Description
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the perfect mix of crunchy, tender, and spicy-sweet goodness. Bite-sized pieces of salmon are coated in a crispy panko crust and tossed in a creamy, zesty bang bang sauce. This quick and easy dish is great for appetizers, tacos, or a flavorful main course.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb salmon, skin removed, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Instructions
Marinate the Salmon
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce. Add salmon bites and let marinate for 15–20 minutes.
Prepare the Coating
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, place beaten eggs. In a third dish, add panko breadcrumbs.
Coat the Salmon
- Remove salmon from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, dip in eggs, and coat with panko. Press gently to adhere.
Fry to Perfection
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry salmon bites in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
Toss and Serve
- Drizzle or toss the crispy salmon bites in bang bang sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. Serve immediately!
Notes
- For an air fryer version, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for mayo in the sauce for a lighter option.
- Use cornstarch instead of flour for an extra crispy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5–6 salmon bites
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg