Why Make This Recipe
Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a fun and tasty dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a meal. They are simple to prepare, and the combination of flavors makes them a hit with everyone. The crispy bites of salmon paired with the creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce create a delicious contrast that’s hard to resist. Plus, they’re loaded with good ingredients, making them a healthier choice compared to traditional fried foods.
How to Make 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
Directions
Preheat Oven or Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Season the Salmon:
In a bowl, add the salmon cubes. Sprinkle the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the salmon. Gently toss to coat the pieces evenly.
Coat in Breadcrumbs:
Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Take each salmon cube and coat it in the breadcrumbs. Make sure they are well-covered for a crispy texture.
Bake or Air-Fry:
If using an oven, place the salmon bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy. If using an air fryer, arrange them in a single layer and cook for about 10 minutes, turning halfway through.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Stir until combined.
Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the jasmine rice or cauliflower rice into bowls. Top with fresh, crispy salmon bites. Add shredded purple cabbage, avocado slices, shredded carrots, and green onions. Drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce. Garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds.
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Serve the Bang Bang Salmon Bites warm over rice or cauliflower rice, topped with the Bang Bang sauce and fresh veggies. This dish is perfect for casual family dinners or gatherings with friends.
How to Store Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness.
Tips to Make Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- For extra flavor, let the seasoned salmon marinate for 15-30 minutes before breading.
- You can adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to make it more or less spicy according to your preference.
- To keep the salmon bites crispy, avoid overcrowding them in the air fryer or on the baking sheet.
Variation
You can swap the salmon for shrimp or chicken if you prefer. The cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them while they cook.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before seasoning and cooking.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and check the mayonnaise.
3. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the Bang Bang sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites
- 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
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha Adjust to spice level
- 1 tsp honey Optional
- Juice of ½ lime
For Serving
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice or cauliflower rice
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 ea avocado (sliced)
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 2 ea green onions (sliced)
- to taste fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, add the salmon cubes and sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gently toss to coat evenly.
- Place panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish and coat each salmon cube in them, ensuring they are well-covered.
Cooking
- If using an oven, place salmon bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
- If using an air fryer, arrange the salmon bites in a single layer and cook for about 10 minutes, turning halfway through.
Making the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until combined.
Assembling the Bowls
- Divide cooked jasmine rice or cauliflower rice into bowls. Top with crispy salmon bites and add shredded purple cabbage, avocado slices, shredded carrots, and green onions.
- Drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce and garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds.