Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that is equal parts succulent, savory, and downright irresistible, Bang Bang Salmon Bites might just become your new obsession. Each little salmon cube is roasted to golden perfection, tossed in creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, and ready to turn any night into a restaurant-worthy treat right from your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Bang Bang Salmon Bites is how the short and simple ingredient list guarantees huge flavor. Each component brings something special: luscious salmon, bold spices, and that luscious bang bang sauce—all coming together to create a colorful, crave-worthy plate.

• Salmon filet (2 lbs): Opt for fresh, skinless salmon if possible, but frozen (thawed) salmon works beautifully, too. Cutting it into bite-sized pieces ensures maximum crispiness and surface area for saucy goodness.
• Mayonnaise (2 tbsp for salmon, 3/4 cup for sauce): The base of both the salmon coating and the sauce, it keeps everything tender, rich, and craveable.
• Onion powder (1 tsp): Adds a mellow savoriness that enhances the salmon’s natural flavor.
• Garlic powder (1 tsp): Gives irresistible depth and warmth to the seasoning.
• Chili powder (1 tsp): For a gentle kick and a hint of earthy spice.
• Garlic paste (2 tsp): Gives a concentrated garlicky punch, ensuring even flavor throughout.
• Garlic salt & pepper: For seasoning the salmon bites perfectly—don’t skip!
• Thai sweet chili sauce (1/2 cup): This is the magic behind the sweet-heat tang in the bang bang sauce.
• Sriracha (1 tbsp, plus more if spicy is your thing): Brings life, color, and customizable heat to your sauce.
• Soy sauce (1 tbsp): Adds umami depth and a dash of saltiness to the sauce.
• Honey (1 tsp): Balances all the spicy and salty notes with a whisper of sweetness.
• Garlic (1 clove, grated or minced): Fresh garlic lifts the sauce with aromatic zing.

Variations

The beauty of Bang Bang Salmon Bites is how adaptable they are—don’t be afraid to get creative! You can easily swap ingredients, experiment with extra flavors, or tweak the heat level to make these bites your very own.

• Cajun Bang Bang Salmon Bites: Swap out some of the chili and garlic powder for Cajun seasoning to give the salmon a southern, smoky flair.
• Lighter version: Use Greek yogurt or light mayo in the coating and sauce for feel-good bites that are still unbelievably creamy.
• Extra spicy: Stir in a splash more sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to amp up the bang in your bang bang sauce.
• Gluten-free option: Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari—nothing else needs to change!
• Air fryer twist: Cook your salmon bites in the air fryer for an extra-crispy exterior without turning on the oven.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Step 1: Prep Salmon

Begin by making sure your salmon filet is completely thawed if it’s been frozen. Gently pat it dry with paper towels, then use a sharp knife to remove the skin by sliding the blade between the skin and the flesh—hold the skin taut for an easy glide. Remove any remaining stray bits with a quick trim.

Step 2: Slice into Bites

Cut the salmon into 1 to 1.5-inch chunks and transfer them into a large mixing bowl. Even-sized pieces ensure everything cooks evenly and you get that ideal balance of tenderness and crisp edges with every bite.

Step 3: Season and Coat

In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, and garlic paste. Sprinkle the salmon chunks with garlic salt and pepper, then pour the mayo-spice mixture over the salmon. Toss to coat every piece generously—this is what gives them their juicy texture and flavor-packed crust.

Step 4: Roast and Broil

Preheat the oven to 450°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup. Arrange the salmon bites in a single, well-spaced layer so they roast and crisp up beautifully. Roast for 10 minutes, then finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until deeply golden—stay close by, as broiling goes fast!

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the salmon bakes, whisk together 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 grated or minced garlic clove. Taste and adjust the heat (hello, extra sriracha!) to get your perfect bang bang flavor.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once the salmon bites are gorgeously golden, pull them from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with bang bang sauce, and toss to coat if you want every bite super saucy. Get ready to grab seconds!

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Garnishes

For a pop of color and fresh flavor, I love showering Bang Bang Salmon Bites with sliced green onions, a dusting of toasted sesame seeds, and a scatter of chopped cilantro. The herbs add freshness and the seeds give a pretty little crunch.

Side Dishes

These bites shine when served over fluffy jasmine rice or sticky sushi rice to soak up the sauce. Try them alongside an Asian-style slaw, garlicky sautéed green beans, or a cool cucumber salad for balance—it’s a weeknight feast in no time.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Bang Bang Salmon Bites into party-perfect finger food by skewering them on toothpicks or serving in lettuce cups with an extra drizzle of that sauce. They also make fabulous taco fillings or rice bowl toppers if you’re in the mood for a remix!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Bang Bang Salmon Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce stays luscious, and the flavor only deepens as it sits—hello, delicious lunch the next day!

Freezing

If you want to freeze extra salmon bites, skip the sauce and freeze the cooked bites in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and saucing up fresh before serving!

Reheating

For best results, reheat the salmon bites on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven until warmed through and crispy again (about 5-8 minutes). If using a microwave, cover loosely and heat in short bursts to avoid drying the salmon. Add fresh sauce to revive the bang bang magic!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to fall in love with Bang Bang Salmon Bites the way I have. They’re quick enough for a weeknight and dazzling enough for company—bright, bold, and brimming with flavor in every bite. Let me know how you serve yours, and don’t be surprised if this recipe becomes your newest repeat request!

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