If you’re craving something that marries crispy, crunchy texture with a luscious, tangy kick, you have to try this Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe. Tender salmon cubes are soaked to stay juicy, then coated in a crisp, flavorful crust and finished with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that makes every bite sing. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent and light at the same time—perfect for an appetizer or a main that steals the spotlight at any dinner gathering. Get ready to fall in love with salmon all over again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe me when I say this recipe is all about simple, accessible ingredients that come together brilliantly to create mouthwatering salmon bites. Each element plays a crucial role: from soaking the salmon in buttermilk for tenderness, to the crunchy panko crust seasoned just right, and the irresistibly creamy and spicy bang bang sauce that seals the deal.
- 1 pound skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes: Choose fresh or thawed salmon for perfectly tender and flavorful bites.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: This makes the salmon super moist while helping the coating stick better.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Adds crunch and creates a light, crispy texture on each bite.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: For that golden, airy crispiness you’ll crave.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle savoriness into the crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds mild smokiness and a gorgeous color.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances natural salmon taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers just the right gentle heat.
- Oil for frying: Use an oil with a high smoke point for best results.
- For the Bang Bang Sauce: 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha, 1 teaspoon honey (optional), juice of half a lime — all combined to create a creamy, zesty sauce with a sweet and spicy punch.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Salmon Cubes
Start by soaking your fresh salmon cubes in buttermilk for about 10 to 15 minutes. This simple step is magical—it tenderizes the salmon, keeping it juicy and helping the coating cling perfectly during frying. It’s a little trick that really elevates the end result.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mix
While the salmon marinates, grab a bowl and whisk together cornstarch, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mix is where the signature crunch and flavor come from, so make sure it’s well combined for that perfect crispy shell.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour oil into a deep skillet or saucepan and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Hot oil is key for frying that crisp golden crust without overcooking the salmon inside.
Step 4: Coat and Fry the Salmon Bites
Remove each salmon cube from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the dry coating mix, pressing lightly to make sure it adheres. Fry the bites in batches, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn irresistibly golden and crunchy. Drain on paper towels to shed any excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon crisps, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and fresh lime juice until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the soul of the recipe—creamy, spicy, tangy, and just sweet enough to balance everything perfectly.
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds over your salmon bites for a fresh crunch and extra pop of color. These little extras don’t just look pretty—they add layers of flavor and texture that make every bite more exciting.
Side Dishes
These bang bang salmon bites pair beautifully with a crisp Asian slaw, steamed jasmine rice, or even simple garlic sautéed greens. The light freshness or neutral starch provides excellent balance to the rich, crispy salmon and fiery sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve these bites on skewers with a small bowl of bang bang sauce for dipping—talk about finger food goals! Or pile them high on a vibrant salad bed for an easy weeknight meal that feels gourmet without fuss. You can even stuff them into lettuce wraps for a fun, handheld twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep them from getting soggy, store the bang bang sauce separately and add right before serving.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, freeze the fried salmon bites on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month. Reheat straight from frozen to maintain that irresistible crispy texture.
Reheating
Reheat salmon bites in a hot oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method revives the crispiness much better than microwaving, which can make them soggy. Warm the bang bang sauce separately or drizzle fresh before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the salmon and pat it dry before marinating. This will help keep your crispy coating intact and avoid excess moisture during frying.
Is there a healthier way to make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe?
Yes, you can air-fry or bake the bites instead of deep-frying. Air-frying at 400°F for 8-10 minutes or baking at 425°F for 12-15 minutes makes a lighter version while still keeping plenty of crunch and flavor.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The bang bang sauce has a nice balance of mild heat from sriracha and sweetness from honey and chili sauce. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha to suit your taste buds.
Can I use a different fish instead of salmon?
Definitely! Firm white fish like cod or halibut would work wonderfully. Just be mindful of cooking times as they might differ slightly depending on the thickness of the fish.
What can I serve with Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe for a complete meal?
Pair these bites with steamed rice or quinoa and a fresh vegetable side like roasted broccoli or cucumber salad. Adding a crisp, tangy salad balances the richness nicely and rounds out the meal.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe and experience how the textures and flavors come together so beautifully. It’s a recipe that’s fun to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for anytime you want to impress without fuss. Trust me, once you take that first bite, it might just become one of your new favorite salmon dishes to whip up again and again!
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Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are perfectly fried salmon cubes coated in a flavorful cornmeal and panko breadcrumb mixture, served with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. This Asian-inspired appetizer or main course offers a delightful crunch paired with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Salmon Bites
- 1 pound skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lime
Instructions
- Soak the Salmon: Place the salmon cubes in a bowl and pour over the buttermilk. Let soak for 10–15 minutes to tenderize and add moisture while you prepare the coating mixture.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a deep skillet or saucepan and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C), suitable for frying.
- Coat the Salmon Bites: Remove the salmon pieces from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the dry mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres well without falling off.
- Fry the Salmon: Fry the coated salmon bites in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice until smooth and well combined.
- Serve: Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the crispy salmon bites or serve it on the side for dipping. Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- To lighten the recipe, air-fry the salmon bites at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Alternatively, bake the salmon bites at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes for a less oily version.
- Adjust the sriracha in the sauce to control the spiciness to your preference.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture without soaking up excess oil.
- Use fresh salmon for best flavor and texture.
