Sweet, spicy, and absolutely addictive—these Bang Bang Salmon Bites are everything you didn’t know your weeknight dinner needed. Tender chunks of salmon are baked or air-fried until crispy, then tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce that’s finger-licking good. It’s a quick and satisfying dish that packs serious flavor with just a handful of ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
That sauce! Sweet heat with a creamy kick.
High-protein and packed with healthy fats.
Bakes in 30 minutes—no hassle, all flavor.
Perfect for rice bowls, wraps, or on their own.
Kid-friendly and totally craveable.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these mouthwatering Bang Bang Salmon Bites. Here’s what you’ll need:
Salmon fillet: Fresh, skinless salmon is the star of this dish. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids and provides a tender, flaky texture.
Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs add an irresistible crunch. They’re lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, making them perfect for coating.
All-purpose flour: This helps the coating stick to the salmon. It creates a nice base for the egg and panko to adhere to.
Eggs: Beaten eggs act as a binding agent, ensuring the panko sticks well to the salmon bites.
Garlic powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder adds depth and flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the bites.
Paprika: This spice brings a subtle smokiness and a beautiful color to the dish.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate the flavors of the salmon and coating.
Mayonnaise: The base for the bang bang sauce, it adds creaminess and richness.
Sweet chili sauce: This sauce brings a sweet and tangy flavor that balances the heat of the sriracha.
Sriracha: Adjust this spicy sauce to your taste for that extra kick!
Lime juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the sauce and adds a zesty finish.
Chopped green onions: These are for garnish, adding a pop of color and a mild onion flavor.
For those looking to mix things up, you can substitute salmon with shrimp or chicken for a different flavor profile. If you’re aiming for a healthier option, consider using whole wheat breadcrumbs or air-frying the bites instead of baking. Exact measurements for each ingredient can be found at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Creating Bang Bang Salmon Bites is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a plateful of crispy, flavorful bites ready to impress!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because it ensures even cooking and helps achieve that golden-brown crust we all love. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the salmon bites from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful blend will create a tasty coating for your salmon. Make sure the spices are evenly distributed, as they’ll enhance the overall flavor of the bites.
Step 3: Beat the Eggs
In another bowl, beat the two large eggs until they’re well combined. The egg mixture acts as a glue, helping the panko breadcrumbs stick to the salmon. This step is essential for achieving that crispy texture we’re after!
Step 4: Coat the Salmon
Now comes the fun part! Take each piece of salmon and dip it first into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll the salmon in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure a good coating. Place the coated salmon bites on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
Step 5: Bake the Salmon Bites
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the bites to turn golden brown and be cooked through. A good rule of thumb is to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure they’re safe to eat.
Step 6: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon is baking, it’s time to whip up the bang bang sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. Adjust the sriracha to your taste for that perfect level of heat. This creamy, spicy sauce is what takes these bites to the next level!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the salmon bites are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm, drizzled with the bang bang sauce, and garnished with chopped green onions. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma will have everyone diving in for a taste!
Tips for Success
Use fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give each bite space to crisp up.
Experiment with spices in the coating for a unique twist.
Let the salmon bites cool slightly before serving to enhance their crunch.
Make extra bang bang sauce for dipping; it’s that good!
Equipment Needed
Baking sheet: A standard sheet works, but a wire rack can help with even crisping.
Parchment paper: Use aluminum foil if you don’t have parchment; it’ll still prevent sticking.
Shallow bowls: Any bowls will do for mixing; just ensure they’re wide enough for easy dipping.
Whisk: A fork can substitute if you don’t have a whisk handy.
Variations
Spicy Tuna Bites: Swap out the salmon for fresh tuna for a different flavor profile. The same coating and sauce work beautifully!
Vegetarian Option: Use firm tofu or cauliflower florets instead of salmon. Coat and bake them just like the original recipe for a tasty plant-based alternative.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal for a crunchy coating.
Herb-Infused Bites: Add fresh herbs like dill or cilantro to the coating mixture for an aromatic twist.
Sweet and Spicy: Mix in a bit of honey or maple syrup into the bang bang sauce for a sweeter flavor that balances the heat.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich salmon bites.
Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or asparagus for a healthy touch.
Complement with a chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, to enhance the flavors.
For a fun presentation, serve on a wooden board with dipping bowls for the bang bang sauce.
FAQs about Bang Bang Salmon Bites
As you embark on your culinary adventure with Bang Bang Salmon Bites, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries that can help you along the way:
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely before starting. This ensures even cooking and helps maintain that delicious texture.
How can I make the bang bang sauce spicier?
If you’re a fan of heat, feel free to add more sriracha to the sauce. You can also toss in some red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
What can I serve with Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
These bites pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, steamed veggies, or even a side of rice. They’re versatile enough to complement various sides!
Can I prepare the salmon bites ahead of time?
Yes! You can coat the salmon bites and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just remember to bake them fresh for the best crunch!
Are Bang Bang Salmon Bites healthy?
They can be! Salmon is packed with protein and healthy fats. For a lighter option, consider air-frying instead of baking, and use less mayonnaise in the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Salmon Bites are more than just a recipe; they’re a celebration of flavor and creativity in the kitchen. Each bite offers a delightful crunch, paired with a creamy, spicy sauce that dances on your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, these bites are sure to impress. Plus, the joy of sharing a delicious meal is unmatched. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the process, and enjoy the smiles that come with every crispy, flavorful bite. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a staple in your culinary repertoire!
Bang Bang Salmon Bites are crispy, flavorful bites of salmon coated in panko breadcrumbs and served with a spicy bang bang sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon lime juice
Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
In another bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
Dip each piece of salmon first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. Place the coated salmon bites on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the salmon bites in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
While the salmon is baking, prepare the bang bang sauce by whisking together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice in a bowl.
Once the salmon bites are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Serve the salmon bites warm, drizzled with the bang bang sauce and garnished with chopped green onions.
Notes
For a healthier option, you can air-fry the salmon bites at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes instead of baking.
Substitute the salmon with shrimp or chicken for a different flavor profile.
