These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a bold, flavorful dish that combines perfectly crispy salmon with a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce. Paired with vibrant veggies and served over a bed of jasmine rice or cauliflower rice, this dish offers a satisfying crunch, savory spice, and a little sweetness—all in one delicious bite. Whether you’re baking or air-frying, these salmon bites are sure to become a weeknight favorite!

Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bang Bang Salmon Bites bring a perfect balance of crispy texture, rich flavor, and a creamy, spicy sauce. The crispy salmon pieces are coated in a golden layer of panko breadcrumbs, making them irresistibly crunchy on the outside, while staying tender and juicy on the inside. Drizzled with the sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce, these bites are packed with flavor. Served in bowls with fresh veggies like shredded cabbage, carrots, and avocado, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious. It’s an easy and quick meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week!

Ingredients

For the Salmon Bites

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

For the Bang Bang Sauce

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to spice level)
1 tsp honey (optional)
Juice of ½ lime

For the Bowls

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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat Oven or Air Fryer:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
Season the Salmon:
In a bowl, toss the salmon cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Coat in Breadcrumbs:
Gently press each salmon piece into the panko breadcrumbs until well-coated. Lightly spray with olive oil for crisping.
Bake or Air-Fry:
- Oven: Place the salmon on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake for 12–14 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Air Fryer: Cook in batches at 390°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey until smooth and combined.
Assemble the Bowls:
Start with a base of cooked rice (or cauliflower rice). Add shredded cabbage, sliced avocado, shredded carrots, and the crispy salmon bites. Drizzle generously with Bang Bang sauce and garnish with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 bowls
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

Variations

Low-Carb Version: Substitute jasmine rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb option.
Extra Spice: Add more sriracha or a dash of cayenne pepper to the Bang Bang sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the salmon with crispy tofu cubes for a plant-based alternative that still delivers a satisfying crunch.
Grilled Vegetables: Add grilled vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a smoky, charred flavor that complements the dish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover salmon bites and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat the salmon bites in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to regain crispiness. The sauce can be gently reheated on the stove or in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I make these salmon bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salmon bites and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking or air-frying. Just cook them fresh for the best texture.

2. How do I make this recipe spicier?

Increase the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce or add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the salmon bites for more heat.

3. Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely before cutting it into cubes and following the recipe instructions.

4. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make the salmon bites gluten-free. Ensure the sweet chili sauce and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

5. Can I air-fry the salmon without breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can skip the breadcrumbs for a lighter option, but they do help create a crispy texture. You can coat the salmon in a light layer of olive oil instead.

6. What other sauces can I use for the salmon bites?

You can try using a garlic butter sauce, a teriyaki glaze, or a spicy mayo sauce for different flavor profiles. Each will bring its own unique twist to the dish.

7. Can I use another type of fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other firm fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia in place of salmon. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish.

8. Can I use regular rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, you can use any rice of your choice, such as brown rice, white rice, or quinoa. Jasmine rice, however, adds a subtle floral aroma that pairs beautifully with the salmon.

9. Can I use a different type of vegetable in the bowls?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as cucumbers, radishes, or leafy greens like spinach or arugula.

10. How can I make this dish more filling?

Add additional vegetables or serve the salmon bites with a larger portion of rice, or even a side of roasted potatoes to make it a heartier meal.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls are a deliciously crunchy and flavorful dish that combines fresh, crispy salmon with creamy sauce and vibrant veggies. Perfect for any night of the week, this dish is a fun twist on your typical dinner bowl, offering a balance of textures and bold flavors. With easy preparation and tons of customization options, these bowls are sure to become a go-to in your recipe collection!

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