Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are perfectly seasoned, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce. They make an excellent appetizer, rice bowl topping, taco filling, or main course.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 1½ pounds fresh salmon fillets, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
- Fresh chopped cilantro (optional)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet or air fryer
- Parchment paper
- Whisk
- Tongs
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels.
In a large bowl combine:
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Cayenne
- Salt
- Black pepper
Add the salmon and gently toss to coat.
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the salmon and toss lightly until evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
Oven Method
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange salmon cubes in a single layer.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the salmon is golden and flakes easily.
Air Fryer Method
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange salmon in a single layer.
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Thai sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha
- Honey
- Rice vinegar
- Lime juice
- Garlic powder
Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Coat the Salmon
Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a large bowl.
Drizzle with half of the Bang Bang sauce.
Gently toss until coated.
Reserve the remaining sauce for dipping or drizzling.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Top with:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Coconut rice
- Cauliflower rice
- Asian slaw
- Roasted broccoli
- Cucumber salad
- Lettuce wraps
- Tacos
- Rice bowls
- Noodles
Tips for Success
- Use fresh, center-cut salmon for the best texture.
- Pat the salmon completely dry before seasoning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer basket.
- Toss the salmon gently to keep the cubes intact.
- Add the sauce after cooking to maintain crispiness.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze the cooked salmon (without sauce) for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Air Fryer: 3–4 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
- Oven: 8 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through (the coating will be less crispy).
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 465
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Potassium: 720mg
- Calcium: 3% DV
- Iron: 6% DV
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Approximately 1.8g
Nut Information
This recipe contains:
- ❌ Peanuts: No
- ❌ Tree Nuts: No
Contains:
- ✅ Eggs (mayonnaise)
- ❌ Dairy: No
- ❌ Gluten: Typically no, but check the labels on Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and mayonnaise for gluten-free certification if needed.
- ❌ Soy: May be present in some brands of sweet chili sauce or Sriracha.
Cross-Contamination Note: If serving someone with a severe nut allergy, verify that packaged ingredients such as sauces and seasonings are manufactured in nut-free facilities if cross-contact is a concern.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&S)
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator and pat it dry before seasoning.
Q: Can I pan-fry the salmon instead?
A: Absolutely. Cook in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Q: Is Bang Bang sauce very spicy?
A: It has a mild to medium heat. Reduce the Sriracha or omit the cayenne for a milder version.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use certified gluten-free sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, mayonnaise, and cornstarch.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes. The recipe is naturally dairy-free; just check packaged ingredients for hidden dairy.
Q: What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
A: Plain Greek yogurt or a dairy-free vegan mayonnaise works well, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
Q: Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Q: How do I know when the salmon is done?
A: The salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flake easily with a fork while remaining moist inside.
