Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a deliciously addictive appetizer that combines tender, flaky salmon with a creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce. Inspired by the popular bang bang shrimp dish found in many Asian fusion restaurants, this salmon version offers a more nutritious twist while delivering the same irresistible flavor profile. The contrast between the crispy exterior of the salmon and the creamy, slightly spicy sauce creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly quick to prepare – ready in under 20 minutes for a perfect weeknight dinner or impressive appetizer
• Versatile cooking methods – stovetop, oven, or air fryer options to suit your preferences
• Perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that will please the whole family
• Healthier than traditional deep-fried versions while maintaining all the flavor
• Easy to adjust the spice level to accommodate different heat preferences

Ingredients

• Salmon: Choose fresh, high-quality salmon fillets with the skin removed. Wild-caught salmon offers the best flavor, but farm-raised works well too.
• Olive oil: Used for cooking the salmon pieces. You can substitute with avocado oil for a higher smoke point.
• Garlic powder: Adds aromatic depth without the risk of burning that fresh garlic has. For a more intense flavor, you can use fresh minced garlic instead.
• Onion powder: Provides savory notes without the texture of fresh onions. Can be omitted if unavailable.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a beautiful color and subtle smokiness. Regular paprika works in a pinch but won’t have the same depth.
• Cayenne pepper: Adds a spicy kick – completely optional and adjustable based on your heat preference.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning components – freshly ground black pepper provides the best flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce. Use full-fat for richness or light mayo for fewer calories.
• Thai sweet chili sauce: The star ingredient that gives the dish its signature sweet heat. Available in most grocery stores in the international aisle.
• Sriracha: Adds heat and depth to the sauce. Can be adjusted or substituted with any hot sauce you prefer.
• Honey: Balances the heat with natural sweetness. Agave or maple syrup works as alternatives.
• Lime juice: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness. Fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch.

Variations

Grilled Bang Bang Salmon

Skewer the salmon cubes after seasoning, then grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side. The smoky char adds another dimension of flavor that complements the sweet and spicy sauce beautifully.

Coconut Bang Bang Salmon

After seasoning the salmon cubes, dredge them in unsweetened shredded coconut before cooking. This adds a tropical flavor and extra crispy texture that pairs wonderfully with the bang bang sauce.

Baked Bang Bang Salmon Fillets

Instead of cutting the salmon into bites, keep the fillets whole. Season as directed, bake until flaky, then drizzle with the bang bang sauce for an elegant main course that’s perfect for dinner parties.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Cut your salmon fillets into even 1-inch cubes, ensuring they’re all similar in size for even cooking. Place them in a bowl and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. The oil helps the seasonings stick and prevents the salmon from drying out during cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Salmon (Choose Your Method)

For stovetop cooking, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and just cooked through. The salmon should be slightly crisp on the outside but still moist inside.

For oven baking, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the salmon is cooked through but still tender.

For air frying, preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the seasoned salmon cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time, until the salmon is golden and cooked through.

Step 3: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

While the salmon cooks, make the bang bang sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed – add more sriracha for heat, honey for sweetness, or lime juice for tanginess.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Once the salmon bites are cooked, you have two options. Either toss the hot salmon cubes directly in the sauce until evenly coated, or place the salmon on a serving plate and drizzle the sauce over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Pat the salmon dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a better sear and prevent steaming
• Don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer basket – cook in batches if necessary for the best results
• Keep a close eye on the cooking time – salmon cooks quickly and can easily become dry if overcooked
• The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator for quick assembly
• For extra crispy salmon bites, lightly dust them with cornstarch before cooking
• Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less mayonnaise depending on your preference

How to Serve

Bang Bang Salmon Bites make an impressive appetizer when served on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. For a more substantial meal, serve them over steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice with steamed broccoli or a simple Asian slaw on the side.

These bites also work beautifully in lettuce wraps – simply place a few salmon pieces in butter lettuce leaves, drizzle with extra sauce, and top with sliced avocado and crispy wonton strips. For a fusion approach, serve in warm tortillas with Asian slaw for bang bang salmon tacos.

Garnish options include sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or lime wedges for squeezing. A side of extra bang bang sauce for dipping is always appreciated!

Make Ahead

The bang bang sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before using as the ingredients may separate slightly.

For meal prep, you can season the salmon and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking. This actually allows the flavors to penetrate the fish more deeply.

Cooked salmon bites can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though they’re best enjoyed fresh. To reheat, warm them gently in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until just heated through, being careful not to overcook. I don’t recommend microwaving as this can make the salmon rubbery.

For a party, you can cook the salmon bites up to an hour ahead and keep them warm in a 200°F oven, then toss with the sauce just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cutting and seasoning. Frozen salmon tends to release more moisture during cooking, so you might need to cook it slightly longer to get the same golden exterior.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Good news! This recipe is naturally dairy-free as written. The creamy texture comes from mayonnaise, which is typically made with oil and eggs, not dairy.

Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! To reduce the heat, omit the cayenne pepper from the salmon seasoning and reduce or eliminate the sriracha in the bang bang sauce. You can also increase the amount of mayonnaise and honey to balance out the spice from the sweet chili sauce.

Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, this recipe works well with other firm fish like mahi-mahi, cod, or even shrimp. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness and type of protein you choose.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Salmon Bites offer the perfect balance of healthy protein and indulgent flavor in one irresistible package. Whether you’re serving them as an impressive appetizer at your next gathering or enjoying them as a quick weeknight dinner, these versatile bites are sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. The combination of tender salmon and creamy, sweet-spicy sauce creates a dish that’s both satisfying and exciting. With multiple cooking methods to choose from and endless serving possibilities, this recipe is designed to fit your lifestyle while delivering restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.

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