi, mango salsa, or pickled vegetables to your salmon bowls for extra flavor.
- Milder sauce: Replace sweet chili sauce with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and adjust sriracha to taste for a different flavor profile.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The Bang Bang Sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salmon bites are best enjoyed fresh for optimal crispiness, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore some crunch.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving, 4 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sugar | 8g |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
The key to this dish is the balance of flavors in the Bang Bang Sauce and the crispiness of the salmon. Don’t be afraid to adjust the sauce to your taste preferences, and have fun with the presentation! Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are sure to be a hit. Enjoy!
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Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh salmon fillets (wild-caught king or Atlantic salmon is best; avoid sockeye, it’s too lean)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil for a higher smoke point)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for that smoky vibe)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1–2 teaspoons honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Japanese Kewpie mayo is a game-changer if you can find it)
- 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to your spice tolerance)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for a hint of sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed for brightness)
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds (white, black, or furikake for flair)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
Instructions
You’ve got options when it comes to cooking these salmon bites, and each method delivers that crave-worthy crispiness. Here’s the lowdown, inspired by the best recipes out there:
Got an air fryer? You’re in luck—this is the fastest way to crispy perfection. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the seasoned salmon bites in the basket, making sure they don’t touch (crowding is the enemy of crispiness). Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll get golden, crunchy bites with minimal oil. (I Heart Umami swears by this method.)
No air fryer? No problem. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer and bake for 10-12 minutes. For extra crispiness, switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes—just keep an eye on them to avoid burning. (Grammy Recipes nails this technique.)
If you love a good sear, grab a skillet. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the salmon bites and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. This method gives you a restaurant-quality crust and is great for smaller batches. (The Roasted Root has a killer skillet recipe.)
While your salmon is cooking, whip up the sauce. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Taste and adjust—more sriracha for heat, more honey for sweetness. Want a lighter version? Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt, as suggested by I Am Homesteader. Pro tip: Make this ahead and chill it for a few hours to let the flavors meld together. This will enhance the taste of the Bang Bang Sauce, making it even more irresistible.
These salmon bites shine as a standalone appetizer, skewered with toothpicks for easy party snacking. For a heartier meal, pair them with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, or toss them into a fresh salad with greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and radish. For a trendy twist, create a bang-bang salmon bowl with roasted broccoli, avocado, pickled cucumbers, and a drizzle of extra sauce or even coconut aminos for added depth. You can also use them in tacos with crunchy slaw, soft tortillas, and a squeeze of lime for a fun twist.