Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites for Quick Weeknight Wins Recipe
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a perfect quick weeknight recipe featuring tender salmon cubes tossed in a flavorful, spicy Bang Bang sauce. Versatile for pan-searing, baking, or air-frying, these salmon bites bring a deliciously crispy exterior paired with a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce, making them an irresistible appetizer or main dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon Bites
- 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)
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 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)
For Garnishing
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Parsley or Green Onions, or Sesame Seeds
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon cubes dry using a paper towel to remove excess moisture. In a bowl, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder (if using), smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (optional) until evenly coated for maximum flavor.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and fresh lime juice until smooth and well combined. Adjust the sriracha quantity to your preferred spice level.
- Choose Cooking Method: Decide how you’d like to cook the salmon bites – pan-searing, baking, or air-frying.
- Pan-Searing: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon cubes and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy and cooked through.
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the salmon cubes on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until cooked through and slightly crispy.
- Air-Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the salmon cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 8-10 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the cooked salmon bites or toss them together gently to coat. Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds as preferred, and serve with lime wedges for an added burst of citrus.
Notes
- Ensure the salmon cubes are patted dry to achieve maximum crispiness when cooking.
- The Bang Bang sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Adjust the level of cayenne and sriracha to control the spiciness according to your taste.
- Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- If using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, the sauce will be slightly tangier and lower in fat.
Keywords: Bang Bang Salmon Bites, crispy salmon, quick salmon recipes, spicy salmon appetizer, air fryer salmon, baked salmon bites, pan-seared salmon
