Can I use frozen salmon instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen salmon works well for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry with paper towels before seasoning. Removing excess moisture ensures the salmon crisps up nicely during cooking.

What’s the best cooking method for a crispy texture?

Pan-searing gives the crispiest results with that golden brown crust. Air frying is a close second and is a healthier, hands-off option. Baking works well too, especially for larger batches.

How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F. It should be slightly opaque in the center and golden on the outside.

Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a quick stir before using.

Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Name: Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 pound salmon fillets, skin removed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce; 1 teaspoon sriracha; 1 teaspoon honey; ½ teaspoon lime juice

Description

These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce. This quick and healthy dinner is ideal for busy weeknights or a fun appetizer that feels restaurant-worthy but is incredibly easy to make at home.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound salmon fillets, skin removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
1 teaspoon sriracha
1 teaspoon honey
½ teaspoon lime juice

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Instructions

Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and cut it into 1-inch bite-sized cubes. This helps remove excess moisture so the salmon can get crispy during cooking.
Season the Salmon: Place the salmon pieces in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle over the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat every piece evenly.
Cook the Salmon: For pan-searing, heat a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon pieces in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and arrange the salmon pieces with space between them. Bake for 10–12 minutes until crispy and flaky. For air frying, cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Make the Sauce: While the salmon is cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl. Taste and adjust by adding more honey for sweetness or sriracha for extra heat.
Assemble the Dish: Once the salmon is fully cooked, you can either drizzle the bang bang sauce over the top or gently toss the salmon in the sauce for full coating. Garnish with chopped chives, sesame seeds, or herbs for a fresh finishing touch.

Notes

You can substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter sauce. Make sure not to crowd your cooking surface; crisping requires space. The sauce is versatile—great for dipping or drizzling over rice or salads. For added crunch, toss the salmon in panko before pan-searing or baking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan-sear, Bake, or Air Fry
Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup salmon bites
Calories: 280
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 520 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 24 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg