Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a delicious fusion of crispy, tender salmon chunks coated in a creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce that will make your taste buds dance. The savory flavors of salmon are paired with a punchy, sweet, and spicy sauce that’s reminiscent of the popular Bang Bang Shrimp found in many restaurants, but with a more sophisticated and heartier twist. This recipe combines crispy salmon bites, a zesty sauce, and the satisfaction of a hearty meal. It’s perfect as an appetizer, snack, or a main dish served with rice or a salad.

With easy-to-follow steps and useful tips, this recipe can be easily customized to suit your preferences, whether you like your dish extra spicy or on the milder side. You’ll also learn how to make the crispy coating, which makes these salmon bites truly irresistible.

Let’s dive in and break down the details for creating these mouthwatering bites!

Instructions

1. Preparing the Salmon Bites

1.1 Start by preparing the fresh salmon fillet. Cut the fillet into bite-sized pieces, aiming for roughly 1-inch cubes. Remove any bones, and check for pin bones by gently running your fingers along the fillet.

1.2 Pat the salmon pieces dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step to ensure that the coating sticks properly and the salmon gets crispy when fried. Removing excess moisture will help achieve that golden, crispy texture.

1.3 If desired, you can marinate the salmon pieces for 15-30 minutes to infuse additional flavor. For a simple marinade, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This step is optional but helps add more depth to the flavor.

2. Preparing the Crispy Coating for the Salmon Bites

2.1 In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of the spices.

2.2 In another shallow dish, beat the eggs and mix in the buttermilk, if using. Buttermilk adds richness and a slight tang that enhances the flavor of the batter. The eggs will help bind the dry ingredients to the salmon pieces.

2.3 In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs. These breadcrumbs are crucial for the crispy, crunchy exterior of the salmon. The panko provides an extra layer of crunch that regular breadcrumbs would not be able to achieve.

3. Coating the Salmon Bites

3.1 Dip each salmon piece into the flour-cornstarch mixture, ensuring it is fully coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.

3.2 Next, dip the flour-coated salmon piece into the egg mixture, letting any excess liquid drip off.

3.3 Finally, roll the salmon piece in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs adhere well. You want an even coating for maximum crunch.

3.4 Repeat this process with all the salmon pieces. Arrange the coated salmon bites on a plate, ready for frying.

4. Frying the Salmon Bites

4.1 Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. The oil should be hot but not smoking. Test the temperature by dropping a small piece of panko into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready for frying.

4.2 Add the salmon bites to the skillet in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry the pieces for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Turn them carefully with tongs or a spatula to avoid breaking the salmon.

4.3 Once the salmon bites are golden and crispy, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This step is important to prevent the salmon from becoming greasy.

4.4 Continue frying the remaining batches until all the salmon bites are cooked.

5. Preparing the Bang Bang Sauce

5.1 While the salmon is frying, you can prepare the Bang Bang Sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic powder, and lemon juice.

5.2 Stir everything together until smooth and well-combined. The sauce should have a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Add more sriracha for extra heat or more sweet chili sauce for sweetness.

5.3 If the sauce is too thick, add a tiny bit of water or lemon juice to reach your desired consistency.

6. Tossing the Salmon Bites in the Bang Bang Sauce

6.1 Once the salmon bites are fried and the sauce is ready, it’s time to toss them together. Place the crispy salmon bites in a large mixing bowl.

6.2 Pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the salmon bites. Gently toss the salmon pieces with a spatula or spoon, ensuring they are evenly coated with the sauce. Be careful not to break the salmon bites while tossing.

6.3 If desired, you can drizzle extra sauce over the top or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

7. Garnishing and Serving

7.1 Transfer the coated Bang Bang Salmon Bites to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

7.2 For added flavor, squeeze fresh lime juice over the salmon bites before serving. The citrusy tang will brighten up the richness of the sauce and add an extra layer of flavor.

7.3 Serve immediately with a side of rice, salad, or vegetable stir-fry for a complete meal. Alternatively, these bites make a fantastic appetizer or party food that’s sure to impress your guests.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Bang Bang Salmon Bites

1. Choosing the Right Salmon:

   • Fresh, high-quality salmon is key to making the best crispy bites. Opt for a wild-caught salmon fillet, which typically has a richer flavor than farmed salmon. Always remove the skin to avoid it becoming tough when fried.

