If you’re craving something wildly flavorful, irresistibly crunchy, and just a little bit addictive, these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are about to become your new obsession. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a simple weeknight dinner, they’re bite-sized nuggets of tender salmon, cooked to golden perfection and tossed in the zingiest, creamy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. Every bite is a perfect harmony of spicy, savory, and tangy notes that’ll keep everyone reaching for more. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, these bites pack big flavor into every mouthful—and they come together easier than you might think!

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites so special is the way simple, everyday ingredients work together to create such a bold experience. Each one pulls its weight, from the richness of salmon to the sizzle of the spices and the magical sauce. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some friendly tips from my kitchen to yours:

Salmon Fillets: Choose fresh, skinless salmon for the best flavor and texture in your bites.
Olive Oil: A drizzle helps the seasonings stick and gives the salmon a crisp edge when pan-seared.
Garlic Powder: Brings a mellow garlicky depth that’s essential for savoriness.
Onion Powder: Adds subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Smoked Paprika: Gives a gentle smoky hint and a gorgeous color to your bites.
Salt: Balances and sharpens all the flavors—don’t skip this!
Black Pepper: Freshly ground brings a touch of heat and complexity to the dish.
Cayenne Pepper (optional): If you love an extra kick, a little cayenne goes a long way, but you can leave it out for a milder taste.
Mayonnaise: The smooth, creamy base for your iconic Bang Bang sauce.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Provides the perfect balance of sweet and tangy with a bit of heat.
Sriracha Sauce: Adjust to dial up the heat—or go easy if serving spice-shy folks!
Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness that mellows spicy notes in the sauce.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed for the brightest, zestiest pop of acidity.
Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (optional): Chopped as a garnish for a burst of freshness and color.
Green Onions (optional): Thinly sliced—these add crunch and a gentle bite as a finishing touch.
Sesame Seeds (optional): For extra crunch and a pretty visual flair.

How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

First things first: it’s all about the salmon! Start by patting your fillets completely dry with paper towels—this is the secret to getting that signature crisp texture. Remove the skin, if needed, and cut the salmon into bite-sized cubes, about one inch each. In a large bowl, drizzle the cubes with olive oil, then sprinkle over the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne if you’re feeling adventurous. Gently toss so every piece gets coated in this tempting spice mix.

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

Now, let’s whip up the iconic sauce! In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and fresh lime juice until you have a silky, creamy dressing. Taste—and adjust to your liking: a smidge more sriracha for fire, or honey for more sweetness. Set aside (but try not to eat it all with a spoon while you wait).

Step 3: Cook the Salmon

Time to bring on the crisp! Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high and add just a touch of olive oil to coat the bottom. Once the pan is hot, arrange your salmon pieces in a single layer—don’t crowd them, or you’ll end up steaming instead of searing. Work in batches if needed. Sear the salmon for 2 to 3 minutes per side, gently turning so all sides become golden and crunchy, while the insides stay perfectly tender and flaky. When done, transfer the cooked salmon bites to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any extra oil.

Step 4: Coat in Bang Bang Sauce

Ready for some sauce action? You have options here, depending on your vibe. For a pretty drizzle, arrange the salmon bites on a serving platter and sweep the sauce artistically over the top. Prefer every bite coated? Toss the bites in a large bowl, pour over the sauce, and gently toss until each piece gets a glossy, flavorful coat. Either way, you just transformed plain salmon into Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites magic.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

To finish, give your salmon bites a confetti of freshness: scatter on chopped parsley or cilantro, spoon over some sliced green onions, and (for bonus crunch) sprinkle a few sesame seeds. Serve right away—these are at their peak when the outside is still shatteringly crisp and the inside is melt-in-your-mouth tender.

How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Garnishes

A good garnish does more than look pretty—it adds flavor, color, and crunch. For Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites, I love showering them with a generous handful of fresh parsley or bright cilantro, alongside sliced green onions for zing and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a subtle, nutty finish. Not only do these make each bite visually stunning, but they bring delightful texture and herby freshness every time you dig in.

Side Dishes

Wondering what pairs well with that spicy-sweet punch? Set these bites alongside fluffy steamed jasmine rice, simple coconut rice, or a lively cucumber salad for something cooling and crunchy. They’re also fabulous with slaw or tucked into soft lettuce cups for an easy handheld option—perfect for sharing at parties or piling onto a weeknight plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Get a little playful if you’re serving guests! Skewer each bite with a toothpick to make easy party apps, or stack them atop mini rice cakes as canapés. For meal prep, arrange the bites on a vibrant grain bowl with greens, avocado, and extra sauce on the side. However you serve it, these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are guaranteed to be the star of the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have extras, stash the salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to two days, but are best enjoyed within 24 hours for peak crunch and flavor. Store the sauce separately to prevent the bites from losing their crispness.

Freezing

While these are at their best fresh, you can freeze cooled, unsauced salmon bites if needed. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their quality for up to a month, just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

When you’re ready to bring leftovers back to life, pop the salmon bites into a hot skillet or oven (400°F for about 5–8 minutes) until warmed through and crisped up again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make them a bit soggy. Add the Bang Bang sauce just before serving for that irresistible finish!

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites?

Yes! If using frozen salmon, just be sure to thaw it fully and pat it very dry with paper towels. This extra step is important to get those deliciously crispy edges when searing.

Is there a way to make these bites gluten-free?

Absolutely—double check that your Thai sweet chili sauce and sriracha are gluten-free (most are, but it’s good to confirm). Otherwise, the rest of the ingredient list is naturally gluten-free, making Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites a great option for all your friends.

Can I bake or air fry instead of pan-searing?

Definitely! For baking, arrange the seasoned salmon bites on a parchment-lined tray and bake at 425°F for about 10–12 minutes, then broil briefly to crisp up. In the air fryer, a single layer at 400°F for 6–8 minutes works wonders—just don’t overcrowd.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the sauce?

If you’re avoiding mayo, try using plain Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative for a tangier, lighter sauce. You’ll still get all the signature Bang Bang flavor, with a slightly different (but equally delicious) texture.

How spicy are Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites?

The beauty is you’re in control! As written, they have a gentle heat from sriracha and optional cayenne, but you can easily tweak it. For more fire, add extra sriracha or cayenne; for mild bites, dial them back or skip altogether. Taste as you go to find your perfect level.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites—the bold contrast of crispy exterior and tender fish inside, the addictive sauce, and the fun, sharable size. Give them a try the next time you want to wow a crowd or enjoy a no-fuss dinner with tons of flavor. I can’t wait to hear how you serve yours!

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a delightful combination of tender salmon pieces coated in a flavorful seasoning, crisped to perfection, and then tossed in a creamy and spicy Bang Bang sauce. They make for a delicious appetizer or main dish that is sure to impress your guests.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Salmon – Pat dry salmon fillets, remove skin, cut into cubes. Season with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce – Combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Adjust for taste.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon – Sear seasoned salmon pieces in a hot skillet until crispy.
Step 4: Coat in Bang Bang Sauce – Drizzle or toss salmon bites in prepared Bang Bang sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve – Garnish with parsley, green onions, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Main Course
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: Asian