Name: Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 pound salmon fillets, skin removed.; 1 tablespoon olive oil.; ½ teaspoon garlic powder.; ½ teaspoon onion powder.; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika.; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional).; Salt and black pepper to taste.; ¼ cup mayonnaise.; 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce.; 1 teaspoon sriracha.; 1 teaspoon honey.; ½ teaspoon lime juice.

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dish that’s as easy to whip up as it is delicious, look no further than Bang Bang Salmon Bites. These crispy, succulent cubes of salmon are quickly cooked and tossed in a creamy, sweet-spicy bang bang sauce that will have you reaching for seconds. With a perfect balance of texture and bold flavor, this dish brings the fun of Asian fusion right into your own kitchen—ideal for sharing with friends, family, or enjoying as a solo treat!

Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a handful of simple ingredients can transform into such a memorable meal. Each component in Bang Bang Salmon Bites serves a purpose, delivering vibrant flavor, color, and a crave-worthy crunch that’ll make this dish your new weekly favorite.

Salmon fillets (1 pound, skin removed): Choose fresh, firm salmon for the best results—it cooks up juicy and holds its shape beautifully in bite-sized pieces.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the seasoning stick and gives the salmon a slightly crisp, golden exterior; avocado oil also works well.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a deep, savory backbone to every bite.
Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Boosts umami and perfectly complements the garlic flavor.
Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Provides beautiful reddish color and a subtle smoky note.
Cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon, optional): Kicks things up a notch for those who love their Bang Bang Salmon Bites with extra heat.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing all those lush flavors.
Mayonnaise (¼ cup): The creamy base of your bang bang sauce; use a good quality mayo for best flavor.
Thai sweet chili sauce (2 tablespoons): Lends sweetness, tang, and a little spicy sparkle to the sauce.
Sriracha (1 teaspoon): Adds vibrant heat and a hint of garlic complexity.
Honey (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the spice with a touch of natural sweetness; maple syrup can work in a pinch.
Lime juice (½ teaspoon): Brightens everything up while cutting through the richness.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Step 1: Prep and Season the Salmon

Cut your salmon into even, 1-inch cubes—think hearty, two-bite pieces perfect for picking up with a fork or spearing with a toothpick. Drizzle the cubes with olive oil and toss them in a bowl with the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece gets a generous coat of this flavorful blend. This step lays the foundation for those crispy, craveable Bang Bang Salmon Bites.

Step 2: Choose Your Cooking Method

Bring on the sizzle! You’ve got options: For stovetop, heat a large skillet over medium-high and add your salmon cubes. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until golden with a bit of crisp. If you prefer oven-baked, spread the salmon on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway for even color. Craving ultra-crisp? Pop the cubes into your air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking them halfway through. No matter which route you pick, you’ll end up with beautifully tender salmon bites.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Bang Bang Sauce

While the salmon cooks, grab a small bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. The result is a creamy, silky sauce that’s equal parts tangy, sweet, and spicy—the signature of truly irresistible Bang Bang Salmon Bites!

Step 4: Sauce and Toss

When your salmon is hot and ready, let it cool for just a minute. Then, gently toss the bites in your bang bang sauce or artfully drizzle the sauce over the top if you’re after a showy presentation. Every cube should catch a glossy coat of sauce, making each bite pop with flavor and color.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer your Bang Bang Salmon Bites to a serving platter and bring them to life with your favorite garnishes. Sprinkle them with sliced scallions, sesame seeds, or a scatter of fresh cilantro for big visual and flavor impact. Now all that’s left is to dig in and enjoy!

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Garnishes

Garnishing is your chance to go big on flavor and aesthetic! Try scattering thinly sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or even a handful of fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of color and freshness. A little extra lime zest over the top can take your Bang Bang Salmon Bites from everyday to extraordinary in seconds.

Side Dishes

These salmon bites pair fabulously with fluffy jasmine rice, crisp slaw, or even roasted veggies. For lighter fare, nestle them atop a crisp salad with cucumber, radish, and a zesty vinaigrette. In an Asian fusion feast, you can go all out with sticky rice, bao buns, or blistered shishito peppers on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Bang Bang Salmon Bites shine whether you pile them into lettuce wraps, serve them skewered for a playful appetizer, or layer them in a rice bowl. For parties, arrange them toothpick-style on a big platter with extra drizzles of sauce and plenty of colorful toppings. For a casual family dinner, spoon them onto a bed of grains or tuck them into tortillas for bold, flavor-packed tacos.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Bang Bang Salmon Bites (lucky you!), simply let them cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days, though they’re best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispness and flavor.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked salmon cubes, the texture of Bang Bang Salmon Bites is at its best when freshly made. If you must freeze, skip the sauce and freeze just the cooked salmon bites in a single layer on a tray before transferring them to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before saucing and serving.

Reheating

To recapture a bit of that original crisp, reheat refrigerated (or thawed) salmon bites in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 6-8 minutes until warmed through. Try to add the bang bang sauce at the last minute—this keeps the bites from getting soggy and ensures maximum flavor punch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for Bang Bang Salmon Bites?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before dicing and seasoning. Excess moisture can prevent that signature crispiness, so drying the salmon is key.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the sauce?

Yes, since traditional mayonnaise is naturally dairy-free, you’re in the clear! Just double-check the labels, or use a vegan mayo to keep things plant-based if that’s your preference.

How spicy are Bang Bang Salmon Bites?

The heat is totally up to you! Using just a bit of sriracha and skipping the cayenne will keep things mild, but amp both up for a spicier kick. Taste and adjust as you go for your perfect spice level.

Can I make Bang Bang Salmon Bites ahead of time?

You can cook the salmon and mix the sauce ahead, but for best results, wait to toss them together until right before serving. This keeps the salmon bites crispy and the flavors fresh.

What other proteins work with the bang bang sauce?

This addictive sauce is delicious on shrimp, chicken, tofu, or roasted cauliflower. You can swap in almost any protein and follow these same steps for a dynamite bang bang twist.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a touch of excitement and fusion flavor to your dinner rotation, Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the way to go. They’re quick, bold, and brimming with personality—just the thing to impress guests or treat yourself to something fun. Give them a try and watch these punchy little bites become a new favorite in your kitchen!

Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe