Why I Fell in Love with This Recipe
I have to confess something—I wasn’t always a salmon fan. Sometimes I felt it was too “fishy,” sometimes too plain. But one day, I had these crispy salmon bites coated in creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, and let me tell you, it was love at first bite. The outside was golden and crispy, the inside was soft and flaky, and that sauce tied everything together like magic.
That’s when I thought: Why not make a whole bowl out of it? Something filling, delicious, and balanced that you can enjoy for lunch or dinner without feeling heavy. And guess what? It takes less than 30 minutes, and you’ll be licking the bowl clean.
I’m sharing this with you because I know once you try it, you’ll keep it in your weekly meal rotation. It’s that good.
What Are Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
Bang Bang Salmon Bites are small chunks of salmon that are lightly coated, crisped up until golden, and then tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. The sauce usually includes mayo, sriracha, and a touch of honey or sweet chili sauce.
Think of it as the cooler cousin of bang bang shrimp—but with salmon, it becomes richer, healthier, and even more satisfying.
These bites are served over fluffy rice or quinoa, with veggies and toppings of your choice, to create a full bowl. It’s the kind of dish that looks fancy but is secretly so easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious bowls. The list is simple and made up of things you probably already have:
- Salmon fillets (skinless, boneless, cut into bite-size cubes)
- Cornstarch or flour (for coating to make it crispy)
- Olive oil or avocado oil (for frying or air frying)
- Salt and pepper (basic seasoning)
- Garlic powder (optional, for flavor)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Mayonnaise (the creamy base)
- Sriracha (for spice, adjust to taste)
- Sweet chili sauce (adds that sweet-tangy flavor)
- Honey (optional, for balance)
For the Bowl Base:
- Rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
- Fresh veggies like cucumber, shredded carrots, edamame, or avocado
- Toppings like sesame seeds, green onions, or cilantro
Step-by-Step: How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls
1. Prep the Salmon
Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel. This is important because moisture prevents crispiness. Then cut it into bite-size cubes. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Coat the Salmon
Toss the cubes in cornstarch or flour. This is what makes the outside golden and crunchy while the inside stays tender. Shake off any excess.
3. Cook the Salmon
You can choose how you want to cook it:
- Air Fryer: Spray lightly with oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes until crispy.
- Pan Fry: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet and fry until golden on all sides.
- Oven: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
My personal favorite? Air fryer. It’s quick, easy, and keeps the salmon light without all the extra oil.
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Mix mayo, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce in a small bowl. Adjust according to your spice tolerance—more sriracha for heat, more chili sauce for sweetness.
5. Toss It Together
Once the salmon bites are cooked, toss them gently in the sauce until coated. Be careful not to stir too hard or you’ll break the salmon apart.
6. Assemble the Bowl
Add a scoop of rice or quinoa to your bowl, pile on the salmon bites, and then add your veggies and toppings. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions takes it to the next level.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
- Balanced flavors: You get crispy, creamy, spicy, sweet, and savory all in one bite.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Swap veggies, change the grain base, or even make it low-carb.
- Crowd-pleaser: Even picky eaters love it.
I’ve served this to friends who swore they didn’t like salmon, and guess what? They cleaned their plates.
Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Dry the salmon first – moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer basket – this ensures even crisping.
- Taste the sauce before coating – adjust sweetness and spice to your liking.
- Use fresh salmon if possible – it flakes better and tastes richer than frozen.
What to Serve With Bang Bang Salmon Bowls
These bowls are filling on their own, but you can add sides if you’re serving guests:
- Steamed edamame with sea salt
- Miso soup
- Fresh fruit salad
- Kimchi or pickled veggies for tang
Variations to Try
- Low-Carb Option: Swap rice with cauliflower rice.
- Spicy Lover’s Bowl: Add extra chili flakes or a drizzle of hot honey.
- Kid-Friendly: Reduce the sriracha and make the sauce sweeter.
- Taco Style: Wrap the salmon bites in tortillas with cabbage slaw.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s the thing—I know you’ll love it because it’s:
- Easy enough for a weeknight
- Fancy enough for dinner guests
- Healthy but still indulgent
- A recipe that you’ll want to make again and again
And once you master the bang bang sauce, you can use it on shrimp, chicken, or even roasted veggies.
FAQs About Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Q: Is there a healthier sauce alternative?
You can swap mayo for Greek yogurt to cut calories while keeping the creaminess.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
The sauce can be made in advance, but the salmon is best served fresh for maximum crispiness.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use cornstarch instead of flour and check that your sauces are gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This crispy bang bang salmon bites bowl is one of those recipes that feels like comfort food but still keeps things fresh and healthy. It’s quick, fun to make, and honestly addictive. Try it once, and I promise you’ll be making it again whenever you’re craving something flavorful but easy.