Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a delightful combination of tender, seasoned salmon and a flavorful, zesty Bang Bang sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, they bring a burst of flavor to your table in just 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for weeknight meals.
  • Bold and Flavorful: The Bang Bang sauce is the perfect mix of spicy, sweet, and tangy.
  • Healthy and Protein-Packed: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein.
  • Versatile: Works as an appetizer, main course, or even a salad topping.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salmon:

  • Salmon fillets
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • Mayonnaise
  • Thai sweet chili sauce
  • Sriracha
  • Honey
  • Lime juice

Optional Garnishes:

  • Chopped parsley
  • Green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Directions

Step 1: Preparing the Salmon

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
  2. Remove the skin and cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes.
  3. Drizzle the cubes with olive oil.
  4. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).

Step 2: Crafting the Bang Bang Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
  2. Taste and adjust flavors as desired by adding more sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness.

Step 3: Cooking the Salmon

Choose your preferred cooking method:

  • Pan-Searing: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the salmon cubes for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  • Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the salmon cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8–10 minutes.
  • Air-Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook the salmon cubes for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Step 4: Coating with Bang Bang Sauce

  1. Once the salmon is cooked, drizzle or toss the cubes with the prepared Bang Bang sauce.

Step 5: Garnishing and Serving

  1. Garnish the salmon bites with chopped parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds.
  2. Serve immediately with jasmine rice, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.

Servings and Timing

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories: ~280 kcal per serving

Variations

  • Lighter Sauce: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier option.
  • Spicy Kick: Add extra sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Alternative Proteins: Substitute salmon with shrimp, chicken, or tofu.
  • Crispier Texture: Coat the salmon cubes in panko breadcrumbs before cooking.
  • Vegan Option: Use firm tofu and vegan mayonnaise for a plant-based dish.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating: Warm the salmon bites in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving to retain crispiness.
  • Sauce Storage: Keep extra Bang Bang sauce in the fridge for up to a week.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before preparing.

2. What is Bang Bang sauce?

Bang Bang sauce is a creamy, sweet, and spicy blend of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, often used for seafood.

3. Can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce the amount of sriracha or omit the cayenne pepper for a milder version.

4. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

5. What sides pair well with this dish?

Jasmine rice, quinoa, roasted veggies, or a green salad are excellent accompaniments.

6. Can I use skin-on salmon?

Yes, but it’s recommended to remove the skin for uniform cooking and easier eating.

7. How do I ensure crispy salmon bites?

Pat the salmon dry before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the pan or air fryer.

8. Is there a substitute for Thai sweet chili sauce?

Mix honey or sugar with a splash of vinegar and a pinch of chili flakes as a substitute.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure enough space in your pan or air fryer to cook the salmon evenly.

10. What other garnishes can I use?

Try cilantro, lime wedges, or shredded carrots for added freshness.

Conclusion

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. The bold Bang Bang sauce adds a tantalizing touch to tender salmon, making it a memorable meal. Give this recipe a try for a satisfying and healthy seafood option that’s bursting with flavor!

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Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

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  • Author: Asma
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
  • Method: Pan-Seared, Baked, Air-Fried
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Description

These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are tender, flavorful, and coated in a sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce. Perfect for a quick and healthy dinner or appetizer!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Salmon Bites:

  • Salmon fillets (about 1 lb)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tsp sriracha (or to taste)
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp lime juice

For Garnishing:

  • Chopped parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
  2. Remove the skin and cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes.
  3. Place the salmon in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
  2. Adjust the flavors to your taste by adding more sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon

Choose one of the following methods to cook the salmon:

  • Pan-Searing: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon bites and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until crispy and cooked through.
  • Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place salmon bites on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes.
  • Air-Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook salmon bites in a single layer for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Step 4: Toss in Bang Bang Sauce

  1. Drizzle the cooked salmon bites with the Bang Bang sauce or toss them gently in a bowl to coat evenly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  1. Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds.
  2. Serve over jasmine rice, alongside salads, or with roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, lightly coat salmon bites with cornstarch before cooking.
  • The Bang Bang sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • This recipe works well with shrimp or chicken as a substitution for salmon.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: ~280 kcal per serving

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