If you’re craving a dish that brings together crispy, tender salmon with a flavorful, creamy sauce that has the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, then Bang Bang Salmon Bites are just what you need. These golden, bite-sized pieces of salmon are coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust and served with a zesty sauce that is nothing short of addictive. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course, this recipe is easy to make and sure to become a favorite at your dinner table or party.
What Are Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
Bang Bang Salmon Bites are small, succulent pieces of salmon, carefully seasoned and coated in breadcrumbs before being fried to perfection. The dish derives its name from the Bang Bang Sauce, a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce made from a mixture of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. When this sauce is drizzled over the crispy salmon, it creates an explosion of flavors that will leave you coming back for more.
Ingredients
To create these irresistible Bang Bang Salmon Bites, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to your preferred spice level)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Prepare the Salmon
- Begin by cutting the salmon fillet into evenly sized bite-sized cubes. This ensures that they cook at the same rate.
- Season the salmon pieces with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Bread the Salmon
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- First, coat each piece of salmon in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Next, dip the floured salmon pieces into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Finally, coat the salmon in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere evenly to each piece.
Fry the Salmon
- Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded salmon pieces into the skillet. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can affect the crispiness.
- Fry the salmon for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the salmon bites from the oil, and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice. Mix everything together until the sauce is smooth and well-blended.
Coat the Salmon Bites
- Once your crispy salmon bites are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl.
- Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the salmon bites, and gently toss to coat them evenly. Be careful not to break the crispy coating of the salmon.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the Bang Bang Salmon Bites immediately, garnished with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little extra heat.
- These delicious bites are perfect on their own or paired with a side of rice, a fresh green salad, or some crispy vegetable sticks for a well-rounded meal.
Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Use Fresh Salmon: For the best texture and flavor, opt for fresh salmon rather than frozen. If you must use frozen salmon, make sure it’s fully thawed and well-drained before cooking.
Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to match your preferred spice level. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount and gradually increase to find your perfect balance.
Maintain the Right Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the salmon. If the oil is too cold, the salmon will absorb excess oil and become greasy rather than crispy.
Bread Properly: When breading the salmon, make sure each piece is evenly coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for a uniform and crispy coating.
Serving and Storage Tips for Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Serving Tips:
- Presentation: Arrange the Bang Bang Salmon Bites on a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro for added color and freshness.
- Accompaniments: These bites pair wonderfully with steamed rice, a light green salad, or even some crispy vegetable sticks for a refreshing contrast.
- Extra Dipping Sauce: While the Bang Bang sauce is the star of the show, you might want to offer additional sauces such as a tangy soy sauce or a sweet and sour sauce to complement the flavors.
- Serving Temperature: Bang Bang Salmon Bites are best enjoyed hot and fresh. If serving them at a party, keep them warm in a slow cooker or warming tray to preserve their crispy texture.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Bang Bang Salmon Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To retain the best texture, they should be eaten within this timeframe.
- Freezing: If you want to store them for a longer period, freeze the cooked salmon bites. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and store for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To keep the salmon bites crispy when reheating, avoid the microwave. Instead, use an oven or air fryer. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, air fry them at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha Adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey Optional, for extra sweetness
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Instructions
- Cut the salmon fillet into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each salmon piece in the flour, dip into the beaten eggs, then coat with the panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the salmon bites for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice to make the Bang Bang Sauce. Mix until smooth.
- Toss the cooked salmon bites in the Bang Bang Sauce or drizzle over the top.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator and pat it dry before using. Removing excess moisture helps ensure that the coating stays crispy when frying.
2. How can I make these salmon bites spicier? To make the Bang Bang Salmon Bites spicier, you can increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce or add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Be sure to taste as you go to avoid overpowering the dish with too much heat.
3. Can I bake these salmon bites instead of frying them? Yes, baking is a great alternative to frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded salmon pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly spray them with cooking oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for an even crisp.
4. How do I store leftovers of Bang Bang Salmon Bites? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months by freezing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the perfect combination of crispy salmon and a tangy, spicy sauce. Whether served as an appetizer or as the main dish, these bites are packed with flavor and are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Follow the tips for perfect frying, seasoning, and storage, and enjoy this mouthwatering dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!