Description
These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a game-changer for seafood lovers! Bite-sized pieces of tender salmon are coated in a flavorful seasoning, cooked to crispy perfection, and then drizzled with a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce. This quick and easy dish is perfect as an appetizer, main course, or even in tacos and rice bowls. Whether pan-seared, baked, or air-fried, these salmon bites will leave your taste buds craving more!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1½ pounds salmon fillets, skin removed, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Prepare the Salmon:
- Pat the salmon pieces dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
- In a large bowl, toss the salmon with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Salmon (Choose Your Method):
Pan-Frying:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat with a little olive oil.
- Place the salmon pieces in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.
- Sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange salmon pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cooked through. Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness.
Air-Frying:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange salmon pieces in a single layer and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Assemble & Serve:
- Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the crispy salmon bites or toss them lightly in the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve immediately with rice, tacos, salad, or as a standalone appetizer.
Notes
- For Extra Crispiness: Pat the salmon very dry before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Adjusting Heat: Add more or less sriracha depending on your spice preference.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
- Substitutes: You can swap salmon with shrimp, cod, or chicken for a different twist!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Pan-Fried, Baked, Air-Fried
- Cuisine: Fusion, Asian-Inspired