When the craving for something crispy, spicy, and irresistibly delicious strikes, look no further than Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner, impressing guests at a weekend get-together, or spicing up your lunch rotation, this vibrant recipe brings the perfect balance of bold flavors, satisfying textures, and a touch of heat.
Inspired by the wildly popular Bang Bang Shrimp but with a heart-healthy twist, this dish elevates salmon—a superfood rich in omega-3s—into a bite-sized appetizer or entrée you’ll want to make again and again. These salmon bites are lightly seasoned, pan-seared to crispy perfection, and tossed in a creamy, tangy, slightly spicy bang bang sauce that’s truly addictive.
Whether you’re a salmon lover or just looking to switch up your protein routine, this is one recipe that checks every box: quick, easy, healthy(ish), and loaded with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor: Smoky, spicy, creamy, and sweet all in one bite.
- Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, on top of rice bowls, in tacos, or with a salad.
- Healthy Twist: A lighter take on traditional fried bites, using salmon and pan-searing.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1½ pounds salmon fillets, skin removed, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Green onions, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels—this step is essential for achieving that coveted crispy texture. Cut the salmon into bite-sized cubes, around 1-inch each.
Place the salmon pieces in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you’re in the mood for heat. Gently toss to evenly coat every piece with the flavorful seasoning blend.
Pro Tip: Want even crispier bites? After seasoning, lightly dust the salmon with a teaspoon of cornstarch or flour before pan-searing.
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Taste test the sauce—add more sriracha if you like it spicier, or an extra drizzle of honey for more sweetness. This sauce is where the magic happens, and you can tweak it to your flavor preference.
Shortcut Tip: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a tangy, lighter option.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Place the salmon pieces in the skillet in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary to maintain the heat and ensure crispy edges.
Sear the salmon for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use tongs or a spatula to flip them gently.
Once cooked, transfer the salmon bites to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
Step 4: Toss in Sauce & Garnish
Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a large bowl. Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the top and gently toss to coat.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds, fresh herbs, and sliced green onions for an extra pop of color and crunch.
Serving Suggestions
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few fun and creative ways to enjoy your crispy bang bang salmon bites:
- Appetizer Platter: Serve with toothpicks and extra sauce for dipping.
- Salmon Rice Bowls: Layer over jasmine rice with cucumber, shredded carrots, avocado, and a drizzle of soy sauce.
- Tacos: Stuff into corn or flour tortillas with cabbage slaw and lime crema.
- Salads: Top a fresh green salad for a protein-packed lunch.
- Wraps: Roll up in a warm tortilla with lettuce and tomato for an easy lunch.
Make-Ahead Tips & Storage
Meal Prep: You can prep the salmon cubes and sauce in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Leftovers: Store cooked salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer for best results.
Freezing: While salmon freezes well, the texture after thawing may be slightly softer. Freeze raw, seasoned salmon pieces for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen or thaw in the fridge before searing.
Recipe Variations
Looking to switch things up? Here are some easy substitutions and fun twists:
- Air Fryer Option: Cook the salmon bites at 400°F for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway through for extra crisp.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free mayo and check your chili sauce for hidden gluten.
- Dairy-Free: The sauce is naturally dairy-free when made with standard mayo.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Swap salmon for cauliflower florets and roast or air fry until crispy before tossing in the bang bang sauce.
Nutritional Spotlight: Why Salmon Rocks
Salmon is more than just delicious—it’s a nutritional powerhouse:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Great for heart and brain health.
- High-Quality Protein: Keeps you full and supports muscle repair.
- Vitamin D & B Vitamins: Boosts immunity and energy.
- Low in Saturated Fat: A lean protein option that fits into most diets.
Adding salmon to your rotation is a smart and tasty way to keep your meals balanced and satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and cooking.
What’s the best way to cut salmon into cubes?
Use a sharp knife and cut across the grain of the salmon fillet to maintain its integrity and texture.
Is this recipe spicy?
The sauce has a mild to medium heat. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the sriracha.
Can I bake the salmon instead?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are more than just a delicious recipe—they’re an experience. With a balance of spicy, sweet, creamy, and savory, this dish brings restaurant-level flavor straight to your kitchen with minimal fuss.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to something special, these bites deliver in a big way. Try them once, and they might just become your new favorite way to eat salmon.