Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites (Sweet & Spicy)
If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make seafood dish, these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a must-try! They’re bite-sized, perfectly crunchy, and coated in a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing.
This recipe brings a fresh twist to traditional salmon dishes, making it ideal for quick dinners, party appetizers, or even meal prep. The crispy coating and bold sauce create an irresistible balance of textures and flavors.
What makes this dish stand out is its versatility. Serve it over rice, toss it into a salad, or enjoy it as a snack with a dipping sauce. No matter how you eat them, these salmon bites are sure to impress!
Plus, they come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Crispy Perfection: The panko coating ensures a light, crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the sauce.
- Sweet & Spicy Flavor: The bang bang sauce offers a delicious balance of heat and sweetness.
- Versatile Dish: Serve as an appetizer, in tacos, over rice, or in a salad!
Perfect Pairings
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice with a side of stir-fried veggies.
- Toss into a fresh cabbage slaw for a crunchy, flavorful salad.
- Enjoy as an appetizer with a side of extra bang bang sauce for dipping.
- Use them as a protein-packed topping for poke bowls!
Tips for the Best Salmon Bites
- Use fresh salmon for the best texture, but frozen (thawed) works too.
- Double-coat the salmon for an extra crispy bite.
- For an air-fryer option, cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Control the heat by adjusting the Sriracha in the sauce.
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites (Sweet & Spicy)
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb fresh salmon skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra spice
- Cooking oil olive, vegetable or avocado oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha adjust for heat preference
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon cubes dry with a paper towel. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Dredging Station: In three separate bowls, place flour in one, beaten eggs in the second, and panko breadcrumbs in the third.
- Coat the Salmon: Dip each salmon piece into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to adhere the coating.
- Fry Until Golden: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the salmon bites for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, Sriracha, and lime juice.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle or toss the crispy salmon bites in the bang bang sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations & Substitutions
- Make it gluten-free by using almond flour and gluten-free panko.
- Swap the salmon for shrimp or chicken for a different take.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter sauce.
- Spice it up with extra cayenne or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Common Questions
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The bang bang sauce can be made 2-3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the perfect combination of crunchy, sweet, and spicy flavors. They’re easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and great for any occasion. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, main course, or meal prep option, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
