Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a delicious, bite-sized version of the popular Bang Bang shrimp, featuring tender, crispy salmon coated in a creamy, spicy sauce. These crispy salmon pieces are perfect for appetizers, snacks, or as a fun entrée, and the creamy, tangy sauce gives them a delightful kick that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a meal at home, or simply craving something flavorful, these salmon bites are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the perfect balance of crunchy, savory, and spicy. The salmon is tender and juicy on the inside, while the crispy coating provides a satisfying crunch. The creamy sauce is slightly spicy, tangy, and rich, adding layers of flavor that elevate the salmon to new heights. These bites are quick and easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and preparation time. They’re versatile enough to serve as a snack, appetizer, or even as part of a main course. With just the right amount of heat and flavor, these salmon bites are sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Ingredients

1 lb salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2-3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to your preferred spice level)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

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

Directions

Prepare the salmon: Cut the salmon fillets into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches each. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Make the batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, pour the buttermilk (or regular milk).
Coat the salmon: Dip each piece of salmon into the buttermilk, then dredge it in the flour-cornstarch mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Repeat until all the salmon pieces are coated.
Fry the salmon: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated salmon pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, transfer the salmon bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Make the Bang Bang sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the level of spice by adding more sriracha if desired.
Coat the salmon: Once the salmon bites are fried and crispy, toss them gently in the prepared Bang Bang sauce until they’re evenly coated. Be careful not to break the salmon pieces.
Serve: Transfer the sauced salmon bites to a serving dish and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Oven-Baked Salmon Bites: For a healthier version, bake the salmon bites at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Spicy Bang Bang Sauce: Increase the amount of sriracha sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to make the sauce spicier.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
Different Protein: Substitute the salmon with other proteins like shrimp or chicken for a variation on the classic Bang Bang Bites.

Storage/Reheating

These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are best served fresh, as they retain their crispy texture when freshly fried. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it may make the salmon bites soggy.

Bang Bang Salmon Bites

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

2. Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes! You can use other types of fish, such as cod or tilapia, for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish pieces.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?

While it’s best to serve them fresh, you can prepare the sauce and batter in advance. You can also bread the salmon ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to fry.

4. Can I make these without frying?

Yes, you can bake the salmon bites instead of frying them. Simply bake the coated salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy.

5. How do I adjust the spice level?

To make the sauce less spicy, reduce the amount of sriracha or use a mild chili sauce instead of the sweet chili sauce. For a spicier version, increase the amount of sriracha or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

6. Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of light mayonnaise?

Yes, you can use regular mayonnaise if you prefer a richer flavor. The sauce will still taste delicious either way.

7. How can I make these even crunchier?

For extra crunch, you can coat the salmon in panko breadcrumbs after dredging it in the flour mixture before frying.

8. Can I freeze these salmon bites?

You can freeze the cooked salmon bites before tossing them in the sauce. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, then toss in the sauce.

9. Can I make these without the sauce?

Yes, the salmon bites are still delicious without the sauce. You can serve them with a side of dipping sauce or drizzle some lemon juice for extra freshness.

10. Can I add vegetables to the recipe?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or even zucchini to the batter and fry them alongside the salmon bites for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a delicious and fun way to enjoy crispy salmon with a spicy, creamy sauce. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, they’re ideal for parties, snacks, or even as a main course. These bites are easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re making them for a crowd or enjoying them as a treat for yourself, these Bang Bang Salmon Bites will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection!