Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe for Quick Weeknight Meals Recipe
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a quick and flavorful weeknight meal or appetizer featuring tender salmon cubes coated in cornstarch and pan-fried to a golden crisp, then tossed in a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy Bang Bang sauce. Perfect served over rice, in tacos, or as a snack with garnish of green onions and sesame seeds, they offer a delightful mix of crunchy texture and rich flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
The Salmon Bites
- 1 pound fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup cornstarch (for coating)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
The Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
Instructions
- Get the salmon ready: Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better crispiness. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and garlic powder evenly over the salmon pieces and gently toss to coat.
- Coat the salmon with cornstarch: Place cornstarch in a shallow dish and lightly coat each salmon piece, making sure each cube is evenly covered. Shake off excess cornstarch before cooking to avoid clumps.
- Cook the salmon bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add salmon cubes in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer cooked salmon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Prepare the Bang Bang sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Taste and adjust spice levels as desired to achieve a creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy sauce.
- Toss salmon in the sauce: Place the crispy salmon bites in a large bowl and gently pour the Bang Bang sauce over them. Toss carefully to coat each piece evenly without breaking the delicate salmon cubes.
- Add garnish and serve: Transfer the coated salmon bites to a serving plate. Sprinkle with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and optional red pepper flakes for added heat and visual appeal. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Patting the salmon dry before seasoning and coating is essential for crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan during frying to keep salmon crispy instead of steamed.
- Use just enough oil to cover the skillet bottom lightly to prevent greasiness and ensure crisp coating.
- Gently toss salmon with sauce to avoid breaking pieces.
- Adjust sriracha quantity in the sauce to manage spiciness according to taste.
- Fresh salmon is preferred, but thaw frozen salmon completely and pat dry before use.
- For extra crunch, mix panko breadcrumbs with cornstarch for the coating.
- Air fryer can be used to cook bites at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway for a healthier option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep sauce separate to maintain crispiness.
- Reheat in oven, air fryer, or stovetop to preserve crunch; avoid microwaving.
Keywords: Bang Bang Salmon, Salmon Bites, Crispy Salmon, Quick Dinner, Seafood Appetizer, Weeknight Meal
