Name: Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites for Quick Weeknight Wins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Salmon Fillets, skin removed and cut into cubes; 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or any neutral oil; 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or fresh garlic; 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (optional); 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika or regular paprika; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Black Pepper; 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional for less heat); 1/2 cup Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup Thai Sweet Chili Sauce; 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to spice preference); 1 tablespoon Honey; 1 tablespoon Lime Juice (fresh is best); 2 tablespoons Chopped Parsley or Green Onions, or Sesame Seeds; 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional but recommended)

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Introduction

These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a flavorful and quick option for busy weeknights. Tender salmon cubes are perfectly seasoned, cooked to crispy perfection, and tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. They make a satisfying appetizer or main dish that comes together in minutes.

A close-up of a bowl showing a meal with four parts: at the bottom right, there is a white rice layer with some sesame seeds scattered; near the rice, there is a lemon wedge with a bright yellow color. On top of the rice and toward the left, there are several grilled salmon cubes with a golden-brown crust, drizzled with a creamy, light orange sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds. On the right side of the bowl, there is a cluster of bright green edamame beans. The bowl is white with a blue patterned rim, and a pair of wooden chopsticks rests on the right edge, touching the rice and edamame. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil or any neutral oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder or fresh garlic
1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for less heat)
1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to spice preference)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped parsley or green onions, or sesame seeds (for garnishing)
Lime wedges (optional but recommended)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the salmon cubes dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, toss the salmon with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using, ensuring even coating.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth to make the bang bang sauce.
Step 3: Choose your cooking method:
1. Pan-Searing: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the salmon cubes for 2–3 minutes on each side until crispy and cooked through.
2. Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place salmon cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes.
3. Air-Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook the salmon bites for 8–10 minutes until crisp and cooked through.
Step 4: Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the cooked salmon bites or toss them gently to coat evenly.
Step 5: Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds. Serve immediately with lime wedges for an extra zing.

Tips & Variations

Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter bang bang sauce.
Adjust the sriracha and cayenne to control the heat level to your preference.
Try garnishing with toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Serve over a bed of rice or salad greens for a more filling meal.

Storage

Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or air fryer to maintain crispiness. The bang bang sauce can be stored separately for up to 3 days refrigerated.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate filled with many small, square pieces of cooked salmon. Each piece has a browned, crispy outside with visible grill marks and is topped with a creamy, light beige sauce that glistens slightly. Small green herb bits are sprinkled on top of the sauce, adding color contrast. The salmon pieces are arranged in a stacked, slightly uneven pile, creating a textured look. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon can be used. Make sure it is completely thawed and patted dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure the best texture.

What is the best way to keep the salmon bites crispy?

Cooking over medium-high heat and avoiding overcrowding the pan or air fryer basket helps achieve crispiness. Reheating in an air fryer or skillet is preferable to keep the bite’s texture intact.