Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the perfect fusion of texture and flavor — tender, flaky salmon coated in a light, golden crust and tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce. Every bite bursts with bold flavor and satisfying crunch, making it a hit for dinner, parties, or game-day snacking. I first made these on a whim using leftover salmon fillets, and they were gone before I could even plate the rest. The secret? A perfectly balanced sauce of sweet chili, sriracha, and creamy mayo that clings to each crispy cube. Whether baked, fried, or air-fried, these salmon bites are simple, elegant, and downright addictive.
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Homemade Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites: Sweet, Spicy, and Addictively Crunchy
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Homemade Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are bite-sized pieces of tender salmon coated in a light, crispy batter and tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course, these salmon bites are bold, flavorful, and irresistibly crunchy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Oil, for frying
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat salmon cubes dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Dip each salmon cube into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess.
- In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Fry salmon pieces in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth.
- Toss the crispy salmon bites gently in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less sriracha.
- Serve over rice, salad, or in lettuce cups for a complete meal.
- Use fresh salmon for best texture, but thawed frozen salmon works too.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course or Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Salmon Bites
Salmon fillets (skinless) – Fresh, high-quality salmon ensures tender, flaky bites.
Cornstarch or all-purpose flour – For a light, crispy coating.
Eggs – Helps the coating stick to the salmon.
Panko breadcrumbs – Adds that irresistible crunch.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning.
Garlic powder & paprika – Adds savory flavor and color.
Oil for frying (or cooking spray for air frying) – For a crisp, golden crust.
For the Bang Bang Sauce
Mayonnaise – The creamy base that holds the sauce together.
Sweet chili sauce – Provides sweetness and tangy heat.
Sriracha – Adds the perfect amount of spice.
Honey (optional) – Enhances the glaze with extra sweetness.
Lime juice or rice vinegar – For a touch of acidity and balance.
For Garnish
Green onions – For a pop of freshness.
Sesame seeds – Adds nutty aroma and texture.
Cilantro (optional) – Brightens the overall flavor.
Directions
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and cut them into bite-sized cubes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Prepare three bowls: one with cornstarch or flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each salmon cube in flour, dip in egg, then coat generously in panko, pressing lightly to help it stick.
To Fry
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon bites in batches and fry for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
To Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer and spray lightly with cooking oil. Air fry for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
To Bake
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
While the salmon cooks, prepare the bang bang sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Adjust spice and sweetness to taste.
Once the salmon bites are cooked, toss them gently in the sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and cilantro. Serve hot with extra sauce on the side for dipping — they’re crispy, creamy, and full of flavor.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 3–4 people. Preparation takes 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 10–12 minutes. Total time: approximately 25–30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–6 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the coating. The sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Variations and Customizations
Bang Bang Shrimp or Chicken – Use shrimp or small chicken cubes instead of salmon for a fun twist.
Spicy Mango Bang Bang Sauce – Add 2 tablespoons of mango puree to the sauce for tropical sweetness.
Honey Garlic Bang Bang – Mix honey and minced garlic into the sauce for a sticky, garlicky flavor.
Panko Parmesan Salmon Bites – Add grated Parmesan to the breadcrumbs for an extra savory crunch.
Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free panko and cornstarch instead of flour.
Asian-Inspired Bowl – Serve the salmon bites over jasmine rice with steamed broccoli and drizzle extra sauce on top.
Buffalo Bang Bang Bites – Mix buffalo sauce and ranch dressing for a tangy, spicy coating.
Coconut-Crusted Salmon – Mix shredded coconut into the breadcrumbs for a tropical flair.
Lettuce Wraps – Serve in crisp romaine or butter lettuce cups for a light, low-carb meal.
Teriyaki Bang Bang – Mix teriyaki glaze with a touch of chili sauce for a sweet-savory fusion.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before coating.
How spicy are these bites?
Mild to medium — adjust sriracha to control the heat.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Absolutely — baking or air frying works great for a lighter version.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes, use vegan mayo for a dairy-free sauce.
How do I prevent soggy coating?
Dry the salmon well and cook in a single layer with enough space for airflow.
What oil works best for frying?
Canola, vegetable, or avocado oil are ideal for high-heat frying.
Can I make them without the sauce?
Yes — they’re delicious plain or with tartar sauce, ranch, or aioli.
What sides go well with these?
Try jasmine rice, coleslaw, or a cucumber salad for balance.
How long should I marinate the salmon?
You don’t need to marinate, but a quick 10-minute soak in soy sauce and garlic can enhance flavor.
Conclusion
Homemade Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the perfect mix of indulgent and fresh — crispy on the outside, tender inside, and tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that’s impossible to resist. They’re easy to make, versatile enough for any occasion, and guaranteed to impress. Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, and watch them disappear fast. Once you’ve had these salmon bites, you’ll never look at weeknight seafood the same way again — they’re a flavor explosion in every bite.
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