Description
These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are crispy, juicy salmon cubes baked to perfection and tossed in a spicy-sweet, creamy Bang Bang sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re a healthier, easy alternative to takeout and perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound skinless salmon fillets, cut into 1-inch cubes (fresh or previously frozen and thawed)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (use gluten-free blend if needed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (for drizzling or spraying)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (avocado oil mayo recommended for lighter taste)
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Juice of 1/2 lime (about 1 tablespoon)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch cubes.
- In a bowl, toss the salmon cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat each salmon cube in flour (shake off excess), dip into egg, then roll in panko. Place coated pieces on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- Lightly drizzle or spray the salmon bites with olive oil or avocado oil.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the salmon is crisp outside and just cooked through. (For air fryer: cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking once.)
- While the salmon bakes, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and creamy. Adjust heat or sweetness to taste.
- Let salmon bites cool for 1-2 minutes. Toss gently with Bang Bang sauce in a large bowl or drizzle sauce over the bites on a platter.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or extra lime wedges if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
For extra crunch, double-dredge the salmon by dipping back in egg and panko. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet for best crispiness. The Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 5 days ahead. For gluten-free, use GF flour and panko. For a vegetarian version, substitute firm tofu for salmon. Adjust sriracha for desired spice level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of the recipe (approximately 4 oz salmon per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 17
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 27
Keywords: bang bang salmon, salmon bites, crispy salmon, baked salmon, easy dinner, weeknight meal, healthy salmon, spicy salmon, Asian salmon, seafood recipe