Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of spicy-sweet flavors and crispy, tender seafood, Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites will instantly become one of your favorite dishes. Inspired by the famous bang bang shrimp, these salmon bites are perfectly golden on the outside, flaky on the inside, and tossed in a creamy, tangy, slightly spicy sauce that’s downright addictive. The combination of crisp texture and bold flavor makes this dish perfect for appetizers, rice bowls, or tacos. When I tried this recipe, I air-fried the salmon for extra crispiness and tossed it in homemade bang bang sauce — the result was irresistible. Whether you serve it as a party snack or a quick dinner, it’s guaranteed to impress with its crunch, color, and crave-worthy flavor.
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Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites: A Bold, Flavor-Packed Seafood Sensation
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 3–4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy, golden salmon bites coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce — a quick, flavorful seafood dish perfect for appetizers, rice bowls, or tacos.
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (or flour for lighter coating)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or enough for pan-frying)
- Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tsp lime juice (optional, for tang)
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Pat salmon cubes dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp coating.
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Dip salmon pieces in beaten eggs, then coat evenly with the cornstarch mixture. Shake off excess.
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add coated salmon pieces in batches, cooking 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice to make the bang bang sauce.
- Toss the crispy salmon bites gently in the sauce until evenly coated, or drizzle the sauce over top before serving.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Air fryer method: Cook coated salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve over jasmine rice, in lettuce wraps, or tacos for a complete meal.
- Use light mayo or Greek yogurt for a lower-calorie sauce option.
- For extra crispiness, double coat salmon with egg and cornstarch.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Appetizer / Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fried / Air-Fried
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Salmon fillets: Use skinless salmon, cut into bite-sized cubes. Fresh salmon gives the best flavor and texture, but thawed frozen works too.
Cornstarch: Helps create that crispy coating on the salmon when fried or air-fried.
Eggs: Lightly beaten eggs act as the binder for the coating.
Panko breadcrumbs: Provide the perfect crunch — light, airy, and golden when fried.
Salt and black pepper: Season the salmon before coating to enhance its natural flavor.
Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth that complements the sweetness of the sauce.
Oil: Use neutral oil like canola or vegetable for frying, or cooking spray for air frying.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the bang bang sauce — it gives that signature smooth texture.
Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and gentle heat that defines the bang bang flavor.
Sriracha or hot sauce: For that spicy kick — adjust to your spice level.
Honey or sugar: Balances the spice and enhances the glaze-like finish of the sauce.
Green onions or sesame seeds (for garnish): Add color, freshness, and a hint of crunch to finish the dish beautifully.
When I made these, I added a squeeze of lime juice to the sauce — it brightened the flavors and added a zesty contrast that made the bites even more addictive.
Directions
Start by patting the salmon cubes dry with paper towels — this step ensures the coating sticks and crisps up beautifully. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Set up three bowls: one with cornstarch, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each salmon piece in cornstarch, dip in egg, then coat with panko, pressing gently so the breadcrumbs adhere well.
To fry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry salmon bites in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
To air-fry: Arrange salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with oil and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through until crisp and golden.
Meanwhile, make the bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and creamy.
Toss the hot, crispy salmon bites gently in the sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Serve immediately over rice, salad greens, or in tacos for a dish that’s bursting with texture and flavor — crispy, creamy, spicy, and sweet all at once.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 4 people
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to bring back the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the coating. Keep the sauce separate and toss just before serving for the best texture.
Variations and Customizations
Air Fryer Light Version
Skip the frying oil and air-fry the salmon for a lighter yet still crunchy version.
Spicy Bang Bang
Increase the sriracha for an extra fiery bite.
Sweet & Tangy Citrus Twist
Add lime or orange zest to the sauce for a citrusy punch.
Asian-Inspired Bowl
Serve over jasmine rice with steamed broccoli and drizzle with extra sauce.
Panko-Parmesan Crust
Mix Parmesan cheese into the panko for a savory, nutty flavor.
Honey Garlic Bang Bang
Add minced garlic and a bit more honey for a sweet-savory twist.
Keto/Low-Carb Version
Use crushed pork rinds instead of panko and sugar-free chili sauce for the sauce.
Taco-Style
Wrap the salmon bites in warm tortillas with slaw and extra sauce for Bang Bang Salmon Tacos.
Tempura-Style
Use a light tempura batter instead of breadcrumbs for an ultra-crisp finish.
Bang Bang Shrimp & Salmon Combo
Mix shrimp and salmon together for a stunning party platter.
FAQs
Can I bake the salmon instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
Can I use skin-on salmon?
Yes, just remove the skin after cooking for easier handling.
What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?
Crushed crackers, cornflakes, or regular breadcrumbs work well too.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just whisk before using.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked?
It should flake easily with a fork and reach 145°F (63°C) internally.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before coating.
Is the sauce very spicy?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat by changing the sriracha amount.
Can I use another fish?
Yes, firm fish like cod or tilapia work well too.
What sides go best with this?
Try jasmine rice, quinoa, or a crisp cucumber salad.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — perfect for parties or meal prep.
Conclusion
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are everything you love about modern seafood — crispy, creamy, spicy, and sweet all at once. Each bite bursts with bold flavor and satisfying crunch, perfectly balanced by the rich, tangy bang bang sauce. This recipe proves that restaurant-quality flavor is easy to achieve at home — quick to make, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Whether served as an appetizer, in tacos, or over rice, these salmon bites will quickly become your new go-to dish for impressive, delicious dining.
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