My mom always made salmon for special occasions. It felt so fancy and grown-up, a step above our usual weeknight dinners. Even now, the smell of salmon baking instantly takes me back to those happy, slightly chaotic family gatherings.
I remember one birthday, I insisted on helping her prepare the salmon, and I accidentally dumped way too much pepper on it! We all laughed about it, and even though it was a little spicy, it was still delicious. Those are the moments that make food so much more than just sustenance; it’s about the memories and the love shared around the table. To keep the meal fun and easy, check out this no bake peppermint pie recipe for dessert.
Now, I love creating my own salmon dishes, putting my own spin on a classic. That’s how these crispy bang bang salmon bites came to be.
Why you’ll love this Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- These crispy bang bang salmon bites are incredibly flavorful, offering a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory.
- They are quick and easy to prepare, making them ideal for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer.
- The crispy panko crust adds a delightful texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender salmon inside.
- The bang bang sauce is creamy, tangy, and has just the right amount of heat, making these bites irresistible.
- You can easily adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste preferences by adding more or less sriracha.
- These crispy bang bang salmon bites are versatile – serve them as an appetizer, a main course over rice, or even in tacos!
Ingredients
- 1. 5 lbs skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Directions
Step 1
Crispy bang bang salmon makes every moment feel sunny. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs seasoned with salt and pepper.
Step 3
Dip each salmon cube in the flour, then the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs. Ensure the salmon is fully coated.
Step 4
Arrange the breaded salmon bites on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with vegetable oil.
Step 5
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the panko coating is golden brown and crispy.
Step 6
While the salmon is baking, prepare the bang bang sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth.
Step 7
Once the salmon bites are cooked, transfer them to a clean bowl and pour the bang bang sauce over them. Toss gently to coat each bite evenly.
Step 8
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Want to switch things up? Try using different types of fish! Cod or shrimp would also work wonderfully with this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the fish is cooked through.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and gluten-free all-purpose flour. This makes the crispy bang bang salmon bites accessible to even more people. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the panko breadcrumbs for an extra kick.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. This will lower the fat content while still providing a creamy texture. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
Pairings
These crispy bang bang salmon bites pair perfectly with a side of steamed rice. The fluffy rice soaks up the delicious bang bang sauce. Brown rice or quinoa are also great healthy alternatives.
For a complete meal, serve the salmon bites with a side of roasted vegetables. Broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini are all excellent choices. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the richness of the salmon.
Need more bang bang flavor in your life? I recommend serving them alongside some potsticker stir fry, a recipe I found at Fork Haven, that features a similar tangy and spicy profile. It’s a fantastic complement to the salmon bites!
Serving ideas
Serve these crispy bang bang salmon bites as an appetizer at your next party. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onions. Provide small skewers or toothpicks for easy eating.
For a fun and casual dinner, serve the salmon bites in lettuce wraps. Add some shredded carrots, cucumbers, and a drizzle of extra bang bang sauce. This makes for a light and refreshing meal.
You can also use these crispy bang bang salmon bites as a topping for rice bowls or salads. They add a burst of flavor and protein to any dish. Consider adding some avocado slices for extra creaminess.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Store leftover crispy bang bang salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 2 days. The panko coating may lose some of its crispiness, but the flavor will still be delicious.
To reheat the salmon bites, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a crispier texture. Avoid microwaving them, as this can make the coating soggy.
Freezing the salmon bites is not recommended, as the sauce and panko coating may not hold up well. However, you can freeze the cooked salmon bites without the sauce. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then toss them with freshly made bang bang sauce before serving.
Make-ahead
You can prepare the bang bang sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day you plan to serve the salmon bites.
The breaded salmon bites can also be prepared ahead of time. Arrange them on a baking sheet and cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours. Bake them as directed when you’re ready to serve.
For a quick and easy meal, prepare all the components of the dish in advance. Store the sauce, breaded salmon bites, and garnishes separately. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake the salmon bites and toss them with the sauce.
Common mistakes when making Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Overcrowding the baking sheet: Make sure to spread the salmon bites in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crispiness. If the pan is too crowded, the salmon will steam instead of bake.
- Not patting the salmon dry: Before breading, pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels. This will help the flour adhere better and create a crispier coating.
- Overbaking the salmon: Salmon can dry out quickly if overbaked. Keep a close eye on the salmon bites and remove them from the oven as soon as they are cooked through and the panko coating is golden brown.
- Adding too much sauce: Start with a small amount of bang bang sauce and add more as needed. Too much sauce can make the salmon bites soggy.
- Skipping the garnishes: The sesame seeds and green onions add a final touch of flavor and visual appeal. Don’t skip these important garnishes!
Final notes
I hope you enjoy making these crispy bang bang salmon bites as much as I do! They’re a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe and make it your own.
Remember to adjust the amount of sriracha to your liking. Whether you like a mild kick or a fiery burn, these salmon bites can be customized to suit your taste. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Happy cooking, and enjoy every flavorful bite!
Loved this Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites? Try these next
- No bake peppermint pie recipe
- Chicken caesar sandwich recipe
- Mini grilled cheese hawaiian rolls
- Potsticker stir fry recipe
- Alabama fire crackers recipe
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
These homemade Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and incredibly satisfying. Tender salmon pieces coated in a crispy panko crust and tossed in a creamy, flavorful bang bang sauce – an irresistible appetizer or main course!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Dip each salmon cube in the flour, then the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs. Ensure the salmon is fully coated.
- Arrange the breaded salmon bites on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with vegetable oil.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the panko coating is golden brown and crispy.
- While the salmon is baking, prepare the bang bang sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Once the salmon bites are cooked, transfer them to a clean bowl and pour the bang bang sauce over them. Toss gently to coat each bite evenly.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra crispy salmon, you can pan-fry the breaded bites in a little oil before baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve these bites over rice or noodles for a complete meal, or enjoy as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce. Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spice level.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg