Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Hello, seafood lovers! If you’re looking for a dish that’s packed with bold flavors, crispy textures, and a deliciously creamy sauce, these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are for you. They’re bite-sized, easy to make, and versatile enough for a snack, appetizer, or main course. Let’s dive into the details of how you can whip up this mouthwatering recipe in your own kitchen!

Introduction

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites bring together the best of crispy seafood and sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. This dish is a fun twist on the classic Bang Bang Shrimp, but it uses salmon for a richer, heartier bite. The salmon is seasoned to perfection, pan-seared until crispy, and paired with a creamy Bang Bang Sauce that’s bursting with bold flavors. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe will be a hit on any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Salmon Bites:

1 1/2 pounds salmon fillets (skin removed, cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust for preferred heat level)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)

Optional Garnish:

Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds

How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up properly when cooked. Remove any skin if necessary and cut the salmon into bite-sized 1-inch cubes. Place the salmon pieces in a large bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you like a bit of heat). Toss gently to coat the salmon evenly with the seasoning.

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sauce to your preference by adding more sriracha for extra spice or more honey for additional sweetness. Set aside while you cook the salmon.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon pieces in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the salmon for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning gently to brown all sides evenly. The salmon should be golden and crispy on the outside, while tender and flaky on the inside. If needed, cook the salmon in batches to maintain the skillet’s temperature. Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 4: Coat in Bang Bang Sauce

You can serve the salmon bites in two different ways. For a more elegant presentation, place the salmon bites on a serving platter and drizzle the Bang Bang Sauce over them. Alternatively, for a fully coated experience, toss the salmon bites in a bowl with the sauce until evenly coated.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Garnish your salmon bites with freshly chopped parsley, sliced green onions, or sesame seeds to add a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve the salmon bites immediately while they’re still crispy and enjoy the perfect combination of textures and flavors.

Helpful Tips

Use fresh salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen salmon, thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.
For an even crispier texture, dust the salmon bites lightly with cornstarch before seasoning them.
Adjust the Bang Bang Sauce to your liking—add more lime juice for tanginess or extra sriracha for a spicier kick.
Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can prevent the salmon from getting crispy.

Cooking Tips

If you don’t have a non-stick skillet, a well-seasoned cast iron pan works just as well for cooking salmon bites.
To save time, you can prepare the Bang Bang Sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use.
If you want a healthier option, bake the salmon bites in a preheated oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes instead of pan-searing them.

Serving Suggestions

These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve them over a bed of jasmine rice or alongside steamed broccoli for a complete meal. For a more casual setting, they make a fantastic appetizer paired with crunchy vegetable sticks or a simple green salad. The creamy Bang Bang Sauce also doubles as a great dipping sauce for fries or roasted veggies.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional value for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites (per serving):

Calories: 380
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 650mg
Potassium: 700mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 4g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 10%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 8%

This dish is high in protein and packed with omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon, making it both delicious and nutritious.

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat: To reheat, warm the salmon bites in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Avoid microwaving as this may cause them to lose their crispiness.

Bang Bang Sauce: The sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week. Use it as a dip or drizzle over other dishes like chicken or shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of fish? Yes! This recipe works well with other firm fish like cod or halibut. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish.

Is there a substitute for Thai sweet chili sauce? You can make your own by combining honey, rice vinegar, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a splash of soy sauce.

Can I make this dish in an air fryer? Absolutely. Cook the seasoned salmon bites in a preheated air fryer at 400°F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

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Conclusion

These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the perfect blend of crispy, flavorful, and creamy goodness. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Try this easy recipe today and let us know how it turns out. Happy cooking!