One night, craving something bold and different, I threw together these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites—and they quickly became the most requested dish in my kitchen. The combination of flaky, tender salmon and that creamy sweet-spicy bang bang sauce is absolutely addictive. Whether we’re turning them into tacos, rice bowls, or party skewers, they disappear every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The magic is in the texture: crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Toss them in the creamy bang bang sauce and you’ve got a flavor explosion with every bite. These salmon bites are not only quick and easy to make, but also incredibly versatile—perfect for weeknight dinners or fancy appetizers at your next get-together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salmon:
- 1 lb salmon fillets (skin removed): Fresh is best for flavor and texture.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps achieve that perfect golden crust.
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika: Adds smoky depth.
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional): For a touch of heat.
- Salt & black pepper: To taste.
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp lime juice
Let’s Make It!
1. Prep the Salmon
Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Toss with olive oil and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Make the Sauce
Whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Adjust sweetness or spice to your preference.
3. Cook the Salmon
Choose your preferred method:
- Pan-Sear: Cook salmon pieces in a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
- Bake: Bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes on a lined sheet pan.
- Air Fry: Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Finish with Sauce
Drizzle the sauce over the salmon or gently toss to coat each piece. Garnish with fresh herbs or sesame seeds for a beautiful finishing touch.
Tips & Tricks
- Fresh salmon yields the best results, but thawed frozen salmon works too—just pat it extra dry.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan or air fryer so each bite gets crispy.
- Customize the sauce: Add more honey for a sweeter flavor or extra sriracha for more heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ What’s the best cooking method?
Pan-searing gives the crispiest texture, air-frying is hands-off and healthier, and baking is great for batch cooking.
→ How do I know the salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and reach 145°F internally. The outside should be golden; the inside, tender and pink.
→ Can I make it less spicy?
Absolutely. Reduce or skip the sriracha and cayenne, and add a little more honey for balance.
→ What goes well with this dish?
Try it over jasmine rice, in tacos with crunchy slaw, on salad, or as skewers for an appetizer.
→ Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before using.
Serving Ideas
- Rice Bowl: Spoon over fluffy jasmine or brown rice with veggies.
- Tacos: Add slaw, avocado, and a drizzle of extra sauce.
- Salads: Toss with greens, cucumber, and shredded carrots.
- Appetizers: Skewer the bites and garnish for a fun party platter.
Recipe Card
Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Crispy, tender salmon cubes tossed in a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce. Ready in 20 minutes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 (about 4 cups)
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
- Skill Level: Intermediate
Tools You’ll Need
- Skillet or air fryer
- Baking sheet (if baking)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
This will vary based on ingredients and portion size. Please consult a nutrition calculator if needed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a flavorful, fast, and family-approved recipe, these Bang Bang Salmon Bites are it. With just the right amount of crunch and heat, they’re a go-to for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even entertaining. I guarantee—once you try them, they’ll become a regular in your rotation too.