Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Introduction

Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a tasty, crispy appetizer or meal option featuring tender salmon cubes coated in crunchy panko and a spicy, creamy sauce. Served over rice with fresh veggies, they deliver bold flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh salmon (skinless and cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil or spray for crisping
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to spice level)
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• Juice of ½ lime
• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice)
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• 1 avocado (sliced)
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 2 green onions (sliced)
• Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a bowl, toss the salmon cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Press each salmon piece gently into the panko breadcrumbs until well-coated. Lightly spray or brush with olive oil to help crisp.
4. Step 4: For oven baking, place the salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake for 12–14 minutes until golden and crispy. For air frying, cook in batches at 390°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness.
5. Step 5: Meanwhile, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey in a small bowl until smooth to make the Bang Bang sauce.
6. Step 6: To assemble, start with a base of cooked jasmine or cauliflower rice. Top with shredded cabbage, avocado slices, shredded carrots, and the crispy salmon bites. Drizzle generously with Bang Bang sauce and garnish with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust the sriracha in the sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal.
• Air frying gives a crispier finish with less oil, but baking works great and is easier for larger batches.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lime over the finished dish for added brightness.
• Swap the jasmine rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa for a low-carb or protein boost option.

Storage

Store leftover salmon bites and Bang Bang sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the salmon bites in an oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness, avoiding the microwave which can make them soggy. Prepare fresh rice and veggies when ready to serve again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to fully thaw and pat the salmon dry before seasoning and breading to ensure the coating sticks well.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to salmon for this dish?

You can try using crispy tofu cubes or cauliflower florets prepared the same way for a delicious vegetarian version.

Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 63 reviews

These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are crispy, flavorful salmon cubes coated in panko breadcrumbs and baked or air-fried to perfection. Paired with a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce and served over a bed of jasmine rice with fresh vegetables, this dish offers a delightful combination of textures and vibrant flavors perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes (oven) or 10 minutes (air fryer)
• Total Time: 29 minutes (oven) or 25 minutes (air fryer)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon Bites

• 1 lb fresh salmon (skinless and cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil or spray for crisping

Bang Bang Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to spice level)
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• Juice of ½ lime

Assembly

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice)
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• 1 avocado (sliced)
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 2 green onions (sliced)
• Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) to prepare for cooking the salmon bites.
2. Season the Salmon: In a bowl, toss the salmon cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper ensuring that each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mix.
3. Coat in Breadcrumbs: Press each salmon cube gently into the panko breadcrumbs so that they are well coated on all sides. Lightly spray or brush the pieces with olive oil to help achieve a crispy texture when cooking.
4. Bake or Air-Fry the Salmon: For the oven method: Arrange the coated salmon pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until golden and crispy. For the air fryer method: Cook the salmon bites in batches at 390°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the salmon is cooking, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey in a small bowl until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
6. Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, lay down a base of cooked jasmine rice. Arrange shredded cabbage, avocado slices, shredded carrots, and the crispy salmon bites on top. Generously drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the salmon and garnish with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds for a burst of freshness and crunch.

Notes

• For a low-carb option, substitute jasmine rice with cauliflower rice.
• Adjust sriracha quantity in the Bang Bang sauce depending on your preferred spice level.
• To ensure even crisping in the air fryer, do not overcrowd the basket and cook in smaller batches if necessary.
• Using fresh salmon ensures the best flavor and texture; avoid previously frozen salmon if possible.
• For a dairy-free version, use vegan mayonnaise as a substitute.

Keywords: Bang Bang Salmon, Salmon Bites, Crispy Salmon, Panko Salmon, Spicy Mayo Sauce, Asian-inspired Salmon, Quick Salmon Recipe, Air Fryer Salmon, Baked Salmon Bites