Oh my gosh, you have to try these bang bang salmon bites! I first discovered them at this tiny seafood joint by the pier last summer – one bite and I was completely hooked. The crispy exterior that gives way to tender, flaky salmon? Amazing. But what really got me was that creamy, spicy-sweet sauce drizzled all over. I must’ve begged the chef for hints three times before I finally nailed my own version at home. Now it’s my go-to when I want something impressive but secretly easy. Trust me, once you taste these golden little nuggets of joy, you’ll be making them on repeat too!
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
Let me count the ways these salmon bites will steal your heart! First off, they’re ridiculously fast – ready in under 20 minutes from fridge to plate. That crispy cornstarch coating? It shatters beautifully with every bite, revealing the most tender, flaky salmon inside. And oh, that sauce! Creamy mayo meets sweet chili and just enough sriracha to make your taste buds dance.
Here’s what makes them special:
- Weeknight easy but fancy enough for guests
- Perfect crispy-to-soft texture contrast
- Sauce that balances sweet, creamy and spicy
- Kids love ’em (just go lighter on the sriracha)
Honestly, I’ve never met anyone who didn’t immediately ask for seconds. The hardest part is not eating them straight out of the pan!
Ingredients for Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Okay, here’s the shopping list for these little flavor bombs! The magic happens with just a few simple ingredients – I bet you’ve got half of them in your pantry already. But trust me, there are a few key details that make all the difference:
- 1 lb salmon fillet – skin removed, cut into perfect 1-inch cubes (fresh is best, but see my FAQ for frozen tips)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch – this is your crispy secret weapon
- 2 eggs – beaten like you’re making scrambled eggs
- 1/2 tsp salt – kosher salt if you’ve got it
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly ground if possible
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise – the good stuff, not the low-fat version
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce – Mae Ploy brand is my ride-or-die
- 1 tbsp sriracha – or more if you’re feeling brave!
- 1 tsp honey – just a kiss of sweetness to balance the heat
- Green onions & sesame seeds – optional but so pretty for garnish
- 2 tbsp oil – for frying (avocado or vegetable oil works great)
See? Nothing crazy! Just quality ingredients prepped right – those 1-inch salmon cubes are crucial for even cooking. Now let’s get cookin’!
Equipment Needed for Bang Bang Salmon Bites
You won’t need any fancy gadgets for these salmon bites – just a few basic kitchen tools you probably already have! Here’s what I always grab:
- Non-stick skillet – my trusty 10-inch pan works perfectly
- 2 mixing bowls – one for eggs, one for cornstarch
- Tongs – for flipping those golden bites safely
- Paper towels – crucial for draining excess oil
- Small whisk – makes blending the sauce a breeze
That’s it! Simple tools for seriously delicious results.
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Alright, let’s get down to business! Making these salmon bites is easier than you think, but I’ve got some tricks to ensure they come out perfect every time. Follow these steps and you’ll be crunching into crispy, saucy goodness before you know it!
Preparing the Salmon
First things first – dry those salmon cubes like your life depends on it! I press them gently between paper towels until they feel barely damp. This is the secret to getting that ultra-crispy crust. Then, sprinkle them evenly with salt and pepper – don’t skip this step, even though we’re adding sauce later. The seasoning makes all the difference!
Now for the fun part – the double-dip coating! First, roll each cube in cornstarch (I like to toss a few at a time in a bowl). Shake off the excess, then dunk them in the beaten eggs. Back into the cornstarch they go for a second coat – this double layer creates that incredible crunch we’re after. Lay them on a plate as you go – you’ll see how the coating starts looking beautifully textured.
Frying the Salmon Bites
Heat your oil over medium-high until it shimmers – about 350°F if you’re using a thermometer. No thermometer? No problem! Just flick a bit of cornstarch in – if it sizzles immediately, you’re golden (pun intended). Carefully add the salmon cubes in a single layer – overcrowding will steam them instead of fry them.
Here’s my golden rule: 2-3 minutes per side, no peeking! Let that first side get properly golden before flipping with tongs. You’ll hear the most satisfying sizzle when they’re ready to turn. Once both sides are crispy and gorgeous, transfer them to paper towels to drain. Resist eating them straight away – I know it’s hard!
