Short Description
These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a mouthwatering fusion of crispy, golden-brown salmon chunks tossed in a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or a light meal, these little bites pack a big punch of flavor that will have you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
If you’re a fan of crispy fried foods with a twist, these Bang Bang Salmon Bites will quickly become your new favorite! The salmon is tender and flaky on the inside, perfectly crispy on the outside, and coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that hits all the right notes—sweet, spicy, and a little tangy. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make and are ready in no time. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to treat yourself, these crispy bites are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients you’ll need to make these crispy bites. (The full list of ingredients is below!)
- Fresh salmon fillets (skinless)
- All-purpose flour (for coating)
- Cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- Eggs
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha sauce (for a spicy kick)
- Rice vinegar or lemon juice
- Honey (for sweetness)
Directions
1. Prepare the Salmon
Start by cutting your fresh salmon fillets into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture—this will help the batter stick better.
2. Set Up a Dipping Station
In one bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Finally, place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish. Now you’re ready to bread the salmon.
3. Coat the Salmon
Dredge each salmon piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s coated evenly. Then dip it into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat the salmon in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so they stick. Repeat this process with all the salmon pieces.
4. Fry the Salmon
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan, about 1/4 inch deep. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a small piece of breadcrumb—if it sizzles, it’s ready), carefully add the breaded salmon pieces in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if necessary. Fry the salmon for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the salmon and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon is frying, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar (or lemon juice), and honey in a small bowl. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or spiciness to your liking by adding more honey or sriracha.
6. Toss the Salmon in the Sauce
Once all the salmon pieces are crispy and drained, place them in a large bowl. Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the top and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. Make sure every salmon bite is fully coated in that creamy, spicy goodness!
7. Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the sauced-up crispy salmon bites to a serving platter. For an extra touch, sprinkle with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish. Serve immediately while they’re still hot and crispy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Salmon: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, high-quality salmon fillets. Frozen salmon can work, but fresh always gives that tender, flaky bite.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: The cornstarch helps create an extra-crispy coating. It’s the secret to getting that perfectly crunchy exterior.
- Make it Extra Crispy: For even crispier salmon, double bread the pieces. After dipping in the egg, coat them in the panko breadcrumbs, then dip them back into the egg and coat again.
- Control the Heat: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce. Alternatively, you can add a little more for a spicier kick!
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Substitute the Salmon: If you’re not a fan of salmon, this recipe also works great with other fish like cod, tilapia, or shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the protein you’re using.
- Baked Option: For a healthier version, bake the breaded salmon bites at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden and crispy. Spray with a little cooking spray before baking for extra crispiness.
- Add Veggies: You can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the mix. Simply slice them into bite-sized pieces and bread them the same way you did with the salmon for a veggie-packed version.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are perfect as an appetizer or served as a main dish alongside a simple side salad, steamed rice, or crispy fries. They also pair beautifully with a light, citrusy cocktail, like a mojito or a lemon gin fizz. For a more indulgent experience, serve with a side of extra bang bang sauce for dipping!
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (although that’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to help restore the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it will soften the coating. You can also store the sauce separately in the fridge for up to a week.
4 FAQs
1. Can I make these in advance?
It’s best to fry the salmon just before serving to keep the texture crispy. However, you can prepare the salmon bites ahead of time, bread them, and store them in the fridge until ready to fry. This can help save time if you’re entertaining.
2. Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a good stir before using.
3. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before breading. This will prevent the coating from becoming soggy.
4. Can I fry these without oil?
For a healthier option, you can air fry these crispy salmon bites. Simply coat them as usual and cook in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Conclusion
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are an irresistible combination of crunchy, flavorful salmon and a sweet, spicy sauce. They’re perfect for a quick snack, an appetizer for your next gathering, or even as a main dish. With the crispy exterior and that creamy, tangy bang bang sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit wherever you serve it. Easy to make and even easier to devour—give them a try and prepare to be hooked!
Print
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Dish
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion
Description
These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a mouthwatering fusion of crispy, golden-brown salmon chunks tossed in a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or a light meal, these little bites pack a big punch of flavor that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
- Fresh salmon fillets (skinless) – 1 lb (450g)
- All-purpose flour – 1/2 cup (60g)
- Cornstarch – 2 tbsp (30g)
- Eggs – 2 large
- Panko breadcrumbs – 1 cup (100g)
- Salt – 1/2 tsp (or to taste)
- Pepper – 1/4 tsp (or to taste)
- Vegetable oil (for frying) – 1/4 inch deep in the pan
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Mayonnaise – 1/2 cup (120g)
- Sweet chili sauce – 1/4 cup (60ml)
- Sriracha sauce – 1-2 tbsp (adjust to heat preference)
- Rice vinegar or lemon juice – 1 tbsp (15ml)
- Honey – 1 tbsp (15g)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Cut the salmon fillets into 1-inch cubes. Pat dry with a paper towel.
- Set Up a Dipping Station: In one bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Coat the Salmon: Dredge each salmon piece in the flour mixture, dip in the beaten egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs. Repeat for all pieces.
- Fry the Salmon: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry salmon for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar (or lemon juice), and honey. Adjust spice and sweetness to taste.
- Toss the Salmon in Sauce: Place the fried salmon bites in a large bowl. Drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce and toss gently to coat.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use Fresh Salmon: Fresh salmon gives the best flavor and texture. Thaw frozen salmon completely and pat dry if using.
- Double Coating for Extra Crispy: For an even crispier coating, you can double bread the salmon bites (dipping in egg and breadcrumbs twice).
- Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to your preferred spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approximately 5-6 salmon bites)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg