Easy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Bang Bang Salmon Bites combine crispy, tender salmon with a creamy, spicy sauce, resulting in an irresistible dish. These bite-sized pieces are perfect for appetizers, snacks, or a fun dinner. Inspired by the popular “Bang Bang Shrimp” served at many restaurants, this recipe offers a lighter twist by using salmon instead of shrimp. The sauce is the star of the dish – a mix of creamy mayonnaise, sriracha, and honey, providing a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors.

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Salmon

1. Choose Fresh Salmon: Select fresh, skinless, and boneless salmon fillets for the best results. Make sure the salmon is firm and has a bright color. If you’re using frozen salmon, be sure to thaw it thoroughly before starting the recipe.

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2. Cut the Salmon into Bite-Sized Pieces: Use a sharp knife to cut the salmon into small, even pieces. Aim for 1 to 1.5-inch cubes or bites. Cutting them into uniform sizes will ensure they cook evenly.

Step 2: Preparing the Breading Station

1. Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will help to create a crispy coating on the salmon bites.

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2. Egg Wash: In another bowl, beat one egg. This will be used to help the breading stick to the salmon bites.

3. Breadcrumb Coating: In a third shallow bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. These breadcrumbs are key for achieving that crispy, golden texture that makes these bites so irresistible.

Step 3: Coating the Salmon

1. Dredge the Salmon: Take each piece of salmon and dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour before dipping the salmon into the egg wash to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere properly.

2. Breadcrumb Coating: After the egg wash, roll the salmon in the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. The panko breadcrumbs will create a light, crispy outer layer that adds texture to each bite.

Step 4: Frying the Salmon Bites

1. Heat the Oil: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add vegetable oil. The oil should be enough to cover the bottom of the skillet and allow for even frying.

2. Fry the Salmon: Once the oil is hot (you can test by dropping a breadcrumb into the pan; it should sizzle), carefully add the breaded salmon bites. Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure they fry evenly and become crispy.

3. Cook Until Golden: Fry the salmon bites for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You want the salmon to be cooked through but still tender on the inside.

4. Drain the Bites: Once cooked, transfer the salmon bites to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Preparing the Bang Bang Sauce

1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust the sauce to your liking – add more sriracha for heat or more honey for sweetness.

2. Optional Adjustments: If you prefer a tangier sauce, you can add an extra teaspoon of rice vinegar. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder to enhance the flavor profile further.

3. Drizzle the Sauce: Once the salmon bites are fried and drained, drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the top of the salmon. Alternatively, you can toss the salmon bites in the sauce to ensure each piece is coated evenly. Some people prefer to keep the sauce on the side for dipping, but coating the bites gives them a more flavorful experience.

Step 6: Garnishing and Serving

1. Garnish: To elevate the presentation, sprinkle the salmon bites with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. You can also add a few sprigs of fresh cilantro and lime wedges for extra flavor.

2. Serve Immediately: Bang Bang Salmon Bites are best served fresh and hot. Serve them as an appetizer or main dish, alongside a refreshing salad or steamed rice.

Tips for the Perfect Bang Bang Salmon Bites

• Use Fresh Salmon: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh salmon. Frozen salmon can work, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cutting.
• Customize the Sauce: Adjust the sriracha and honey levels to match your heat preference. If you want a milder sauce, use less sriracha and more mayo. If you love spicy, feel free to add more sriracha!
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: When frying the salmon, avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can lead to uneven cooking and soggy breading. Fry in batches if necessary.
• Make It Crispy: Panko breadcrumbs are key to creating a light and crispy texture. Don’t skip this step, as it adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
• Air Fryer Option: If you want a healthier alternative to frying, you can make these Bang Bang Salmon Bites in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C), spray the salmon bites lightly with oil, and cook for about 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Variations and Customization Ideas

1. Bang Bang Shrimp Bites: If you prefer shrimp over salmon, you can easily swap out the salmon for shrimp in this recipe. Make sure to peel and devein the shrimp, and follow the same steps to bread and fry them.

2. Spicy Bang Bang Sauce: For an even spicier version, add a few slices of fresh chili or jalapeños to the sauce. You can also incorporate chili garlic sauce or hot sauce if you want a kick of extra heat.

3. Oven-Baked Version: For a healthier alternative, bake the salmon bites instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated salmon bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

4. Bang Bang Tofu Bites: For a vegetarian version, replace the salmon with firm tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, cut it into cubes, and follow the same breading and frying steps.

5. Additional Toppings: If you want to make the dish even more exciting, you can add toppings such as avocado slices, pickled vegetables, or cilantro lime rice on the side.

Serving Suggestions

Bang Bang Salmon Bites are versatile and can be served in several ways:

1. As an Appetizer: Serve the salmon bites as a small appetizer with toothpicks for easy snacking.
2. With Rice or Noodles: Serve the bites over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. The rice will help balance the spiciness of the sauce.
3. Salad Topping: Add the salmon bites to a fresh salad with greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Drizzle the leftover sauce as a dressing.
4. Tacos: Use the salmon bites as the filling for tacos, adding crunchy slaw and a squeeze of lime for a fusion twist.

Conclusion

These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a crowd-pleasing dish that combines crispy, tender salmon with a flavorful sauce that’s both spicy and sweet. The recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer or a fun dinner, this dish will impress your guests or family. The crispy texture and rich sauce make every bite a delightful experience. Try it today, and enjoy a perfect combination of flavors and textures!

Yield: 4

Easy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

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Bang Bang Salmon Bites combine crispy, tender salmon with a creamy, spicy sauce, resulting in an irresistible dish. These bite-sized pieces are perfect for appetizers, snacks, or a fun dinner. Inspired by the popular "Bang Bang Shrimp" served at many restaurants, this recipe offers a lighter twist by using salmon instead of shrimp. The sauce is the star of the dish – a mix of creamy mayonnaise, sriracha, and honey, providing a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Total Time 22 minutes

Ingredients

• For the salmon bites:
• 1 lb (450g) fresh salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
• For the Bang Bang Sauce:
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
• For garnish (optional):
• Chopped green onions or cilantro
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the salmon bites:

• Pat the salmon fillet pieces dry with a paper towel.
• In a small bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Toss the salmon pieces in the flour mixture until they are evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.

2. Cook the salmon bites:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the salmon pieces to the skillet in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet).
• Cook the salmon for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (the salmon should flake easily with a fork).

3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

• While the salmon is cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl until smooth.

4. Coat the salmon bites:

• Once the salmon bites are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them in a large bowl.
• Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the salmon and gently toss to coat the bites in the sauce.

5. Serve:

• Transfer the coated salmon bites to a serving platter.
• Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro and sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra touch.
• Serve immediately with your favorite side dish or as an appetizer.

Notes

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce based on your desired spice level. For a milder version, reduce or omit the sriracha.
• Baking Option: If you'd like to bake the salmon bites instead of frying them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes, until cooked through.
• Serving Ideas: These salmon bites are great on their own, over a salad, or served with steamed rice for a full meal.