Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a fun and tasty treat that combines crispy, golden salmon pieces with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. These bites are packed with flavor and have the perfect crunch on the outside while staying tender and juicy inside. The kick from the sauce makes every bite exciting without being too spicy.
I love making these salmon bites when I want a quick snack or appetizer that feels special but isn’t complicated. The crispy texture always surprises people, and the bang bang sauce adds just the right amount of creaminess and zing. I usually double the sauce because it’s so good for dipping or drizzling on extra bites.
These salmon bites are perfect served with a fresh side salad or simple steamed veggies for a light dinner. They’re also great for sharing at a party or gathering because everyone loves something crispy and flavorful. I’ve found that making the sauce ahead and letting the salmon chill for a bit helps the flavors really come together—makes the whole experience even better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillet should be firm and bright-colored for the best texture and taste. If salmon isn’t available, you can try using trout or cod, but the texture will vary.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives that wonderful crispy crunch. You can use regular breadcrumbs, but the texture will be less crunchy. For gluten-free, try crushed cornflakes or gluten-free panko.
Sriracha & Sweet Chili Sauce: These give the bang bang sauce its spicy and sweet kick. If you want less heat, reduce sriracha or swap with mild chili sauce. Use honey or sugar to balance out the spice.
Mayonnaise: This creamy base helps balance the spice in the sauce. You can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version; the sauce will be tangier but still tasty.
Chives: Fresh chopped chives add a mild onion flavor and nice color contrast. If you don’t have chives, green onions or parsley work well too.
How to Get the Salmon Bites Crispy Without Overcooking?
Salmon is delicate, so it’s key to get the outside crispy without drying out the inside.
- Pat salmon cubes thoroughly dry before seasoning. Moisture prevents crispiness.
- Use moderate heat (medium to medium-high) to brown the panko evenly but gently cook the salmon through.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this keeps the temperature steady and allows each bite to crisp properly.
- Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes, then flip carefully to avoid breaking the bites.
- Resting the bites for a couple minutes after cooking lets juices redistribute and keeps them tender.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Nonstick or cast-iron skillet – perfect for getting the salmon crispy without sticking.
- Three shallow bowls – for flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs; makes breading easy.
- Tongs or a slotted spatula – helps flip the salmon bites gently without breaking.
- Paper towels – for draining excess oil after frying to keep bites crisp.
- Small bowl and whisk – to mix the bang bang sauce smoothly and quickly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap salmon for firm tofu cubes for a vegetarian option with great texture.
- Add finely chopped garlic or ginger to the panko mix for an extra boost of flavor.
- Mix a little lime zest into the bang bang sauce for a fresh, bright twist.
- Top with sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for added crunch and nutty flavor.
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
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil) for frying
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives, for garnish
For The Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook, for a total of roughly 20 minutes. It’s quick enough for a snack or an appetizer when you want something tasty and crispy fast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
Whisk the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar together in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Taste it and add more sriracha if you like it spicier. Put it aside in the fridge while you prepare the salmon.
2. Prepare the Salmon Bites:
Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels to remove extra moisture. This helps make them crispy. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Set Up Your Breading Stations:
Put the flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs in a third. This setup makes it easy to coat each piece properly.
4. Bread the Salmon:
Dip each salmon cube first into the flour, shaking off any extra, then into the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the crumbs stick.
5. Cook the Salmon Bites:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet on medium heat. Fry the salmon cubes in batches—don’t crowd the pan! Fry for 2–3 minutes on each side, until they’re golden and crispy outside, and cooked inside.
6. Drain and Serve:
Remove the salmon bites and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Arrange on a serving plate, drizzle with the bang bang sauce, and sprinkle fresh chopped chives over the top.
7. Enjoy!
Serve immediately with extra bang bang sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy these crispy, flavorful bites!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for the Salmon Bites?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight. Pat the salmon dry thoroughly before breading to ensure it crisps up nicely.
How Do I Store Leftover Salmon Bites?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep them crispy, or warm briefly in the microwave, though they may lose some crispness.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Salmon Bites?
Absolutely! Bake the breaded salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through for a healthier option.
How Can I Adjust the Spiciness of the Bang Bang Sauce?
To make it milder, reduce or omit the sriracha. For more heat, add extra sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Taste and adjust the balance to your preference before serving.
