Oh my gosh, you have to try these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites – they’re my go-to when I want something fancy-tasting but secretly easy to make. I first created this recipe when my sister begged me to “make something interesting” with salmon (she’s usually team steak), and wow, did these little bites win her over! The magic happens when ultra-crispy panko-coated salmon meets that sweet-spicy bang bang sauce – it’s the perfect combo of textures and flavors that makes everyone at my dinner parties go back for thirds. As someone who’s tested dozens of salmon recipes (I may have a slight seafood obsession), I can tell you this version beats any restaurant appetizer. Best part? You’re just 30 minutes away from golden, crunchy perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Trust me, these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites will become your new obsession, and here’s why:
- Crazy easy – Just coat, bake, and sauce! No fancy techniques needed
- That perfect crunch – Panko gives that restaurant-quality crispiness we all crave
- Sauce magic – The sweet-spicy bang bang sauce makes every bite irresistible
- Super versatile – Works as an appetizer, salad topper, or main dish with rice
- Weeknight hero – Ready in under 30 minutes when you need something impressive fast
Seriously, I make these at least twice a month – they’re that good!
Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Here’s what you’ll need to make these addictive little bites – I promise, it’s all simple stuff you might already have in your pantry! For the salmon, grab 1 lb salmon fillet (I like to use skinless, but you do you) and cut it into 1-inch bite-sized pieces – think big enough to pop in your mouth but small enough to cook fast. You’ll also need 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 2 eggs, beaten, and 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (don’t pack them – just lightly scoop). Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. For that killer sauce, mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce, 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust if you’re spice-shy), and 1 tsp honey. Oh, and don’t forget 1 tbsp vegetable oil to drizzle for extra crispiness!
Equipment You’ll Need
No fancy gadgets here – just the basics! Grab a baking sheet (I use a half-sheet pan) and line it with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze. You’ll also need three shallow bowls for the coating process, plus measuring spoons and a small bowl to whip up that dreamy bang bang sauce. That’s it – let’s get cooking!
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Okay, let’s get these golden beauties going! The process is so simple you’ll be shocked at how restaurant-quality they turn out. Just follow these steps and you’ll have crispy salmon bites with that addictive sauce in no time.
Preparing the Salmon
First, pat your salmon pieces dry with paper towels – this helps the coating stick better. Season them all over with salt and pepper. Now for the fun part: set up your coating station! Put flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and panko in the third. Working with one piece at a time, dredge in flour (shake off excess), dip in egg (let the extra drip off), then roll in panko, pressing gently so it sticks. Place each coated piece on your prepared baking sheet. Easy peasy!
Making the Bang Bang Sauce
While the oven heats, whip up that magical sauce. Just stir together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust – add more sriracha if you like it spicy, or more honey if you prefer it sweeter. Set aside to let the flavors mingle while the salmon bakes.
Baking the Salmon Bites
Drizzle the coated salmon lightly with oil – this gives that perfect golden crunch. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until the panko is crispy and the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Don’t overcook – the salmon should still be juicy inside. That’s it! Now drizzle with sauce or serve it on the side for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
After making these salmon bites more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that make all the difference! First, fresh salmon is key – that slightly translucent look means it’ll stay juicy inside while getting crispy outside. When coating, press the panko gently so it sticks without squishing the salmon. And don’t skip drizzling with oil – it’s what gives that golden crunch we love! For the sauce, start with less sriracha and add more to taste – you can always add heat but can’t take it away. Oh, and serve them right out of the oven when they’re at their crispiest – though I won’t judge if you “test” one straight from the pan!
Variations for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Oh, the fun you can have with this recipe! If you’re out of panko, crushed cornflakes make an awesome crispy swap – they give an extra sweet crunch that’s divine. For my air fryer fans: same method, but cook at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes (shake halfway) – so fast! Not into mayo? Try Greek yogurt in the sauce for tang. I sometimes swap the salmon for shrimp or even chicken when I’m mixing it up. And if you’re feeling wild, add lime zest to the breadcrumbs or a dash of fish sauce to the bang bang sauce for extra umami punch!
Serving Suggestions for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
These salmon bites are crazy versatile! I love serving them as an appetizer with extra bang bang sauce on the side for dipping, or as a main dish over a bed of steamed jasmine rice with a side of gingery stir-fried veggies. For a lighter option, toss them into a salad with mixed greens and a sesame vinaigrette – the crunch is unreal! Oh, and don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lime for a bright finish. Seriously, they go with everything!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Okay, confession time – I rarely have leftovers because these disappear so fast! But if you somehow manage to save some, here’s how to keep that crunch: store cooled bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, skip the microwave (soggy alert!) – instead, pop them in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 3-5 minutes until crispy again. The sauce stays fresh separately in the fridge for about a week – just give it a stir before using!
Nutritional Information for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Here’s the scoop on what’s in these tasty bites (per serving, about 1/4 of the recipe): 320 calories, with 18g fat (3g saturated), 22g protein, and 20g carbs. The salmon gives you those good omega-3s, and the sauce adds just 6g sugar per serving. Keep in mind – these numbers might shift slightly depending on your exact salmon size or how heavy-handed you are with that delicious sauce!
FAQ About Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, but here’s the trick: thaw it completely in the fridge first, then pat it super dry with paper towels. Frozen salmon tends to release more moisture, so drying it well helps the coating stick better and keeps it crispy.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
No worries! Crushed cornflakes or even regular breadcrumbs work in a pinch. Just know that panko gives that extra-crispy texture we all love, so it’s worth grabbing a bag if you can.
How do I make these in an air fryer?
Same coating method, but cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through – and maybe do a happy dance while you wait because they’re that good!
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The bang bang sauce actually gets better as the flavors meld. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Give it a good stir before serving.
What can I use instead of sriracha?
If you’re not into spicy, try a dash of hot sauce or even skip it altogether. For a different twist, add a squeeze of lime juice or a pinch of smoked paprika for flavor without the heat.
Share Your Experience
I’d love to hear how your Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites turned out! Did you add your own twist to the recipe? Leave a comment below or tag me on social media – I’m obsessed with seeing your creations. And if you loved these bites as much as I do, don’t forget to rate the recipe. Happy cooking!
Print
30-Minute Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites That Wow
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main dish. The salmon is coated in a crispy breading and served with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Season salmon pieces with salt and pepper.
- Dredge salmon in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Place coated salmon on the baking sheet and drizzle with vegetable oil.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a bowl to make the bang bang sauce.
- Serve salmon bites with the sauce drizzled on top or as a dip.
Notes
- Use fresh salmon for the best texture.
- Adjust sriracha to control the spiciness.
- Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: salmon, bang bang sauce, crispy, appetizer, easy recipe







