Bang Bang Salmon Bites are small, crispy pieces of salmon tossed in a sweet-spicy sauce. They go great over rice or in a bowl with veggies. This recipe is fast and full of bright flavors.
Why make this recipe
You get a crunchy outside and soft salmon inside. It cooks fast and feels a little fancy but is simple to make. If you like bowls with bold sauce, try a similar option like Bang Bang Chicken Bowl for another idea.
How to prepare Bang Bang Salmon Bites
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
Steps:
Preheat Oven or Air Fryer:
- Oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C).
- Air fryer: Preheat to 400°F (200°C).
Season the Salmon:
- Pat salmon cubes dry.
- Mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Toss salmon with the spice mix so pieces are lightly coated.
Coat in Breadcrumbs:
- Place panko in a bowl.
- Lightly drizzle olive oil over panko or spray to help browning.
- Press each salmon cube into panko to coat all sides.
Bake or Air-Fry:
- Oven: Place coated salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake 10–12 minutes until crisp and cooked through.
- Air fryer: Arrange bites in one layer and cook 8–10 minutes, shaking half way, until golden and cooked.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice.
- Taste and add more sriracha if you want it spicier.
Assemble the Bowls:
- Place cooked rice in bowls.
- Add shredded cabbage, sliced avocado, shredded carrots, and green onions.
- Top with warm salmon bites.
- Drizzle bang bang sauce over the salmon.
- Garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds.
How to serve Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Serve warm over jasmine rice or cauliflower rice. Add extra sauce on the side. Serve with lime wedges for a bright finish.
How to store Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Store salmon bites and sauce separately in airtight containers.
- In the fridge: up to 2 days for best texture.
- Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to keep crisp. Do not microwave if you want them crunchy.
Tips to make Bang Bang Salmon Bites perfectly
- Dry the salmon well so the panko sticks and gets crisp.
- Don’t crowd the pan or air fryer. Cook in a single layer for even browning.
- Use fresh panko or toast it a little with oil for extra crunch.
- Adjust sriracha to match your heat level.
- Add lime juice at the end for fresh bright flavor.
Variations (if possible)
- Use chicken or tofu instead of salmon for a different texture.
- Make the sauce lighter with Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
- Add pickled cucumbers or jalapeños to the bowl for more tang.
- Swap jasmine rice for brown rice, quinoa, or noodles.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes. Thaw fully and pat dry before cutting and coating.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Keep it in the fridge up to 3 days. Stir before using.
Q: How do I know the salmon is cooked?
A: Salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach 145°F (63°C) inside. Cook time will vary by cube size.
Q: Can I bake the salmon longer to make it crispier?
A: You can add 2–3 extra minutes, but watch so it does not dry out.
Q: Is panko required?
A: Panko gives the best crunch, but crushed crackers or regular breadcrumbs can work.