Description

These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a quick and flavorful weeknight meal that features tender salmon cubes coated in a spicy, sweet, and tangy Bang Bang sauce. You can choose your preferred cooking method: pan-searing, baking, or air-frying, making it a versatile and easy recipe that delivers a crispy exterior and juicy interior every time. Garnished with fresh herbs and lime wedges, this dish is perfect for a speedy dinner or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon and Seasoning

1 pound Salmon Fillets (skin removed and cut into cubes)
2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or any neutral oil)
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (or fresh garlic)
1 teaspoon Onion Powder (optional)
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (or regular paprika)
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional for less heat)

Bang Bang Sauce

1/2 cup Mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
1/4 cup Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to spice preference)
1 tablespoon Honey
1 tablespoon Lime Juice (fresh is best)

Garnish and Serving

2 tablespoons Chopped Parsley (or Green Onions, or Sesame Seeds)
1 lime Lime Wedges (optional but recommended)

Instructions

Preparation: Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispy texture when cooking.
Seasoning: Toss the salmon cubes in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder (if using), smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (optional) until evenly coated.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and fresh lime juice until smooth and creamy.
Choose Cooking Method: Decide whether to pan-sear, bake, or air-fry the salmon bites based on your preference or available equipment.
Pan-Searing: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon cubes in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a golden, crispy exterior and are cooked through.
Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned salmon cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 10-12 minutes, until cooked through and slightly crispy on the edges.
Air-Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the salmon cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and cook for 8-10 minutes until crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.
Coating: Once cooked, either drizzle the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the salmon bites or toss the bites gently in the sauce to coat them evenly.
Garnishing and Serving: Sprinkle the salmon bites with chopped parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds as garnish. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an added bright citrus flavor.

Notes

You can swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
Adjust the amount of sriracha and cayenne to control spice levels.
Ensure salmon is cut into uniform-sized cubes for even cooking.
Use fresh lime juice for the best tanginess in the sauce.
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of salmon cubes and chosen method.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Searing
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Crispy salmon bites, Bang Bang sauce, quick weeknight dinner, air fryer salmon, baked salmon, pan-seared salmon, spicy salmon bites