Imagine golden-crisp cubes of tender salmon tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce that clings to every edge. These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are bold, addictive, and ready in minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, appetizers, or game-day snacks, this dish transforms simple salmon into something seriously craveable. The sauce—made with mayo, sriracha, honey, and a splash of lime—is the magic that makes each bite sing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Crispy outside, tender inside, and loaded with flavor.
Bang Bang sauce adds the perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
Easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests.
Pairs beautifully with rice bowls, salads, or skewers.
A fun and modern take on cooking salmon.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Salmon Bites
You can’t cook up greatness without a few quality ingredients—here they are.
Fresh salmon fillet: The star of the show! Look for bright, firm fillets without any skin. Wild-caught salmon is a great choice for flavor.
Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs provide an extra crunch. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but the texture won’t be as light.
All-purpose flour: This helps the coating stick to the salmon. You can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
Large eggs: Beaten eggs act as a binding agent, ensuring the panko adheres well to the salmon.
Garlic powder: A must for flavor! It adds a savory depth without the hassle of fresh garlic.
Paprika: This spice brings a mild sweetness and vibrant color to the bites. Smoked paprika can add a nice twist.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning. Adjust to your taste preferences.
Mayonnaise: The base for the bang bang sauce, it adds creaminess. You can use Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Sweet chili sauce: This brings a sweet and tangy flavor that balances the heat. Look for a brand that suits your taste.
Sriracha: For that spicy kick! Adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance.
Lime juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the sauce and adds a zesty finish.
Chopped green onions: These are for garnish, adding a pop of color and a mild onion flavor.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing!
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these Bang Bang Salmon Bites! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish that’s sure to impress.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F. This is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the salmon bites from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is where the magic begins! In another bowl, place the flour, and in a third bowl, add the beaten eggs. These three bowls will create a flavorful crust that’s hard to resist.
Step 3: Coat the Salmon
Now, it’s time to coat the salmon. Take each piece and first dip it into the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dunk it into the beaten eggs, letting the extra drip off. Finally, roll it in the panko mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated. Place the coated salmon bites on the prepared baking sheet. This three-step process guarantees a crispy texture that you’ll love!
Step 4: Bake the Salmon Bites
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the salmon to be cooked through and the coating to turn a beautiful golden brown. This is where the magic happens, and your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon is baking, let’s whip up the bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. This sauce adds a spicy kick that perfectly complements the salmon bites. Adjust the sriracha to your taste if you like it hotter!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the salmon bites are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve them with the bang bang sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped green onions for that final touch. Enjoy every crispy, flavorful bite!
Tips for Success
Use fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t rush the coating process; ensure each piece is well-covered.
For extra crunch, consider adding crushed nuts to the panko mixture.
Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary.
Let the salmon bites cool slightly before serving to enhance their crispiness.
Equipment Needed
Baking sheet: A standard baking sheet works well. If you don’t have one, a large oven-safe dish will do.
Parchment paper: This helps prevent sticking. Aluminum foil can be a substitute, but it won’t provide the same non-stick effect.
Three shallow bowls: For coating the salmon. Any bowls will work, just ensure they’re wide enough for easy dipping.
Whisk or fork: For beating the eggs. A fork is perfectly fine if you don’t have a whisk.
Variations
Spicy Bang Bang: Add more sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick. You can also mix in some diced jalapeños for added heat.
Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or cilantro into the panko mixture for a fresh flavor twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free panko and flour to make these bites suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Air-Fried Version: For a healthier take, air-fry the salmon bites instead of baking. Adjust the cooking time based on your air fryer’s instructions.
Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute salmon with firm tofu or cauliflower florets for a plant-based version that still packs a punch!
Serving Suggestions
Fresh Salad: Pair the salmon bites with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast.
Rice or Quinoa: Serve over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up the bang bang sauce.
Cold Beverages: Enjoy with a chilled beer or a zesty lemonade to balance the spice.
Presentation: Arrange on a platter with lime wedges and extra green onions for a vibrant look.
FAQs about Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely before starting. Frozen salmon can still yield delicious Bang Bang Salmon Bites, but fresh is always best for flavor.
How can I make the bang bang sauce less spicy?
If you prefer a milder sauce, simply reduce the amount of sriracha. You can also add more mayonnaise or sweet chili sauce to balance the heat.
Can I prepare the salmon bites ahead of time?
Yes! You can coat the salmon bites and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just remember to bake them fresh for the best texture.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
These bites pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, rice, or even crispy fries. They also make a great appetizer for parties!
Are Bang Bang Salmon Bites gluten-free?
They can be! Just use gluten-free panko and flour to ensure everyone can enjoy this tasty dish without worry.
Final Thoughts
Creating Bang Bang Salmon Bites is more than just cooking; it’s about bringing joy to your table. The crispy texture and spicy sauce create a delightful experience that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re whipping them up for a casual family dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, these bites are sure to be a hit. I love how they combine simplicity with bold flavors, making them a go-to recipe in my kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the satisfaction of serving a dish that’s both delicious and fun to make!
Bang Bang Salmon Bites are crispy, flavorful bites of salmon coated in a crunchy panko crust and served with a spicy bang bang sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon lime juice
Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, place the flour. In a third bowl, add the beaten eggs.
Coat each piece of salmon first in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the panko mixture. Place the coated salmon bites on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
While the salmon is baking, prepare the bang bang sauce by mixing mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl.
Once the salmon bites are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve with the bang bang sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Notes
For extra crunch, try adding some crushed nuts to the panko mixture.
For a healthier option, you can air-fry the salmon bites instead of baking them. Adjust the cooking time based on your air fryer’s instructions.
