Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bite Bowls Recipe

The Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bite Bowls offer an irresistible combination of crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors in every bite. This dish features golden, tender salmon bites coated in a delectable bang bang sauce, served atop a bed of fluffy rice, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing. It’s a wholesome and flavorful meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bursting with Flavor: Combines sweet, spicy, and creamy elements for a balanced and delicious meal.
2. Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
3. Customizable: Easily adapted with different veggies, grains, or proteins.
4. Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with omega-3s, fiber, and protein for a nutrient-rich bowl.

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

1. Cut the Salmon: Slice the salmon into bite-sized cubes and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Season the Salmon: In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss the salmon cubes in the mixture until evenly coated.

Step 2: Fry the Salmon

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep pan, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Fry the Salmon: Carefully place the coated salmon bites in the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed.
3. Drain the Salmon: Remove the salmon bites and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice.
2. Toss the Salmon: Transfer the fried salmon bites to a large bowl. Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the salmon and gently toss until evenly coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

1. Layer the Base: Divide cooked rice among serving bowls.
2. Add the Vegetables: Arrange cucumber slices, julienned carrots, shredded red cabbage, and avocado slices around the rice.
3. Top with Salmon: Place the crispy bang bang salmon bites in the center of each bowl.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Sprinkle sliced scallions and sesame seeds over the top.
2. Serve: Serve immediately with additional bang bang sauce on the side, if desired.

Tips for Success

1. Keep the Salmon Dry: Patting the salmon dry ensures the coating sticks well and fries to a crisp.
2. Even Frying: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
3. Control the Spice: Adjust the sriracha in the bang bang sauce to suit your spice tolerance.
4. Freshness is Key: Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.

Variations

1. Alternate Proteins: Substitute salmon with shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a different take on this dish.
2. Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter bowl.
3. Extra Crunch: Add crispy wonton strips or roasted chickpeas as a topping.
4. Gluten-Free: Ensure all sauces used are gluten-free and consider using gluten-free flour instead of cornstarch for the coating.

Serving Suggestions

1. Side Salad: Pair with a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette.
2. Noodles: Serve the salmon bites over soba noodles tossed in a sesame dressing.
3. Wrap It Up: Use the salmon and veggies as a filling for lettuce wraps or tortillas.

Why This Recipe Works

The Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bite Bowls combine texture and flavor to create a satisfying meal. The crispy salmon bites provide crunch, while the bang bang sauce adds a creamy, spicy-sweet kick. Fresh vegetables balance the richness of the dish, and the rice serves as a comforting base that ties everything together.

Yield: 4

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bite Bowls Recipe

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The Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bite Bowls offer an irresistible combination of crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors in every bite. This dish features golden, tender salmon bites coated in a delectable bang bang sauce, served atop a bed of fluffy rice, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing. It’s a wholesome and flavorful meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Salmon Bites:
• 1 ½ pounds salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup cornstarch or all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Bang Bang Sauce:
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• For the Bowls:
• 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• 1 cup matchstick carrots
• 1 cup cucumber slices
• 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

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1. Prepare the Salmon Bites:

1. Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon pieces dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Set Up Breading Station: Place cornstarch in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
3. Coat the Salmon: Dredge each salmon piece in cornstarch, dip it into the beaten egg, and coat it in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Fry the Salmon: Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the salmon bites in batches until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey (if using). Adjust the heat and sweetness to taste.

3. Assemble the Bowls:

1. Divide the cooked rice evenly among four bowls.
2. Arrange the cabbage, carrots, and cucumber around the rice.
3. Top with crispy salmon bites.

4. Drizzle and Garnish:

• Generously drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the salmon bites and vegetables.
• Sprinkle with chopped scallions and sesame seeds for garnish.

Notes

Air Fryer Option: Cook the breaded salmon bites in an air fryer at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Vegetable Swaps: Add avocado, edamame, or bell peppers for variety.

Spicy Kick: Add more Sriracha or a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce for extra heat.

Low-Carb Version: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce.