There’s something irresistible about crispy, bite-sized seafood, especially when it’s coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a perfect combination of crunch, heat, and creaminess—all wrapped up in a dish that’s easy to make and even easier to love.
This recipe takes inspiration from the popular Bang Bang Shrimp but swaps in tender, flaky salmon for a richer and more satisfying bite. The salmon is coated in a light, crispy breading, then tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce that delivers just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re serving these as an appetizer, a main dish, or even in a taco, these little bites are bound to become a favorite.
If you love quick, flavor-packed recipes that feel a little indulgent but still wholesome, this one’s for you. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection – A light and crunchy coating keeps the salmon bites perfectly crisp on the outside while staying tender and juicy inside.
- Bang Bang Sauce Magic – The creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce is what makes this dish stand out. It’s addictively good!
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, this is a great recipe for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
- Versatile – Serve these salmon bites as a snack, appetizer, or over rice or salad for a full meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Cooking oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
For Garnish:
- Green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Start by cutting your salmon fillet into evenly sized bite-sized pieces. Keeping them uniform ensures they cook at the same rate, so you won’t end up with some overcooked and others undercooked. Pat them dry with a paper towel—this will help the breading stick better.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
In three separate bowls, prepare your coating layers:
- Bowl 1: Mix cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Bowl 2: Whisk the egg and buttermilk together.
- Bowl 3: Combine panko breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour.
This triple-layer breading system gives you the crispiest coating with a nice balance of crunch and flavor.
Step 3: Coat the Salmon
Dip each salmon bite into the seasoned cornstarch mixture, shaking off the excess. Then, coat it in the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully covered. Finally, press it into the panko-flour mix, making sure every piece is well coated. This layering method helps create the perfect crispy crust.
Step 4: Fry the Salmon
Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop in a small piece of bread—if it sizzles and turns golden in about 15 seconds, you’re good to go. Carefully add the salmon bites in small batches, frying for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon bites are cooling slightly, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, sriracha, and lime juice in a bowl. Taste and adjust the heat level by adding more sriracha if you like it spicier.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Gently toss the crispy salmon bites in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated. Alternatively, you can drizzle the sauce over the salmon if you prefer to keep them extra crispy. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy. These salmon bites pair well with a side of steamed rice, a fresh salad, or even wrapped in lettuce cups for a lighter option.
Helpful Tips
- Pat the salmon dry – Excess moisture can prevent the breading from sticking properly.
- Use panko for extra crispiness – Regular breadcrumbs won’t give you the same light, crunchy texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry the salmon in batches to keep the oil temperature steady and ensure even crisping.
- Make it spicier – If you love heat, add extra sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Bake instead of fry – If you prefer a lighter version, bake the salmon bites at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Notes
- The Bang Bang sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko and flour.
- If you want to meal prep, store the salmon bites separately from the sauce and toss them together just before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
(Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator and pat it dry before cutting and breading.
Can I air-fry the salmon bites?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the salmon bites for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
How do I keep them crispy?
If you’re making a big batch, place the cooked salmon bites on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a warm oven (200°F) to keep them crispy while you finish frying the rest.
Can I use a different fish?
Yes! This recipe works great with firm white fish like cod or halibut.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy.
- Freeze: These are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze them before adding the sauce. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for about 10 minutes.
Related Recipes
If you loved these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites, here are a few other crispy, flavor-packed dishes to try:
- Honey Butter Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites
- Spicy Honey-Glazed Salmon Salad
- Crispy and Flavorful Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- Bang Bang Salmon Bites: A Bite-Sized Explosion of Flavor
Conclusion
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are everything you want in a snack or appetizer—crunchy, flavorful, and irresistibly saucy. They come together in no time and are guaranteed to impress anyone who tries them. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, a weeknight dinner, or meal-prep lunch, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
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Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Description
There’s something irresistible about crispy, bite-sized seafood, especially when it’s coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a perfect combination of crunch, heat, and creaminess—all wrapped up in a dish that’s easy to make and even easier to love.
This recipe takes inspiration from the popular Bang Bang Shrimp but swaps in tender, flaky salmon for a richer and more satisfying bite. The salmon is coated in a light, crispy breading, then tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce that delivers just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re serving these as an appetizer, a main dish, or even in a taco, these little bites are bound to become a favorite.
If you love quick, flavor-packed recipes that feel a little indulgent but still wholesome, this one’s for you. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Cooking oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
For Garnish:
- Green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Start by cutting your salmon fillet into evenly sized bite-sized pieces. Keeping them uniform ensures they cook at the same rate, so you won’t end up with some overcooked and others undercooked. Pat them dry with a paper towel—this will help the breading stick better.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
In three separate bowls, prepare your coating layers:
- Bowl 1: Mix cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Bowl 2: Whisk the egg and buttermilk together.
- Bowl 3: Combine panko breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour.
This triple-layer breading system gives you the crispiest coating with a nice balance of crunch and flavor.
Step 3: Coat the Salmon
Dip each salmon bite into the seasoned cornstarch mixture, shaking off the excess. Then, coat it in the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully covered. Finally, press it into the panko-flour mix, making sure every piece is well coated. This layering method helps create the perfect crispy crust.
Step 4: Fry the Salmon
Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop in a small piece of bread—if it sizzles and turns golden in about 15 seconds, you’re good to go. Carefully add the salmon bites in small batches, frying for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon bites are cooling slightly, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, sriracha, and lime juice in a bowl. Taste and adjust the heat level by adding more sriracha if you like it spicier.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Gently toss the crispy salmon bites in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated. Alternatively, you can drizzle the sauce over the salmon if you prefer to keep them extra crispy. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy. These salmon bites pair well with a side of steamed rice, a fresh salad, or even wrapped in lettuce cups for a lighter option.
Notes
- The Bang Bang sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko and flour.
- If you want to meal prep, store the salmon bites separately from the sauce and toss them together just before serving.