2. Ensure the Oil is Hot:

   • To achieve a perfectly crispy texture, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying the salmon. If the oil is not hot enough, the salmon will absorb excess oil and become greasy. If the oil is too hot, the coating will burn before the salmon cooks through.

3. Double Coat for Extra Crispiness:

   • For an even crispier result, you can double coat the salmon bites. After the first coating, dip them back into the egg mixture and then coat them in the panko breadcrumbs again. This will result in an even thicker and crispier crust.

4. Use a Deep Fryer:

   • If you have a deep fryer, it can make the frying process easier and more consistent. Deep frying the salmon bites ensures even cooking and a crisp, golden crust.

5. Make Ahead and Reheat:

   • You can prepare the salmon bites ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying. When ready to serve, simply reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.

6. Controlling the Heat:

   • Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of sriracha and sweet chili sauce. If you prefer a milder sauce, start with a smaller amount of sriracha and add more as you taste.

Variations

1. Bang Bang Salmon Bites with a Mango Twist

• Add a tropical flair to your Bang Bang Salmon Bites by incorporating diced mango into the sauce. The sweet fruit will complement the spiciness and create a delightful balance of flavors.

2. Gluten-Free Bang Bang Salmon Bites

• To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives, such as rice flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. These substitutions still yield crispy and delicious bites.

3. Baked Bang Bang Salmon Bites

• If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can bake the salmon bites instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), and bake the salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 12-15 minutes or until golden and crispy. Lightly spray the bites with cooking spray before baking to help them crisp up.

4. Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Avocado Sauce

• For a creamier, richer alternative, serve the crispy salmon bites with a cool avocado-based sauce. Blend avocado with lime juice, garlic, and a bit of Greek yogurt to create a creamy dip that pairs beautifully with the spicy salmon.

Conclusion

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a perfect blend of crispy, flavorful salmon with a creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce that will quickly become a family favorite. With the right balance of crispy texture and saucy richness, this dish can be served in various ways, from a delicious appetizer to a filling meal.

By following these detailed steps and tips, you’ll be able to recreate this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen, impressing friends and family alike. Whether you love spice or prefer a milder version, this recipe can easily be tailored to suit your preferences. Enjoy the irresistible crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites that are sure to be a hit at your next meal!

Yield: 4

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Print

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a delicious fusion of crispy, tender salmon chunks coated in a creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce that will make your taste buds dance. The savory flavors of salmon are paired with a punchy, sweet, and spicy sauce that’s reminiscent of the popular Bang Bang Shrimp found in many restaurants, but with a more sophisticated and heartier twist. This recipe combines crispy salmon bites, a zesty sauce, and the satisfaction of a hearty meal. It's perfect as an appetizer, snack, or a main dish served with rice or a salad.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Salmon Bites:
• 1 lb salmon fillets (skin removed, cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
• For the Bang Bang Sauce:
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice level)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon honey (optional, for sweetness balance)
• Garnishes:
• Chopped green onions (optional)
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Bites

1. Prepare the salmon: Cut the salmon fillets into bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch pieces). Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help them crisp up when frying.
2. Coat the salmon: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cornstarch.
3. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash.
4. Coat the salmon cubes: Dip each piece of salmon first into the egg wash, then dredge it into the flour mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly. Repeat for all the pieces.

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey (if using). Adjust the sriracha to your preferred spice level.

Step 3: Fry the Salmon Bites

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the salmon pieces to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
3. Fry the salmon bites for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4: Toss with Sauce and Serve

1. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the crispy salmon bites with the Bang Bang sauce, making sure all pieces are well-coated.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges if desired.

Notes

• Alternative cooking method: If you want to avoid frying, you can bake the salmon bites in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 12-15 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through.
• For even crispier bites, you can use panko breadcrumbs in place of the flour or add them to the flour mixture.
• Adjust the heat of the Bang Bang sauce by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha based on your spice preference.