Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a delicious and fun dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table. These bite-sized pieces of salmon are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them perfect as an appetizer or a main dish. With a creamy, spicy sauce that kicks up the taste, these bites are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Bang Bang Salmon Bites is a great way to enjoy healthy salmon in a tasty format. They are easy to prepare and cook quickly in either an oven or an air fryer. This recipe combines rich flavors with a crunchy texture, making it a delightful dish for both kids and adults. Plus, it’s packed with healthy ingredients that are beneficial for your body!
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- 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: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Season the Salmon: In a bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the salmon cubes in the spice mix until evenly coated.
Coat in Breadcrumbs: Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Dip each piece of seasoned salmon into the breadcrumbs until well coated. Optional: Spray lightly with olive oil for extra crispiness.
Bake or Air-Fry: Arrange the salmon bites on a lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Bake in the oven for about 12-15 minutes or air fry for about 8-10 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and crispy.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice until smooth.
Assemble the Bowls: In a bowl, start with a base of cooked jasmine rice or cauliflower rice. Top with shredded purple cabbage, salmon bites, avocado slices, shredded carrots, and green onions. Drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds.
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Serve Bang Bang Salmon Bites warm. You can present them in individual bowls, or arrange them on a platter for everyone to share. A fresh lime wedge on the side can add a zesty touch to each bite!
How to Store Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Store any leftover Bang Bang Salmon Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness.
Tips to Make Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Make sure the salmon is fresh for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce according to your spice preference.
- If you want a lighter version, use less mayonnaise and add yogurt instead.
Variation
You can try using shrimp instead of salmon for a different twist on this recipe. The cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to defrost it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and cooking.
2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko breadcrumbs, and ensure your mayonnaise and sauces do not contain gluten.
3. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem! You can cook the salmon bites in the oven, and they will turn out deliciously crispy as well.
Enjoy making and sharing these delightful Bang Bang Salmon Bites!
Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites
- 1 lb fresh salmon (skinless and cut into bite-sized cubes) Ensure salmon is fresh for best flavor.
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- 1 tbsp olive oil or spray for crisping
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise For a lighter version, use yogurt instead.
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha Adjust according to spice preference.
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
For Assembly
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 whole avocado (sliced)
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- to taste fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the salmon cubes in the spice mix until evenly coated.
- Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Dip each piece of seasoned salmon into the breadcrumbs until well coated. Optionally, spray lightly with olive oil for extra crispiness.
Cooking
- Arrange the salmon bites on a lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Bake in the oven for about 12-15 minutes or air fry for about 8-10 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and crispy.
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice until smooth.
Assembly
- In a bowl, start with a base of cooked jasmine rice or cauliflower rice. Top with shredded purple cabbage, salmon bites, avocado slices, shredded carrots, and green onions.
- Drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds.