Follow Me On Social Media!
Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Why you’ll love this dish
Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that make them an instant hit. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also elegantly serves as a main course or a tasty appetizer. The crispy salmon bites paired with the creamy, spicy bang bang sauce create a perfect balance that is both satisfying and refreshing. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy healthy salmon while indulging in a bit of crunch.
Picture this: a busy weeknight when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is your solution, taking just about 20 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for both family dinners and casual gatherings, it’s sure to impress.
"These salmon bites are hands-down my new favorite! Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor — a total crowd-pleaser!" — Local Foodie
The cooking process explained
Making Bang Bang Salmon Bites is a straightforward yet rewarding process. The key steps involve seasoning fresh salmon, coating it in breadcrumbs, and baking or air-frying until golden. You’ll also whip up a zesty bang bang sauce that perfectly complements the salmon. This fun cooking adventure makes for a tasty and colorful meal that looks beautiful on the plate!
What you’ll need
To make this dish, gather these ingredients:
- 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 nonstick spray for crisping
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 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 customize ingredients based on your preferences! For example, you could swap out jasmine rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the salmon cubes dry using paper towels. In a bowl, season the salmon with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the seasoned salmon cubes in panko breadcrumbs. Lightly drizzle with olive oil or use nonstick spray.
- Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Bake for 10-12 minutes or air-fry for 8-10 minutes until they turn golden brown.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice to create the bang bang sauce.
- Assemble your bowls with jasmine rice, purple cabbage, carrots, avocado, and crispy salmon bites. Drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce, and garnish with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds.
Best ways to enjoy it
These Bang Bang Salmon Bites shine brightly on their own but can also be enhanced with some creative serving ideas. Try plating them in colorful bowls with a bed of jasmine or cauliflower rice, topped with a vibrant mix of shredded cabbage and carrots. For a special touch, add a few sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for a beautiful finish. Pair with refreshing pickled vegetables or a light cucumber salad to balance the richness of the salmon bites.
How to store
Leftovers can be stored safely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat them, use an air fryer for the best texture, cooking for just a few minutes to regain that crispy exterior. If you think you won’t finish them in time, you can freeze the salmon bites before cooking. Once coated in breadcrumbs, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be air-fried or baked straight from frozen, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Helpful cooking tips
For even juicier salmon bites, consider marinating the salmon cubes briefly in a mix of lime juice and a splash of soy sauce for a deeper flavor. Make sure to pat them dry after marinating to ensure the panko coating adheres well. When coating, use one hand for wet and the other for dry to avoid a sticky mess. For added crunch, toast the panko breadcrumbs in a pan before coating the salmon; this gives an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Creative twists
Feel free to get creative with the flavors! Swap the sweet chili sauce with garlic aioli for a more savory bite or try adding a splash of lime zest in the bang bang sauce for an additional zing. If you want to incorporate other proteins, shrimp works beautifully with this recipe as well. Consider adding a layer of thinly sliced radishes for a peppery crunch or even corn for sweetness.
Common questions
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning.
What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs can be a good substitute, but if you’re looking for that extra crunch, crushed cornflakes or even crushed nuts could also work well.
Can I prepare these in advance?
Absolutely! You can season and coat the salmon bites ahead of time. Just keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. This dish is perfect for meal prep!
Enjoy whipping up these delightful bites and share them with family and friends — they’re bound to become a favorite!
Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Crispy salmon bites paired with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, perfect for a quick and impressive main course or appetizer.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb fresh salmon, skinless and cut into bite-sized cubes Ensure salmon is fresh and well-cut
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs For extra crunch
- 1 tbsp olive oil Or use nonstick spray for crisping
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice Or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish
Bang Bang Sauce ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the salmon cubes dry using paper towels. In a bowl, season the salmon with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the seasoned salmon cubes in panko breadcrumbs. Lightly drizzle with olive oil or use nonstick spray.
Cooking
- Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Bake for 10-12 minutes or air-fry for 8-10 minutes until they turn golden brown.
Sauce Preparation
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice to create the bang bang sauce.
Assembly
- Assemble your bowls with jasmine rice, purple cabbage, carrots, avocado, and crispy salmon bites.
- Drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce, and garnish with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds.
Notes
Feel free to customize ingredients based on your preferences. For example, replace jasmine rice with quinoa or omit components according to dietary needs. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to three days and can be reheated in an air fryer for optimal texture.
