Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are little pieces of tender salmon that get a crispy, crunchy coating and then get tossed in a spicy, creamy sauce that hits just the right balance between sweet and hot. These bites are a perfect mix of crispy texture and juicy salmon flavor that makes every bite exciting and delicious.
I love making these salmon bites when I want a snack or appetizer that feels special but isn’t complicated. The crispy outside is so satisfying, and that bang bang sauce has just enough kick to keep things interesting without overwhelming the salmon. I usually make extra sauce because I like to dip every bite in it!
These bites are great on their own or served with a side of fresh veggies or a simple salad for a light meal. I often serve them at parties, and they disappear so fast because everyone loves their crispy texture and flavorful sauce. Whenever I’m in the mood for something fun, easy, and tasty, this recipe always makes me happy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is best for tender, juicy bites. If you want a milder flavor, try using sockeye or king salmon. For a budget-friendly swap, farmed salmon works great too.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the bites their crispy crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes are good alternatives, though texture might be slightly different.
Bang Bang Sauce: The mix of mayo, sweet chili, sriracha, and lime juice balances creaminess with spice and tang. You can use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter sauce or adjust sriracha for your heat level.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This adds sweetness and a bit of tang. If you can’t find it, a mix of honey and a little hot sauce works well too.
How Do I Make the Salmon Bites Crispy Without Overcooking the Fish?
Getting the perfect crispy coating without drying out the salmon is key. Here’s what I do:
- Pat the salmon dry before coating to help the breading stick better and crisp up nicely.
- Use medium-high heat so the breadcrumbs brown quickly but the salmon cooks through gently.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — give each bite room to crisp on all sides.
- Fry in batches if needed and transfer to paper towels to remove excess oil quickly.
- Watch the cooking time closely, 2-3 minutes per side is usually enough for tender salmon with a golden crust.
These tips always help me get that crunchy outside with moist, flavorful salmon inside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Nonstick skillet – perfect for frying salmon bites evenly without sticking or burning.
- Mixing bowls – lets you set up separate stations for flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs easily.
- Tongs or slotted spoon – helps you flip the bites gently and drain excess oil.
- Paper towels – great for soaking up extra oil after frying to keep bites crispy.
- Whisk – makes mixing the bang bang sauce smooth and quick.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try shrimp or cod cubes instead of salmon for a different seafood twist.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the panko for extra flavor.
- Mix chopped fresh cilantro or basil into the bang bang sauce for a fresh herbal note.
- Add crunchy diced cucumber or shredded carrot on the side to add crisp texture balance.
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced, for garnish
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tsp sriracha sauce (adjust for desired spiciness)
- 1 tsp honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tsp lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This entire recipe will take about 25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend 10-15 minutes prepping and coating the salmon bites, another 8-10 minutes frying them until crispy, and just a few minutes mixing up the bang bang sauce. It’s a quick and tasty appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon Bites:
Pat your salmon cubes dry with paper towels to help the coating stick. Lightly season them with salt and pepper for flavor.
2. Set Up Your Coating Stations:
Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in a second, and panko breadcrumbs in a third. This makes it easy to coat each bite perfectly.
3. Coat the Salmon:
First, roll each salmon cube in the flour and shake off extra. Dip it into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
4. Cook the Salmon Bites:
Heat the vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the salmon bites in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey if using, and lime juice. Stir until well combined and creamy.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Arrange your crispy salmon bites on a plate. Drizzle with the bang bang sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh touch.
7. Enjoy!
Serve these bites right away to enjoy their crispy texture and delicious bang bang flavor. They make a perfect appetizer or snack that everyone will love!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes! Just thaw the salmon completely in the fridge and pat it dry before coating to ensure crispy bites.
How Should I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to keep them crispy.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Salmon Bites?
Definitely! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, for a healthier crisp.
How Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Less Spicy?
Simply reduce the sriracha or omit it entirely. You can also add a little extra honey or mayo to mellow the heat.
