These crispy Bang Bang salmon bites are the perfect mix of crunchy, tender, and downright irresistible. Coated in a light, golden crust and drizzled with a sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce, they’re bite-sized morsels of pure joy. Whether you’re looking for a party appetizer or a quick weeknight dinner, these salmon bites will steal the show.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There’s a lot to love here. The crispy coating adds just the right amount of crunch, while the salmon stays juicy and flavorful. And that sauce? It’s the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and spicy—it takes these bites to the next level. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and guaranteed to disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a quick rundown of the main ingredients. Check out the full list and exact measurements in the recipe card below.
- Fresh salmon fillets
- Cornstarch or flour for dredging
- Eggs for coating
- Panko breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch
- Mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha for the Bang Bang sauce
Directions to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
Cut the salmon into bite-sized cubes, about 1 inch each. Pat them dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
In three shallow bowls, set up your breading station: one with cornstarch or flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Coat the Salmon
Dip each salmon cube into the cornstarch, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure a good coating.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the salmon bites in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less sriracha.
Step 6: Drizzle and Serve
Drizzle the sauce over the crispy salmon bites or serve it on the side for dipping. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use skinless salmon fillets for easier cutting and coating.
- For even crispier bites, toast the breadcrumbs lightly before breading.
- Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying—this helps prevent sogginess.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Air fryer option: Skip the skillet and air fry the salmon bites at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch instead of flour.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumbs for extra heat.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve these Bang Bang salmon bites as a fun appetizer or pair them with steamed rice and a side of sautéed veggies for a full meal. They also go great with a crisp salad or a refreshing cucumber slaw to balance the spice.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer at 375°F to bring back the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
FAQs
Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: Yes! Bake them at 400°F on a parchment-lined tray for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Q: What can I use instead of salmon?
A: You can substitute salmon with shrimp, chicken, or even firm tofu for a different twist.
Q: How can I make the sauce less spicy?
A: Simply reduce the sriracha or leave it out altogether. The sweet chili sauce will still provide great flavor.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: While they’re best fresh, you can bread the salmon bites in advance and store them in the fridge for a few hours before frying.
Conclusion
Crispy Bang Bang salmon bites are the perfect combination of texture and flavor. With their golden crunch and that irresistible sauce, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a quick dinner, one thing’s for sure—they won’t last long!
Print
Crunchy Bang Bang Salmon Popcorn Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion
Description
These Crunchy Bang Bang Salmon Popcorn Bites are a perfect fusion of crispy, crunchy texture with a creamy, spicy kick. Tender salmon pieces are coated in a light, crispy batter, served with a deliciously tangy bang bang sauce that will have you coming back for more. Great as an appetizer or snack!
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb fresh salmon, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce (adjust for spice level)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Set aside.
- In a shallow dish, mix together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another dish, whisk the egg and cold water together to create a batter.
- Dip the salmon cubes into the batter, then coat them with the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the salmon cubes in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the salmon from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Toss the crispy salmon bites in the prepared Bang Bang sauce until well coated.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crunch, you can double coat the salmon by dipping it back into the batter and flour mixture.
- If you prefer a lighter version, bake the salmon bites at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes instead of frying.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the sauce to your preferred spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg