Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and drenched in a punchy Bang Bang sauce—these salmon bites are the kind of flavor-packed dish that instantly grabs attention. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to spice up a weeknight dinner, this recipe brings the heat, crunch, and creaminess all in one irresistible bite-sized format.
Ingredient Breakdown
Salmon is an ideal choice for searing thanks to its rich, buttery flesh and high oil content. When cut into small cubes, it cooks quickly and evenly, developing a gorgeous golden crust while staying moist at the center. It also holds seasoning beautifully, making it the perfect base for bold flavor pairings.
The spice mix—smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a touch of cayenne—builds a warm, layered foundation. The smoked paprika adds subtle depth, while the cayenne brings just enough fire to tickle your taste buds without overwhelming the dish.
At the heart of this recipe is the Bang Bang sauce. It’s creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy in equal measure. Thai sweet chili sauce offers the sweetness and light acidity, sriracha adds bold heat, and honey ties it all together with a glossy finish. A splash of lime juice brightens the entire mixture, cutting through the richness for perfect balance.
To finish, garnishes like green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh herbs add color, texture, and contrast. They’re not just decorative—each brings its own layer of complexity, from nuttiness to sharpness to herbaceous freshness.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
To start, pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This step is key—it helps the seasonings stick and ensures a crispy, golden sear. Slice the fillets into even 1-inch cubes, aiming for uniformity to guarantee even cooking.
Place the cubed salmon in a large bowl and toss gently with olive oil and your spice blend. Coat the pieces thoroughly without breaking their delicate shape.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until the sauce is smooth and glossy. Adjust the flavor to your liking—more sriracha if you want extra heat, or more honey if you’re leaning sweet. Set aside while you cook the salmon.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a light layer of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the salmon cubes in a single layer, spacing them apart. Avoid crowding the pan—overcrowding traps moisture and steams the fish rather than searing it. Sear each piece for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning carefully to brown all sides. You’re looking for a crisp, caramelized crust and tender, flaky centers.
Once cooked, transfer the salmon bites to a paper towel–lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
You can finish the dish in two ways. For a cleaner look, arrange the salmon bites on a platter and drizzle the Bang Bang sauce on top. For full coverage, toss the bites gently in a bowl with the sauce, making sure every piece is coated. Both methods deliver a delicious result—it just depends on your presentation style.
Garnish generously with sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a handful of chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately while everything is hot, crisp, and bursting with bold flavor.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Pat salmon dry for the crispiest sear:
Moisture is the enemy of browning. Dry salmon yields the best texture.
Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming:
Give each piece breathing room for even searing.
Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron for best results:
This prevents sticking and ensures a deep golden crust.
Taste and adjust the sauce based on spice preference:
Sriracha and honey levels can be fine-tuned to your liking.
Serve sauce on the side for dipping to preserve crispiness longer:
Especially great if preparing ahead or serving buffet-style.
Can I air-fry or bake the salmon bites instead of pan-searing?
Yes. Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes or air-fry at 390°F for 8–10 minutes.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the sauce?
Greek yogurt or sour cream makes a great tangy substitute.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How do I keep the salmon bites crispy if not serving immediately?
Place them on a wire rack in a warm oven (200°F) to stay crisp.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but fully thaw and pat dry before seasoning and searing.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Coconut rice or jasmine rice makes the perfect base, soaking up the extra Bang Bang sauce and adding a subtle sweetness. For a light and fresh contrast, a chilled cucumber salad or mango slaw works beautifully, balancing out the richness of the salmon.
For a fun presentation twist, serve the bites with crispy wonton chips or tucked into lettuce cups for a low-carb option. You can also turn the dish into a full meal by pairing it with garlic noodles or a quick stir-fried vegetable medley.
Creative Variations
Try swapping out the salmon for shrimp, chicken, or tofu to create different versions of the dish. Each protein takes on the sauce in a unique way but still delivers big flavor. If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, be sure to use tamari or gluten-free chili sauce.
You can add crushed peanuts or crispy garlic for texture, or fold the bites into tacos with cabbage slaw and lime crema. Another favorite is to turn them into rice bowls, noodle bowls, or lettuce wraps for a versatile meal that fits any occasion.
These crispy Bang Bang salmon bites are bold, crave-worthy, and perfect for entertaining or everyday meals. With their irresistible sauce and crunchy sear, they offer the kind of flavor that leaves no leftovers. Quick to make and endlessly adaptable, they’re bound to become a repeat favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites
1½ pounds salmon fillets (skin removed, cut into bite-sized cubes)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
For the Bang Bang Sauce
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Optional Garnish
Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Begin by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels—this step is essential for achieving a crispy sear. Remove any remaining skin and cut the fillets into uniform, 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
Place the cubed salmon into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you’re going for a spicy kick. Toss gently to ensure each piece is well coated with seasoning.
Step 2: Whisk the Bang Bang Sauce
In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Whisk until the sauce is silky and fully emulsified.
Taste and adjust as desired—add more sriracha for heat or a little extra honey for sweetness. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you cook the salmon.
Step 3: Sear the Salmon Bites
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking. Once the oil is shimmering, arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan—work in batches if necessary.
Sear each side of the salmon for about 2 to 3 minutes, gently turning to brown all sides. The exterior should develop a golden, crispy crust while the inside remains tender and flaky.
Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 4: You can serve the sauce two ways
Drizzle Method: Arrange the crispy salmon bites on a serving platter and drizzle the sauce over the top.
Tossing Method: Place the salmon in a clean bowl, pour the sauce over, and toss gently to coat every piece.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley, sliced green onions, or sesame seeds to add freshness, crunch, and color.
Serve immediately while the salmon is hot and crispy, paired with rice, noodles, or a fresh side salad for a complete dish bursting with bold, zesty flavor.
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites
- 1½ pounds salmon fillets skin removed, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for added heat
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
- Begin by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels—this step is essential for achieving a crispy sear. Remove any remaining skin and cut the fillets into uniform, 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
- Place the cubed salmon into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you’re going for a spicy kick. Toss gently to ensure each piece is well coated with seasoning.
Step 2: Whisk the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Whisk until the sauce is silky and fully emulsified.
- Taste and adjust as desired—add more sriracha for heat or a little extra honey for sweetness. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you cook the salmon.
Step 3: Sear the Salmon Bites
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking. Once the oil is shimmering, arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan—work in batches if necessary.
- Sear each side of the salmon for about 2 to 3 minutes, gently turning to brown all sides. The exterior should develop a golden, crispy crust while the inside remains tender and flaky.
- Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 4: You can serve the sauce two ways
- Drizzle Method: Arrange the crispy salmon bites on a serving platter and drizzle the sauce over the top.
- Tossing Method: Place the salmon in a clean bowl, pour the sauce over, and toss gently to coat every piece.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley, sliced green onions, or sesame seeds to add freshness, crunch, and color.
- Serve immediately while the salmon is hot and crispy, paired with rice, noodles, or a fresh side salad for a complete dish bursting with bold, zesty flavor.