These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside, and coated in a creamy, sweet, spicy bang bang sauce. They are an easy way to turn salmon into an exciting weeknight dinner, appetizer, or protein-packed bowl topping.
The salmon is cut into bite-sized pieces, seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices, then cooked until beautifully browned. A quick homemade bang bang sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha adds the perfect creamy heat.
They are especially delicious served over rice with crunchy vegetables, tucked into tacos, or enjoyed straight from the plate with extra sauce for dipping.
Origin Information
“Bang bang” sauce is a creamy spicy-sweet sauce that has become popular in American restaurant and home cooking, particularly as a pairing for crispy seafood and chicken. Modern bang bang preparations commonly combine mayonnaise with sweet chili sauce and a spicy ingredient such as sriracha.
This salmon version takes that flavor profile and applies it to bite-sized pieces of salmon, creating a quick seafood dish with crispy edges and a creamy coating.
Tips
Choose salmon fillets with the skin and bones removed. Fresh or thawed frozen salmon can both work well.
Cut the salmon into pieces of similar size so everything cooks evenly.
Pat the salmon very dry with paper towels before seasoning. Removing excess moisture helps the outside brown nicely.
Do not overcrowd the skillet or air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
For extra crispy edges, lightly coat the salmon pieces with cornstarch before cooking.
Add the bang bang sauce after cooking rather than cooking the salmon in a large amount of sauce. This helps preserve the browned exterior.
Adjust the sriracha according to your preferred spice level.
For a lighter sauce, replace part of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
If using an air fryer, gently shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.
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Storage Information
Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keep extra bang bang sauce refrigerated separately when possible.
Reheat the salmon in an air fryer, oven, or skillet to help restore some of its crisp texture. Microwaving works for convenience but may make the coating softer.
For meal prep, store the salmon, sauce, rice, and vegetables in separate compartments and assemble just before eating.
Cooked salmon is not ideal for extended freezer storage because its texture can become dry after thawing.
Ingredient Notes
Salmon: Use boneless, skinless salmon fillets. Atlantic salmon, sockeye, or another suitable salmon variety can be used. Salmon with a moderate amount of natural fat generally stays juicy during cooking.
Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning adhere to the salmon and encourages browning during cooking.
Cornstarch: Optional, but highly recommended if you want crispier salmon bites. It creates a light exterior coating.
Paprika: Adds mild warmth and a beautiful color to the salmon.
Garlic Powder: Provides savory garlic flavor without adding moisture to the seasoning mixture.
Onion Powder: Adds additional savory depth.
Salt And Black Pepper: Essential for balancing the flavors.
Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Provides sweetness, mild heat, and a glossy texture.
Sriracha: Adds the characteristic spicy kick. Use more or less according to taste.
Honey: Optional, but useful if you prefer a sweeter bang bang sauce.
Lime Juice: Adds acidity and freshness that balances the richness of the mayonnaise.
Green Onions: Optional garnish that adds freshness and a mild onion flavor.
Sesame Seeds: Optional, but they make a flavorful and attractive finishing garnish.
Serving Instructions
Serve Bang Bang Salmon Bites immediately while they’re warm.
For a complete meal, serve them over:
- Steamed white rice
- Brown rice
- Coconut rice
- Quinoa
- Cauliflower rice
Add fresh vegetables such as cucumber, avocado, shredded cabbage, carrots, edamame, or lettuce.
For tacos, place the salmon bites inside warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado, lime, and extra bang bang sauce.
They can also be served over a fresh salad for a lighter meal.
For an appetizer, arrange the salmon bites on a platter with the sauce drizzled over the top and extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Description
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites made with tender salmon, savory spices, and a creamy sweet-and-spicy bang bang sauce. Perfect for appetizers, rice bowls, tacos, salads, or an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For The Salmon Bites
For The Bang Bang Sauce
For Garnishing
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Remove any remaining bones or skin.
- Cut the salmon into approximately 1-inch bite-sized cubes.
- Place the salmon pieces in a large bowl. Add olive oil, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss gently until every piece is evenly coated.
- For the sauce, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey if using, and lime juice in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the heat or sweetness as desired.
Skillet Method
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil.
- Arrange the salmon pieces in a single layer, leaving a little space between them.
- Cook for approximately 2–3 minutes per side, turning gently until the salmon is browned on the outside and cooked through.
- Avoid constantly moving the salmon while it cooks. Allowing it to sit against the hot pan helps create browned edges.
- Remove the salmon from the skillet and let it rest briefly.
- Toss the warm salmon bites with some of the bang bang sauce, or drizzle the sauce over the top.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, cilantro, and fresh lime.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the seasoned salmon pieces in the basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry for approximately 7–10 minutes, shaking or turning the pieces halfway through cooking.
- Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the salmon pieces and the specific air fryer.
- Once cooked through and lightly crisp around the edges, remove the salmon.
- Toss with bang bang sauce or drizzle the sauce over the salmon before serving.
- Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Arrange the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer.
- Bake for approximately 10–14 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.
- For more browned edges, place the salmon under the broiler for the final 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
- Coat with bang bang sauce and garnish before serving.
Nutrition Facts
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 300kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 17g27%
- Sodium 500mg21%
- Total Carbohydrate 8g3%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 30g60%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tools
- Cutting board
- Sharp chef's knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Large skillet, air fryer, or baking sheet
- Tongs or spatula
- Paper towels
- Serving platter
