Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that brings together crispy salmon, a spicy-sweet bang bang sauce, and fresh, vibrant vegetables, then this Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowl is exactly what you need! It’s a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend lunch. In this recipe, crispy salmon bites are coated in panko breadcrumbs and tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, served over a bed of rice with fresh toppings that make this meal satisfying and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Flavorful: The salmon bites are coated in panko for a crunchy texture, and the bang bang sauce adds a bold, creamy kick with just the right amount of heat.
• Healthy and Balanced: With protein-rich salmon, fresh vegetables, and a base of rice, this bowl offers a nutritious balance of healthy fats, lean protein, and fiber.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level, toppings, and base to suit your preferences or what you have on hand in the kitchen.
• Quick and Easy: Despite its complex flavors, this dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Bites

1. Cut and Season the Salmon: Begin by cutting your salmon fillets into bite-sized cubes, roughly 1-inch in size. Season them with salt, pepper, and paprika for added flavor.
2. Bread the Salmon: Set up a breading station with three bowls—one with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with panko breadcrumbs. First, coat each salmon piece in the flour, then dip it into the egg, and finally press it into the panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Make sure each piece is well-coated for maximum crispiness.
3. Fry or Air Fry the Salmon:
   • Pan-Fry Method: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded salmon bites in a single layer. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
   • Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the breaded salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the salmon bites are cooking, prepare the bang bang sauce.

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness as needed. If you like it spicier, add more sriracha; if you prefer it sweeter, add a touch more honey.
2. Set Aside: Once combined, set the sauce aside to drizzle over the crispy salmon bites later.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice Base

1. Cook the Rice: If you haven’t done so already, cook your rice according to the package instructions. You can use any type of rice you prefer, including jasmine, basmati, or brown rice. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works wonderfully as well.
2. Flavor the Rice (Optional): For added flavor, mix in a tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari and a teaspoon of sesame oil into the cooked rice.
3. Keep Warm: Set the rice aside, keeping it warm until you’re ready to assemble the bowls.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble your Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls.

1. Start with the Rice: Begin by dividing the cooked rice between serving bowls. Create a nice base layer for your toppings.
2. Add the Salmon: Place a generous portion of the crispy salmon bites on top of the rice in each bowl.
3. Drizzle with Bang Bang Sauce: Generously drizzle the bang bang sauce over the salmon bites, ensuring each piece is coated with that creamy, spicy goodness.
4. Add the Toppings: Now, it’s time to load up the bowl with fresh toppings. Add diced avocado, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and radish slices around the salmon. Sprinkle with chopped green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Your Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls are ready to enjoy! Serve them immediately while the salmon is still crispy, and the toppings are fresh and vibrant. You can add more bang bang sauce on the side for dipping, or a squeeze of lime for added brightness.

Tips for the Perfect Crispy Salmon Bites

1. Use Fresh Salmon: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, skinless salmon fillets. If you’re using frozen salmon, be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before breading to avoid excess moisture.
2. Get the Panko Extra Crispy: For extra crispy salmon bites, you can toast the panko breadcrumbs lightly in a dry skillet before breading the salmon. This step adds an additional layer of crunch.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan or Air Fryer: When frying the salmon bites, make sure not to overcrowd the pan or air fryer. This allows the salmon to cook evenly and crisp up properly.
4. Adjust the Spice Level: The bang bang sauce is easily customizable. If you love heat, feel free to add extra sriracha or even a dash of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the sriracha and add more honey for sweetness.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Options: If salmon isn’t your favorite, you can easily swap it out for shrimp, chicken, or tofu. Simply follow the same breading and frying instructions.
• Low-Carb Version: For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice, and skip the panko breadcrumbs or use crushed pork rinds as a low-carb breading alternative.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the salmon with tofu or crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian version of this dish. Coat the tofu or chickpeas in the same panko mixture and fry or air fry until crispy.

Health Benefits of Salmon

Salmon is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that are great for your health. Here are some reasons why incorporating salmon into your diet is a smart choice:

• Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation in the body.
• High in Protein: A single serving of salmon provides a good amount of high-quality protein, which is important for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function.
• Loaded with Vitamins and Minerals: Salmon is a great source of vitamins like B12, D, and minerals such as selenium, all of which play a role in maintaining a healthy immune system and bone strength.

Serving Suggestions

These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls can be enjoyed as a complete meal, but here are some additional serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

• Pair with a Light Salad: A simple side salad with greens, lemon vinaigrette, and a sprinkle of feta cheese would complement the richness of the salmon and bang bang sauce.
• Serve with a Fresh Beverage: A refreshing iced green tea, lemonade, or a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc would be the perfect beverage pairing for this dish.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salmon bites and toppings separately from the rice and sauce to maintain their texture and freshness.

• Refrigeration: Store the crispy salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The rice and toppings can be stored in separate containers for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat the salmon bites, use an air fryer or toaster oven to keep them crispy. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the salmon soggy.

Yield: 4

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls Recipe

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If you’re looking for a meal that brings together crispy salmon, a spicy-sweet bang bang sauce, and fresh, vibrant vegetables, then this Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowl is exactly what you need! It's a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend lunch. In this recipe, crispy salmon bites are coated in panko breadcrumbs and tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, served over a bed of rice with fresh toppings that make this meal satisfying and delicious.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Salmon Bites:
• 1 lb (450g) salmon fillets, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (or flour)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or cooking spray for a lighter option)
• For the Bang Bang Sauce:
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste for spiciness)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp lime juice
• For the Bowl:
• 2 cups cooked rice (brown or white)
• 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro or sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep the Salmon Bites:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
• In a shallow bowl, mix the cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Toss the salmon cubes in the cornstarch mixture until evenly coated.

2. Cook the Salmon:

• If using an oven, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drizzle the olive oil over the coated salmon cubes or use cooking spray for a lighter version. Spread the salmon bites in a single layer on the baking sheet.
• Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the salmon bites are crispy and golden. (In the air fryer, cook for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.)

3. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:

• While the salmon cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl. Adjust spice and sweetness to your liking.

4. Assemble the Bowls:

• Divide the cooked rice between four bowls. Top with cucumber slices, shredded carrots, and avocado slices.
• Once the salmon bites are ready, drizzle them generously with the bang bang sauce and place them in the bowls.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish the bowls with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor. Serve with extra bang bang sauce on the side.

Notes

Air Fryer Option: If using an air fryer, the salmon bites will cook faster and get crispier with less oil. Make sure to check for doneness around the 10-minute mark.

Sauce Customization: You can increase the amount of sriracha for more heat or add extra honey for a sweeter sauce.

Storage: Leftover salmon bites and rice can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to maintain crispness.