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
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Remove the skin and cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes.
- Drizzle the cubes with olive oil.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Step 2: Crafting the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
- 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
- Once the salmon is cooked, drizzle or toss the cubes with the prepared Bang Bang sauce.
Step 5: Garnishing and Serving
- Garnish the salmon bites with chopped parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds.
- 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!
PrintCrispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- 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
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
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Remove the skin and cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes.
- 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
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
- 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
- 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
- Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds.
- 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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