Bang Bang Salmon Bites are my go-to recipe when I need something fast but impressive on the dinner table. This dish transforms simple salmon into crispy, sauce-coated bites that disappear in minutes.
The first time I made these for a busy Tuesday night, my kids actually asked for seconds of fish. That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper. The combination of crispy edges and that creamy, slightly spicy sauce hits all the right notes. Whether you pan-sear, bake, or air-fry them, these salmon bites come together in just 20 minutes and work perfectly for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Getting quality ingredients makes all the difference with salmon. I always reach for wild-caught salmon when possible because it has better flavor and texture. The sauce comes together with pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
- 1.5 lbs salmon fillets (skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (I recommend using Spanish smoked paprika for deeper flavor)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust based on heat preference)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Greek yogurt works as a lighter swap)
- 3 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce (my preference is Mae Ploy brand)
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (start with 1 tablespoon if sensitive to heat)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (I usually juice about half a lime)
For Garnishing:
- Chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds
- Lime wedges for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
In my experience, the key to crispy salmon bites is ensuring they’re completely dry before seasoning. This step makes a real difference in the final texture.
Step 1: Pat the salmon cubes thoroughly dry using paper towels. Any surface moisture will prevent proper browning. Toss the dried salmon with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Make sure each piece is evenly coated.
Step 2: Whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sweetness or heat level to your liking. Set aside while you cook the salmon.
Step 3: Choose your preferred cooking method. For pan-searing, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a touch of oil. Cook salmon cubes for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F, arrange salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes. For air-frying, preheat to 375°F and cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Step 4: Once cooked, transfer the hot salmon bites to a large bowl. Drizzle the bang bang sauce over them and gently toss until every piece is coated. Alternatively, you can serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Step 5: Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle with chopped parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds. Serve immediately with lime wedges alongside. These pair beautifully with rice, salad, or roasted vegetables.
Perfect Pairings for Salmon Bites
These salmon bites shine when paired with sides that balance their rich, creamy sauce with fresh flavors and varied textures.
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles: The garlic-forward noodles complement the spicy-sweet salmon sauce while adding satisfying carbs to round out the meal.
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: Borrow the rice and corn components from this bowl recipe to create a complete dinner. The sweet corn plays nicely against the salmon’s heat.
Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls: Use the cilantro-lime rice base from this recipe as a fresh, zesty foundation for your salmon bites.
Chinese Beef and Broccoli: The simple stir-fried broccoli from this dish provides a crisp, healthy vegetable side that doesn’t compete with the salmon’s bold flavors.
Creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Orzo: This creamy orzo offers comfort food appeal while adding vegetables and a different texture profile to your plate.
Fresh Cucumber Salad: A cool, crisp cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing cuts through the richness of the sauce and adds refreshing crunch.
Keeping Your Salmon Bites Fresh
Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, keep the sauce separate from the salmon if possible. The salmon may lose some crispiness when stored, but the flavor remains delicious.
When reheating, I recommend using an air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or a skillet over medium heat to restore some of that crispy exterior. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain texture. Pro tip: Add a light drizzle of fresh sauce after reheating to brighten up the flavors.
For meal prep, cook the salmon and prepare the sauce separately. Store them in different containers and combine just before serving. This keeps the salmon from getting soggy and makes for quick lunches throughout the week.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, just thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat it very dry before cutting and seasoning. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispy salmon bites.
What can I substitute for sriracha in the sauce?
Try hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot or sambal oelek. Start with less than the recipe calls for and adjust to taste since heat levels vary between brands.
How do I know when the salmon is properly cooked?
Salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork. It should be opaque throughout and slightly firm to the touch.
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the salmon cubes thoroughly dry using paper towels to remove all surface moisture. Toss the dried salmon with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Ensure each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and fresh lime juice until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice level to your preference. Set the sauce aside.
- Choose your cooking method. For pan-searing: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a touch of oil and cook salmon cubes for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. For baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), arrange salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes. For air-frying: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Cook until salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a large bowl. Drizzle the bang bang sauce over them and gently toss until every piece is evenly coated. Alternatively, serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
- Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle with chopped parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds. Serve immediately with lime wedges alongside. Pair with rice, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
