Looking for a quick, easy, and intensely flavorful weeknight meal? Look no further than these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites! This recipe delivers perfectly cooked, crispy-edged salmon pieces coated in a creamy, spicy, and sweet bang bang sauce.
We’re talking restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. This recipe is popular because it’s a great way to enjoy salmon in a fun and approachable way. The crispy texture and bold flavors make it a hit with even those who aren’t usually fans of fish. The sweet and spicy sauce is addictive, and the bites are perfect as an appetizer or a main course.
What are Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a delicious and trendy appetizer or main course where tender salmon fillets are cut into bite-sized pieces, coated in a light batter or breading, and then pan-fried or air-fried until golden and crispy. The star of the show is the Bang Bang sauce – a creamy, tangy, and spicy concoction typically made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Its name suggests an explosion of flavors in your mouth that will leave you reaching for more.
These salmon bites are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or even a healthy snack. They are easy to customize with different levels of spice and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces or sides.
Ready to experience this flavor explosion? Gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Key Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites:
- Salmon Fillet (1 pound): Skin-off, boneless. Fresh salmon is preferred to frozen.
- Cornstarch (1/4 cup): For coating the salmon to ensure crispiness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): To season the salmon and enhance the flavor.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For added flavor.
- Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons): For pan-frying. Avocado oil or canola oil also work well.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The base for the Bang Bang sauce. Use a good quality mayonnaise for best results.
- Sweet Chili Sauce (1/4 cup): Adds the sweetness and a bit of a kick.
- Sriracha (1-2 teaspoons): For heat. Adjust to your taste preference.
- Rice Vinegar (1 teaspoon): Adds a tangy element to balance the sweetness and spice.
- Honey (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and gives the sauce a glossy finish.
- Green Onions (2 tablespoons, chopped): For garnish.
- Sesame Seeds (1 tablespoon): For garnish.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites:
This is a quick, easy, and wildly satisfying recipe that comes together in less than 30 minutes. The salmon is incredibly flavorful and flaky with a crispy exterior, coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that’s simply irresistible. You can have flavorful appetizers or a quick dinner ready in no time. Get ready for some serious deliciousness!
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Salmon: Cut the salmon fillet into approximately 1-inch cubes. Pat the salmon pieces dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness.
- Coat the Salmon: In a medium bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Add the salmon cubes to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Make sure each piece of salmon is fully coated with the cornstarch mixture.
- Pan-Fry the Salmon: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the salmon cubes in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook the salmon in batches.
- Cook the Salmon: Cook the salmon for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides and cooked through. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: While the salmon is cooking, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey until smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of sriracha to your desired level of spiciness.
- Combine Salmon and Sauce: Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it in a clean bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the salmon and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites:
This recipe offers a symphony of textures and flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds! The combination of crispy, golden salmon, creamy bang bang sauce, and fresh garnishes creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
The best part about this recipe is the addictive flavor. The Spicy Sweet sauce paired with the crispy salmon is heavenly. Making this dish at home is cost-effective compared to ordering it at a restaurant. You’re in control of the ingredients, ensuring quality and freshness. Plus, you can adjust the spice level to your own preference! The sauce is the star and the green onions and sesame seeds really provide a great contrast of textures and freshness.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like our Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Bites. They offer a similar flavor profile and are equally satisfying! Try them both and let us know which you prefer. You won’t regret it!
What to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites With:
- Steamed White Rice or Brown Rice: A simple base to soak up the delicious Bang Bang sauce.
- Quinoa: A healthy and protein-packed alternative to rice.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas are great choices.
- Asian Slaw: A refreshing and crunchy side dish to complement the richness of the salmon.
- Edamame: A simple and nutritious snack.
- Avocado slices: Complement the richness of the salmon and add a creamy texture.
- Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: For a more substantial meal.
- Lemon wedges: Fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the salmon for extra zing
Top Tips for Perfecting Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites:
- Pat Salmon Dry: Make sure to thoroughly pat the salmon dry with paper towels before coating it with cornstarch. This is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the salmon in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in steamed, not crispy, salmon.
- Control the Heat: Maintain a medium-high heat to ensure the salmon cooks quickly and evenly without burning.
- Adjust Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce to your desired level of spiciness. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste
- Use Fresh Salmon: Fresh salmon will always yield the best flavor and texture.
- Broiler Crisp: After tossing the bites in the sauce, you can arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and broil them for a minute or two for extra crispiness. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
- Air Fryer Option: For a healthier option, you can air fry the salmon bites. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Sesame Oil: Adding 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil to the vegetable oil when frying will enhance the Asian-inspired flavor.
- Alternative Thickener: If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use potato starch or tapioca starch as a substitute.
5 Facts about Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites:
- The term “Bang Bang” originates from a popular seafood restaurant chain.
- Bang Bang sauce is often served with shrimp, chicken, or tofu, not just salmon.
- This dish is a fun and approachable way to introduce salmon to picky eaters.
- Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
- The recipe is easily customizable with different vegetables or sauces.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Leftover Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat the Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites is in a nonstick skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, until heated through. Reheating in the microwave may result in a less crispy texture.
- Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze the Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites, as the sauce may separate and the texture of the salmon may change. If you must freeze them, freeze the cooked salmon bites separately from the sauce. Thaw both in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as directed above and toss with the fresh sauce.
Final Thoughts:
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a delightful dish that combines the health benefits of salmon with an explosion of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a fun way to enjoy seafood, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. The perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory makes it a winner for both kids and adults. So, grab your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to be amazed by this incredibly delicious and easy-to-make recipe!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites FAQs:
- Can I use frozen salmon?: Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely, and remove excess moisture by patting it dry with paper towels before proceeding with the recipe.
- Can I make this without cornstarch? If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, you can use potato starch or tapioca starch as a substitute.
- What if I don’t like it too spicy? Simply reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Can I bake the salmon instead of frying it? Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through. However, they won’t be as crispy as when fried.
- Can I make this ahead of time? I recommend making the salmon bites fresh for the best texture. However, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply cook the salmon and toss it with the pre-made sauce.
- Can I use a different type of fish? Cod, tuna, or even shrimp would work well with this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- What kind of mayonnaise should I use? High quality full fat mayonnaise is best, like Kewpie, for best flavour.