Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

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Author: Vergie Hough
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If you’re craving a dish that is crispy, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible, these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are about to become your new favorite. They combine tender salmon pieces coated in a crunchy golden crust with a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce that makes every bite pop with flavor. This dish is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even as a main course when paired with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad.

Unlike many seafood recipes that require complex steps or hard-to-find ingredients, this one is simple, quick, and achievable for home cooks of all skill levels. The best part? You can make these bites in less than 30 minutes, and the taste rivals any restaurant appetizer.

In this comprehensive guide, we’re going to cover everything from the ingredients and instructions to tips, variations, serving suggestions, and storage methods, so your Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites turn out perfect every single time.

Why You’ll Love Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

There are plenty of salmon recipes out there, but these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites have a unique charm that makes them stand out.

  1. Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside – The contrast between the crispy coating and the soft, juicy salmon is perfection.
  2. Bold flavors – The bang bang sauce offers the ideal balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy.
  3. Versatile – Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or main dish.
  4. Quick to prepare – From start to finish, you can have them on the table in under half an hour.
  5. Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or parties.

Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

To make the best Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites, you’ll need fresh ingredients for both the salmon coating and the sauce.

For the Salmon:

  • 1 lb fresh salmon – Skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes.
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch – Helps create a light, crispy crust.
  • 2 eggs, beaten – Works as a binding agent.
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs – Japanese breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder – Adds savory depth.
  • 1/2 tsp paprika – Provides mild smokiness.
  • Salt & pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning.
  • Oil, for frying – Canola, vegetable, or peanut oil works well.

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise – The creamy base.
  • 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce – Adds sweetness and mild heat.
  • 1 tbsp sriracha – Brings in that spicy kick (adjust to taste).
  • 1 tsp honey – Optional, for balancing the heat with extra sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for the perfect Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites:

1. Prepare the Salmon

  • Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels.
  • Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Pro Tip: Removing excess moisture is crucial to achieving a crispy coating.

2. Set Up the Coating Station

  • Place cornstarch in one shallow dish.
  • Beat the eggs in another shallow dish.
  • Put panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish.

3. Coat the Salmon

  • Roll each salmon cube in cornstarch, ensuring it’s fully coated.
  • Dip it into the beaten eggs.
  • Finally, roll it in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the coating sticks.

4. Fry the Salmon

  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Fry salmon bites in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
  • Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan, as it can make the coating soggy.

5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey.
  • Adjust sweetness or heat according to preference.

6. Combine and Serve

  • You can toss the salmon bites in the sauce for a fully coated flavor explosion.
  • Or, serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

Expert Tips for Perfect Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

  1. Use fresh salmon – Fresh, high-quality salmon ensures better texture and taste.
  2. Panko is key – Regular breadcrumbs won’t give you the same crunch.
  3. Keep the oil hot – If it cools down, your coating will absorb oil and become greasy.
  4. Drain on a wire rack – Keeps the coating crispy longer compared to paper towels alone.
  5. Serve immediately – The crispiness fades if they sit too long.

Variations to Try

The beauty of Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites is how adaptable they are:

  • Air Fryer Version – Cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Baked Version – Bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, spraying lightly with oil for crispiness.
  • Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free panko and cornstarch.
  • Extra Spicy – Add crushed red pepper flakes or extra sriracha to the sauce.
  • Healthier Option – Pan-sear with minimal oil instead of deep frying.

Serving Suggestions

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites can be served in so many ways:

  • As an appetizer – With toothpicks and extra sauce on the side.
  • Over rice – A delicious main course with steamed jasmine or coconut rice.
  • With noodles – Try them over sesame noodles for an Asian-inspired meal.
  • In tacos – Swap out fish fillets for these crispy bites in fish tacos.
  • On salad – Add them to a crisp vegetable salad with extra bang bang sauce as dressing.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers (which is rare because they’re so good), here’s how to store them:

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.
  • Reheating: For best results, reheat in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the coating soggy.

Health Benefits of Salmon

While Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are indulgent, they also carry the nutritional perks of salmon:

  • Rich in omega-3 fatty acids – Supports heart and brain health.
  • High-quality protein – Great for muscle repair and satiety.
  • Packed with vitamins and minerals – Including vitamin B12, D, and selenium.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the salmon in advance and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before frying. Fry right before serving for maximum crispiness.

2. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but thaw it completely and pat dry before coating. Moisture will affect the crispiness.

3. How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
It has a mild to medium heat. You can adjust by adding more or less sriracha.

4. Can I use a different fish?
Yes, cod, tilapia, or halibut also work well with this recipe.

5. Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes, just follow the baked variation instructions above.

Conclusion

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the perfect combination of crispy coating, tender fish, and bold flavors. They’re versatile, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress whether you serve them at a dinner party, as a quick weeknight meal, or for a weekend snack. With their golden crunch and irresistible sauce, these bites will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

By following the tips and variations outlined here, you can make them your own while keeping that signature bang bang flavor alive. So grab your salmon, heat up the oil, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s sure to win over seafood lovers and skeptics alike.

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Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

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  • Author: Vergie Hough

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb fresh salmon, skin removed & cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 1/2 cup cornstarch

  • 2 eggs, beaten

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  • 1/2 tsp paprika

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

  • Oil, for frying

Bang Bang Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise

  • 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce

  • 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)

  • 1 tsp honey (optional, for sweetness)


Instructions

  1. Pat salmon cubes dry with paper towels and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

  2. Coat salmon in cornstarch, then dip in beaten eggs, and roll in panko breadcrumbs.

  3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

  4. Fry salmon bites in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

  5. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey for the bang bang sauce.

  6. Toss fried salmon bites in the sauce or serve with sauce on the side for dipping.

  7. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

  8. Serve immediately and enjoy that spicy-sweet crunch!


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