There’s something undeniably delightful about bite-sized salmon pieces that burst with flavor, don’t you think? These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and spicy, making them an exciting dish for both casual family dinners and festive gatherings. They take just a short amount of time to prepare and can be served over fluffy jasmine rice or riced cauliflower for a wholesome meal. Whip these up for a speedy weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer that will wow your guests!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that’s quick, delicious, and sure to please everyone at the table, then look no further. These salmon bites are not only easy to prepare, but they also offer a vibrant mix of flavors and textures. Plus, the creamy Bang Bang sauce brings it all together with just the right hint of heat. Your family will be clamoring for seconds!
"These salmon bites are amazing! They were a hit at our dinner party. I can’t believe how easy they were to make!"
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Creating a dish this flavorful isn’t as complicated as you might think! The process involves seasoning your salmon, coating it with panko breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch, and then blending together a fabulous sauce that adds a zing. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to get started:
Ingredients
Gather these items for your 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 spray for crisping
▢ ½ cup mayonnaise
▢ 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
▢ 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to 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
Substitution Tips: If you need a gluten-free option, swap out the panko with crushed gluten-free crackers. For those avoiding mayonnaise, try a vegan alternative.
Directions
Here’s how to prepare those scrumptious salmon bites step-by-step:
- Preheat your Oven or Air Fryer: Set it to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready.
- Season the Salmon: In a mixing bowl, combine your salmon cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat.
- Coat in Breadcrumbs: Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Roll the seasoned salmon cubes in the breadcrumbs until they are fully coated.
- Bake or Air-Fry: Arrange the coated salmon bites on a baking tray or in the air fryer basket. Drizzle or spray with olive oil for crisping. Bake for 12-15 minutes or air-fry for about 10 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice; whisk until smooth.
- Assemble the Bowls: Serve the crispy salmon bites over jasmine rice or cauliflower rice, topped with shredded cabbage, avocado slices, carrots, and green onions. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously on top, and finish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these flavorful salmon bites with a crisp green salad or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal. They also pair beautifully with dipping sauces like extra sweet chili sauce or even a light soy sauce. Perfect for summer cookouts or a cozy family gathering, they can turn an ordinary meal into something unforgettable.
Storage & Reheating
To keep your leftovers fresh, store any uneaten salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap securely in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. To reheat, simply place them back in a preheated air fryer or oven until crispy again—about 5-8 minutes should do the trick!
Pro Tips
For an extra punch of flavor, consider marinating your salmon in a mix of lime juice and garlic for an hour before seasoning. You can also experiment with different spices or try adding a bit of grated zest from the lime to your breadcrumbs for a zesty kick. When serving, adding chopped nuts like peanuts or cashews on top gives an exciting crunch!
Variations
Want to switch things up? You can try using other fish like tilapia or cod instead of salmon. For spice lovers, increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce or even blend in a bit of wasabi, if you’re feeling adventurous. If you’re sticking with dietary preferences, go for a vegan option by using chickpeas or tofu in place of the salmon, following the same preparation method.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s thoroughly thawed and excess moisture is patted off before proceeding to the seasoning step.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
To amp up the heat, increase the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce or add red pepper flakes from the start.
3. What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work as an alternative, though they might not provide quite the same crunch and texture.
Feel free to explore more delicious seafood options with our guides on roasting salmon and preparing easy seafood tacos!
Print
Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free panko)
Description
Crispy and creamy Bang Bang Salmon Bites, perfect for appetizers or a quick dinner.
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 spray for crisping
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to 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
Instructions
- Preheat your Oven or Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine salmon cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat.
- Place panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish and roll the seasoned salmon cubes until fully coated.
- Arrange salmon bites on a baking tray or in the air fryer basket. Drizzle or spray with olive oil. Bake for 12-15 minutes or air-fry for about 10 minutes, until golden brown.
- In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice; whisk until smooth.
- Serve crispy salmon bites over jasmine rice or cauliflower rice, topped with shredded cabbage, avocado slices, carrots, and green onions. Drizzle with Bang Bang sauce and garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds.
Notes
To keep leftovers fresh, store uneaten salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated air fryer or oven for about 5-8 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg