Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are little pockets of crispy, golden salmon goodness with a creamy, spicy sauce that has just the right kick. The salmon is perfectly crunchy on the outside while staying tender and flaky inside, making each bite super satisfying. The bang bang sauce, with its creamy texture and a touch of heat, ties everything together beautifully.
I love making these salmon bites when I want something quick but special. They’re great for snack time or even as a fun appetizer when friends come over. What I find really fun is that they’re easy to pop into your mouth and just keep the flavor explosion going with every bite. I usually double the batch because everyone in my house ends up coming back for more!
To serve, I like plating them on a bed of fresh greens or alongside some steamed veggies for a simple meal. You can also toss some extra sauce on the side for dipping if you like things saucier. Honestly, these salmon bites bring a little excitement to any table, and they’re a great way to enjoy salmon in a crispy, playful way that’s far from ordinary.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets work best for texture and flavor. If you want a milder taste, try using cod or tilapia. Just be mindful the texture will be different.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These create a lighter, crispier crust than regular breadcrumbs. If unavailable, crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers can be a fun substitute.
Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bind the bites. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative.
Bang Bang Sauce: The combo of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha brings creamy heat. Adjust sriracha to suit your spice tolerance or swap with hot sauce you prefer.
How Do You Get the Salmon Bites Crispy Without Falling Apart?
The key is gently mixing and cooking just right. Follow these tips:
- Mix ingredients carefully so the salmon stays chunky but binds well.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for crispiness and as a binder.
- Form uniform bite-sized pieces to cook evenly.
- Heat oil over medium heat — too hot burns outside, too low makes them soggy.
- Fry without crowding the pan and flip carefully to keep bites intact.
- Drain on paper towels right after frying to keep crisp texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Nonstick skillet – perfect for frying the salmon bites evenly without sticking.
- Mixing bowl – large enough to combine all ingredients gently and evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the sauce and seasonings just right.
- Spatula or tongs – helps flip the bites gently without breaking them.
- Paper towels – for draining excess oil to keep the bites crispy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap salmon for cooked shrimp chunks for a tasty seafood twist that cooks quickly.
- Add finely chopped jalapeños in the mix for an extra spicy kick inside the bites.
- Mix in some grated cheddar or pepper jack cheese to add gooey richness.
- Stir in chopped green onions or cilantro for fresh herbal notes that brighten flavors.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into medium cubes
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
For The Bang Bang Sauce:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to your preferred spiciness)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar (optional, for a bit of tang)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep the ingredients and mix the salmon bites, plus 10 minutes to cook them. Making the sauce takes just a few minutes. So in total, plan for about 20 to 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect when you want a fast, tasty snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Salmon Bites:
In a large bowl, gently combine the cubed salmon, panko breadcrumbs, flour, egg, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and chopped chives. Mix carefully so everything is evenly coated but the salmon pieces stay nice and chunky.
2. Form and Cook the Bites:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Shape the salmon mixture into bite-sized cubes or nuggets using your hands or a small scoop to keep sizes similar. Place them carefully into the hot oil, spacing them out. Fry each side for 3 to 4 minutes until the bites are golden brown and crispy. Flip gently to keep them intact.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While your salmon bites cook, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust the sriracha to your heat preference.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Drain the cooked salmon bites on paper towels to remove excess oil. Place them on a plate, drizzle with a generous helping of bang bang sauce, and sprinkle with extra chopped chives. Serve immediately with more sauce on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your crispy, spicy, and creamy Bang Bang Salmon Bites — a delicious snack that’s full of flavor!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight and pat it dry before preparing to avoid extra moisture that can affect the crispiness.
How Can I Make These Salmon Bites Gluten-Free?
Swap the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for a safe and tasty alternative.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftover Salmon Bites?
To keep them crispy, reheat in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes, flipping gently. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
