Ever bitten into something so crispy and flavorful that you wondered if it was actually healthy? Bang Bang Salmon Bites are just that delightful surprise! These little gems are quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and sure to impress anyone at your dinner table. Plus, they’re downright delicious with a kick of flavor from the creamy bang bang sauce.
Why Make This Recipe
Why choose Bang Bang Salmon Bites? Let me spell it out for you:
- Easy cleanup: You can whip these up in one pan, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax (or binge your favorite show)!
- Family-friendly: This dish livens up any dinner and is perfect for both kids and adults—everyone will be coming back for seconds!
- Affordable: Fresh salmon, panko, and some veggies make it easy on your wallet while keeping it gourmet. Who doesn’t love feeling fancy without breaking the bank?
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 1 lb fresh salmon (skinless and cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or spray for crisping)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to spice level)
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- Juice of ½ lime
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish
Directions
- Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: Set it to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot.
- Season the Salmon: In a bowl, mix salmon cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every piece gets a bit of love!
- Coat in Breadcrumbs: Roll those seasoned bites in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. A little olive oil goes a long way here for that crunchy finish.
- Bake or Air-Fry: Lay them out on a baking sheet and bake for about 12-15 minutes or air-fry for around 10-12 minutes. They should be golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: Combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice in a bowl. Whisk it all together until creamy and perfect.
- Assemble the Bowls: On a plate, layer jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice), add on the salmon bites, then top with shredded cabbage, carrots, avocado slices, green onions, and drizzle with that bang bang sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for that extra pop!
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Bites (Overview)
It’s simple, I promise! Here’s the scoop on making those irresistible bites:
- Start by seasoning and prepping the salmon.
- Coat them in breadcrumbs for that beautiful crunch.
- Bake or air-fry until they’re golden and perfectly crispy.
- While that’s cooking, whip up your creamy bang bang sauce.
- Finally, layer everything into bowls that are as pretty as they are tasty!
Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic—it makes all the difference!
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Bites
When serving Bang Bang Salmon Bites, think color and crunch! You can pile them onto a vibrant bed of jasmine rice or boldly swap in cauliflower rice for a healthier twist. A handful of shredded purple cabbage, crunchy carrots, and creamy avocado slice adds texture and flair. The aroma will make your kitchen feel like a five-star restaurant. 🌟
How to Store Bang Bang Salmon Bites
These bites are best enjoyed fresh, but they can hang out in your fridge for about 2-3 days—just keep them in an airtight container. For those savvy meal-preppers, you can make them ahead, and they even freeze well! To reheat, pop them back in the oven or air fryer for that same crispiness.
Tips to Make Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Here are a few insider tricks to elevate your game:
- Timing is everything: Make sure your oil or cooking spray is hot to ensure that crispy texture!
- Spicy level: Adjust the amount of sriracha in your sauce for a mild to thrilling experience. Who doesn’t love a little heat?
- Fish swap: You can easily substitute salmon with other fish like cod or even shrimp for a fun twist.
- Texture boost: Try toasting your panko breadcrumbs in a little olive oil before coating the salmon for an extra crunch!
Variation
Want to mix things up? You can swap the salmon for tofu for a vegan version or add some zucchini noodles instead of rice for a lighter meal. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some mango slices for a sweet contrast!
FAQs
Can I make these Bang Bang Salmon Bites in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the bites ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just bake or air-fry them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month!
What can I use instead of salmon?
You can substitute salmon with other proteins like shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The process remains the same!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix salmon cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the seasoned salmon bites in panko breadcrumbs, ensuring each piece is well covered. Use olive oil for a crunchy finish.
- Place the coated salmon bites on a baking sheet and bake for about 12-15 minutes or air-fry for around 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- While the salmon is cooking, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice in a bowl. Whisk until creamy.
- On a plate, layer the cooked jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice), add the salmon bites, then top with shredded cabbage, carrots, avocado slices, and green onions.
- Drizzle with the bang bang sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds.