Making the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon rests, whisk together the mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha and honey in a small bowl. Taste as you go – want more heat? Add another squirt of sriracha. Too spicy? More mayo and honey to the rescue! This sauce is wonderfully forgiving.
Now comes the best part – tossing those crispy salmon bites in the sauce or drizzling it generously over the top. I usually go for a light toss so every bite gets saucy, but leave some extra for dipping because… well, why not?
Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Salmon Bites
After making these salmon bites more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks! First – always use fresh salmon if you can. That beautiful flaky texture just doesn’t come through the same with frozen. And here’s my golden rule: serve them immediately! That crispy coating starts losing its magic after about 10 minutes.
Other pro tips:
- Cut salmon cubes evenly – no rogue giant pieces!
- Keep oil at steady medium-high – too low = soggy, too high = burnt
- Make extra sauce – trust me, you’ll want it
- Garnish right before serving to keep toppings crisp
Oh, and don’t be shy with that sriracha – you can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s mixed in!
Serving Suggestions for Bang Bang Salmon Bites
These little flavor bombs are crazy versatile! My favorite way? Piled high on a bed of jasmine rice with extra sauce drizzled over – the rice soaks up all that spicy-creamy goodness perfectly. For something lighter, they’re amazing tossed into an Asian slaw or served over crisp lettuce cups.
Party trick: set them out with toothpicks and small bowls of extra bang bang sauce, sweet chili, and maybe a zesty lime crema for dipping. They disappear faster than you can say “seconds please!”
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Okay, confession time – these salmon bites are best fresh, but if you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to keep them tasty. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days max – any longer and that crispy coating loses its magic. When reheating, skip the microwave unless you want soggy sadness! Instead, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or give them a quick fry in a hot pan to bring back that crunch. The sauce? Keep it separate and add fresh when serving!
Nutritional Information for Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Here’s the scoop on what you’re eating with these delicious bites! A serving (about 1/4 of the recipe) comes in around 320 calories, packing 22g of protein from that gorgeous salmon. Now, keep in mind these numbers can vary based on your exact ingredients – like how much oil absorbs during frying or which brand of sweet chili sauce you use. The sauce adds about 6g of sugar per serving, but hey, life’s about balance, right? Just remember – these values are estimates to give you a general idea, not strict diet guidelines. Enjoy every crispy, saucy bite!
FAQ About Bang Bang Salmon Bites
I get asked about these salmon bites all the time – here are the answers to the most common questions!
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! For baked salmon bites, arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t get quite as crispy, but still delicious – just make sure to spray them lightly with oil first.
Can I use frozen salmon?
You can, but thaw it completely first! Frozen salmon tends to release more water, so pat it extra dry. The texture might be slightly less firm than fresh, but still tasty in a pinch.
How do I make it less spicy?
Easy fix! Cut the sriracha in half or leave it out entirely. The sweet chili sauce and mayo still make a killer combo. For kids, I sometimes just use mayo mixed with a touch of honey.
Can I make these ahead?
The sauce can be made 2-3 days in advance, but fry the salmon fresh if possible. If you must prep ahead, keep coated salmon cubes refrigerated separately and fry just before serving.
What’s the best salmon to use?
I prefer fresh Atlantic or sockeye salmon – they have the perfect fat content. Avoid super-lean varieties that might dry out. And always remove the skin – it gets chewy when fried this way!
25-Minute Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe That Will Blow Your Mind
- Total Time: 18 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Crispy, flavorful salmon bites with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 tbsp oil for frying
Instructions
- Pat the salmon cubes dry with a paper towel.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Dredge the salmon in cornstarch, dip in beaten eggs, then coat again with cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry the salmon bites for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Drain on a paper towel.
- Mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a bowl.
- Toss the fried salmon in the sauce or drizzle on top.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Use fresh salmon for best results.
- Adjust sriracha to control spiciness.
- Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 8 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: bang bang salmon, crispy salmon bites, spicy salmon recipe