Bang Bang Salmon Bites are an absolute delight for anyone looking to combine flavor and convenience into a single, mouthwatering dish. I’ve had many busy weeknights where a quick meal doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. These bite-sized salmon pieces, coated in crispy panko and drizzled with a creamy bang bang sauce, bring together a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor that makes dinner both fun and fulfilling. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this recipe keeps it simple while delivering restaurant-quality taste right in your kitchen.

What Makes This Recipe Special

The charm of Bang Bang Salmon Bites lies in their versatility and ease of preparation. They are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends. The combination of succulent salmon with a spicy, tangy sauce will appeal to both adults and kids, making this dish a fantastic family-friendly option. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more fish into your diet — packed with protein and Omega-3 fatty acids.

“These bites were a hit at our dinner party! Everyone loved the crunch and the bang bang sauce!”

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Before diving into the cooking process, here’s a quick overview of what to expect: You’ll start by seasoning the fresh salmon, coat it in panko breadcrumbs for that satisfying crunch, and then bake or air-fry until golden and crispy. While the salmon is cooking, whip up a creamy bang bang sauce to elevate the flavor even further. Finally, you’ll assemble your dish with rice and vibrant veggies, making it as appealing visually as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, it’s essential to gather all of your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb fresh salmon (skinless, 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 cooking spray
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust based on your spice preference)
1 tsp honey (optional for sweetness)
Juice of ½ lime
2 cups cooked jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option
1 cup shredded purple cabbage
1 avocado (sliced)
½ cup shredded carrots
2 green onions (sliced)
Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish

Feel free to swap jasmine rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbs, or adjust the sauce’s heat level to cater to your family’s tastes.

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat your oven or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Season the salmon by tossing it in a bowl with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Coat the salmon cubes in panko breadcrumbs. If desired, lightly spray with olive oil for extra crispiness.
Place the coated salmon on a baking sheet (or in the air fryer basket) and bake for about 12–15 minutes or air-fry for about 8-10 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
While the salmon cooks, make the bang bang sauce by mixing mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl.
To serve, place a bed of rice or cauliflower rice in bowls. Top with salmon bites, shredded cabbage, avocado, carrots, and green onions.
Drizzle with the bang bang sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds. Enjoy your creation!

Best Way to Serve

When it comes to serving Bang Bang Salmon Bites, presentation is key! Create a colorful bowl by layering all your ingredients beautifully. Serve on a big platter for a family-style meal, or make individual bowls for a fun twist. Pair it with a refreshing cucumber salad or some crispy wonton chips for added crunch. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime over the top for that extra zest!

Keeping Bang Bang Salmon Bites Fresh Longer

Storage of leftovers is straightforward to ensure you can enjoy the deliciousness another day. After the salmon has cooled, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain the crispiness. If you’d like to freeze, store the salmon bites without the sauce for up to a month; however, be mindful that the texture might change upon reheating.

Pro Chef Tips

Ensure the salmon is dry: Patting your salmon cubes dry helps the seasoning stick better and leads to a nicer crust.
Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to play with the spices! Adding some lemon zest or smoked sea salt can elevate the flavor profile.
Make-ahead bang bang sauce: The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week, making your cooking even faster on busy days.

Creative Twists

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Swap out salmon for shrimp or tofu for a delightful vegan alternative. You can also add different veggies like corn or bell peppers for a burst of flavor. For those who love it spicy, experimenting with different hot sauces in the bang bang sauce can add various levels of heat!

Your Questions Answered

What is the prep time for Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, while cooking takes approximately 15 minutes, making it a quick 30-minute meal.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s fully thawed and drained of excess moisture before seasoning.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs instead, and you’ll still get that delicious crunch!
Can I meal prep with this recipe?
Yes! Store components separately (salmon, veggies, rice) and combine before serving for the best texture.

By following these steps, tips, and variations, you can create a dish that stands out on any table while effortlessly pleasing any crowd! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Pescatarian

Description

Delicious bite-sized salmon coated in crispy panko and drizzled with a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce for a fun and fulfilling meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb fresh salmon (skinless, 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 cooking spray
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust based on your spice preference)
1 tsp honey (optional for sweetness)
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

Preheat your oven or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Season the salmon by tossing it in a bowl with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Coat the salmon cubes in panko breadcrumbs. If desired, lightly spray with olive oil for extra crispiness.
Place the coated salmon on a baking sheet (or in the air fryer basket) and bake for about 12–15 minutes or air-fry for about 8-10 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
While the salmon cooks, make the bang bang sauce by mixing mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl.
To serve, place a bed of rice or cauliflower rice in bowls. Top with salmon bites, shredded cabbage, avocado, carrots, and green onions.
Drizzle with the bang bang sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds. Enjoy your creation!

Notes

Make-ahead bang bang sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: salmon, seafood, quick meal, bang bang sauce, appetizers