If you love bold flavors and crispy textures, these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are about to become your new favorite dish. Juicy salmon chunks coated in a golden, crunchy crust and tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce—what’s not to love? Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a main dish, or a game-day snack, these salmon bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through every step to achieve perfectly crispy salmon with just the right amount of spice. You’ll also learn how to make the famous Bang Bang sauce and discover tips to keep your bites crunchy even after adding the sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you need for these delicious Bang Bang Salmon Bites.

For the Crispy Salmon Bites:

• 1 lb fresh salmon fillet (skin removed, cut into bite-sized cubes)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for an extra crunch)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for balance)
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

Optional Garnishes & Sides:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping
• Steamed rice or salad for serving

Preparing the Salmon for Cooking

1. Choose Fresh, High-Quality Salmon

Fresh salmon is key to this recipe. Look for bright orange or pink fillets with a firm texture. Avoid fish that has a strong odor, as this can indicate it’s not fresh.

2.Cut Into Bite-Sized Pieces

Using a sharp knife, cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes. This size ensures quick and even cooking while maintaining a juicy center.

3. Season the Salmon for Maximum Flavor

Pat the salmon pieces dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Then, season them with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This step ensures that the salmon has flavor inside and out.

4. How to Remove Any Fishy Taste

If you’re sensitive to the natural fishy taste of salmon, soak the cubes in a mix of milk and lemon juice for about 10-15 minutes before cooking. This helps neutralize any strong flavors while keeping the fish tender.

Creating the Crispy Coating

The crispy coating is what makes these salmon bites irresistible. Let’s break it down step by step.

1. Prepare the Breading Station

Set up three bowls:

1. Bowl 1: Mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Bowl 2: Beat two eggs until smooth.
3. Bowl 3: Add panko breadcrumbs for the final crunchy layer.

2. Coat the Salmon for Extra Crispiness

• Dip each salmon cube into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
• Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off.
• Finally, roll it in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks well.

3. Let the Coated Salmon Rest

Place the coated salmon pieces on a wire rack and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before frying. This allows the breading to stick more effectively and prevents it from coming off while cooking.

Frying vs. Baking – What’s the Best Method?

Now that your salmon bites are ready, it’s time to cook them. You have three options: deep frying, air frying, or baking.

1. Deep Frying for Maximum Crunch

• Heat approximately 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan until it reaches 350°F (175°C)
• Fry the salmon bites in batches for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway until golden brown.
• Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

✅ Pros: Ultra-crispy, restaurant-style results.
❌ Cons: Uses more oil and requires extra cleanup.

2. Air Frying for a Healthier Option

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Spray the basket with cooking spray and arrange the salmon bites in a single layer.
• Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway for even cooking.

✅ Pros: Healthier with less oil, still crispy.
❌ Cons: May not be as crunchy as deep frying.

3. Baking for a No-Fuss Alternative

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Arrange the salmon bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Lightly spray with oil and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

✅ Pros: Hands-free, no oil splatter.
❌ Cons: Less crispy than frying.

Making the Signature Bang Bang Sauce

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show—the creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet Bang Bang sauce.

1. Mix the Ingredients Together

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Mayonnaise for creaminess
• Sweet chili sauce for a hint of sweetness
• Sriracha for heat (adjust based on your spice preference)
• Honey (optional) for balance
• Lime juice for freshness

2. Adjust for Taste

• Want it spicier? Add more sriracha.
• Prefer it tangier? Add more lime juice.
• Like it sweeter? Add a touch more honey.

Coating the Salmon Bites in Bang Bang Sauce

Now that your salmon bites are crispy and your sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together.

1. Toss Gently for Even Coating

Place the crispy salmon bites in a large bowl and drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over them. Gently toss to coat, ensuring every piece is covered without making them soggy.

2. Serve Immediately

For the best texture, serve these bites right away. The longer they sit, the softer the coating becomes.

Serving Suggestions for the Best Experience

Perfect Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice
• Fresh salad with a light vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables or stir-fried greens

Extra Dipping Sauces

• Extra Bang Bang sauce
• Spicy mayo
• Garlic aioli

Conclusion

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the perfect blend of crunchy, spicy, and creamy. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer, they’ll be a guaranteed hit. Try this recipe today and enjoy every bite of this mouthwatering dish!

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe using frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat it dry before cutting and coating.

2. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free panko and replace flour with a gluten-free alternative.

3. Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Keep it refrigerated for up to 5 days.

4. How do I keep the salmon bites crispy longer?
Serve immediately and avoid covering them while they cool.

5. Can I use another fish?
Yes! Cod, tilapia, or shrimp work great as substitutes.

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