Why Make This Recipe
Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a delicious and healthy dish that combines crispy salmon with a flavorful sauce. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. This recipe is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, thanks to the fresh salmon and colorful veggies. You can serve it in bowls with rice or on their own as a snack.
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 according to its instructions.
- Season the Salmon: In a bowl, mix the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the salmon cubes in this mixture until they are well coated.
- Coat in Breadcrumbs: Place the panko breadcrumbs on a plate. Roll each piece of seasoned salmon in the breadcrumbs until thoroughly covered.
- Bake or Air-Fry: Place the salmon bites on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. If baking, lightly spray with olive oil. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or air fry for about 8-10 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice until smooth.
- Assemble the Bowls: In a bowl, layer jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice), shredded purple cabbage, sliced avocado, shredded carrots, and green onions. Top with the crispy salmon bites and drizzle with Bang Bang sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds.
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Bang Bang Salmon Bites are great served in bowls over rice, allowing the flavors to blend. You can also enjoy them on their own as a snack or appetizer. Drizzle extra sauce on top for added flavor. They make an excellent meal prep option too!
How to Store Bang Bang Salmon Bites
If you have leftovers, let the salmon bites cool down completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. The Bang Bang sauce can also be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week.
Tips to Make Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Make sure to cut the salmon into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Adjust the level of sriracha in the sauce based on your spice preference.
- For a healthier option, you can use cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite veggies. Try bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for extra crunch. If you want a different protein, chicken or shrimp can also be substituted for the salmon.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning.
Can I make the Bang Bang sauce in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and ensure that your sauces are also gluten-free.
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 the Bowls
- 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
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer according to its instructions.
- In a bowl, mix the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the salmon cubes in this mixture until they are well coated.
- Place the panko breadcrumbs on a plate. Roll each piece of seasoned salmon in the breadcrumbs until thoroughly covered.
Cooking
- Place the salmon bites on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. If baking, lightly spray with olive oil.
- Bake for about 12-15 minutes or air fry for about 8-10 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Making the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice until smooth.
Assembly
- In a bowl, layer jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice), shredded purple cabbage, sliced avocado, shredded carrots, and green onions.
- Top with the crispy salmon bites and drizzle with Bang Bang sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds.