If you’re a fan of crispy textures and bold flavors, let me introduce you to a game-changer: Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites. I came up with this dish after craving something crispy, spicy, and slightly sweet — without spending hours in the kitchen. Think popcorn chicken meets salmon sashimi meets your favorite spicy sushi roll — and you’ve got these irresistible bites.
The salmon gets perfectly golden and crispy on the outside, tender inside, and then it’s tossed (or dipped) in a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce that will make you reach for seconds… and thirds. Whether you’re serving these for dinner, as a party app, or stuffing them in tacos, they’re guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Quick & Easy: From fridge to table in under 30 minutes.
- Crispy & Creamy: The perfect texture contrast.
- Packed with Flavor: Spicy, tangy, sweet, and savory.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 1/2 lbs skinless salmon, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp lemon juice)
- 3/4 cup cornstarch (or all-purpose flour for a thicker crust)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable, avocado, or canola)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Optional: Juice of half a lime for tang
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels. Place in a bowl and toss with buttermilk. Let sit for 5–10 minutes while you prep the coating and sauce.
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness as needed. Set aside.
Step 3: Coat the Salmon
In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove salmon pieces from the buttermilk and dredge in the dry mixture, pressing to coat well.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the salmon bites in batches, turning occasionally, until crispy and golden (about 2–3 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Sauce It Up
You can either toss the crispy salmon bites in the Bang Bang sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping — totally your call!
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
- As a main: With jasmine rice or quinoa and steamed veggies.
- As an appetizer: Pile them high on a platter with toothpicks.
- In tacos: Top with slaw and avocado for epic Bang Bang fish tacos.
- In bowls: Add to a rice or noodle bowl with cucumber, edamame, and carrots.
Tips for Extra Crispy Salmon
- Dry thoroughly before coating to avoid soggy bites.
- Don’t crowd the pan while frying — work in batches.
- Use cornstarch for a lighter, crisper crust than flour.
- Serve immediately for max crunch!
Variations to Try
- Air Fryer Version: Spray coated salmon with oil and air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Gluten-Free: Use certified GF cornstarch and check your sauces.
- Low Carb: Swap cornstarch for almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
Make Ahead & Storage
- Make Ahead: Coat the salmon and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before frying.
- Storage: Store leftovers (unsauced) in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Frying, Stovetop (Air Fryer Optional)
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American
Description
Try these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites—perfectly golden, spicy-sweet, and totally addictive. A fun twist on a quick and tasty dinner!
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 1/2 lbs skinless salmon, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp lemon juice)
- 3/4 cup cornstarch (or all-purpose flour for a thicker crust)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable, avocado, or canola)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Optional: Juice of half a lime for tang
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
- Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels. Place in a bowl and toss with buttermilk. Let sit for 5–10 minutes while you prep the coating and sauce.
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness as needed. Set aside.
Step 3: Coat the Salmon
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove salmon pieces from the buttermilk and dredge in the dry mixture, pressing to coat well.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
- Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the salmon bites in batches, turning occasionally, until crispy and golden (about 2–3 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Sauce It Up
- You can either toss the crispy salmon bites in the Bang Bang sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping — totally your call!
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
- As a main: With jasmine rice or quinoa and steamed veggies.
- As an appetizer: Pile them high on a platter with toothpicks.
- In tacos: Top with slaw and avocado for epic Bang Bang fish tacos.
- In bowls: Add to a rice or noodle bowl with cucumber, edamame, and carrots.
Keywords: bang bang salmon, salmon bites, crispy salmon, bang bang sauce, salmon appetizer, air fryer salmon, easy fish recipe, fried salmon bites, seafood appetizer, spicy salmon recipe
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat very dry to remove excess moisture before coating and frying.
2. What’s the best oil for frying?
Neutral oils with high smoke points like canola, avocado, or vegetable oil work best.
3. Is there a healthier way to cook this?
Absolutely — use an air fryer or bake them in the oven. Brush or spray with oil and bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes.
4. Can I use another fish?
Yes, cod, tilapia, or even shrimp work great. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
5. Can I double the sauce?
Yes, and honestly… I recommend it! It also works great as a drizzle for bowls or dipping for fries and veggies.
