Bang Bang Salmon Bites

The first bite of Bang Bang Salmon Bites is like a burst of flavor that brings your taste buds to life—crunchy, spicy, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying! This dish has a special place in my heart (and belly), as it combines fresh salmon with a lip-smacking sauce that could make almost anything taste divine. I first tried it at a cozy little bistro that served everything with a contemporary twist, and I couldn’t shake the memory of those lovely bites. Now, I’ve made it my mission to recreate that magic at home, and trust me, it’s as fun to prepare as it is to eat!

Imagine hosting a gathering, and with minimal effort, you’ve wowed your friends with these little flavor bombs. Not only does this recipe make for a fantastic appetizer, but it’s also a full-fledged meal when served in a vibrant bowl with rice and veggies. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging by yourself, Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the answer for any occasion.

What makes this recipe special

What’s not to love about these Bang Bang Salmon Bites? First off, they’re a great way to make salmon accessible—perfect for those days when you want something nutritious yet fun. With a combination of smoky paprika and crunchy panko breadcrumbs, each bite is a delightful celebration of textures and flavors. And let’s chat about the sauce—sweet chili and a hit of sriracha bring a kick that can be adjusted to your personal spice level. Not to mention, the dish is packed with health benefits from the omega-3 fatty acids in salmon and loads of fresh veggies. It’s no wonder this dish has become a favorite in homes and gatherings alike!

Gather these ingredients

Let’s get down to business! Here are the treasures you’ll need to whip up these bites:

• Fresh Salmon (1 lb): Choose skinless salmon, cut into bite-sized cubes. Opt for wild-caught if you can—it’s more flavorful and sustainable. Think about subbing in shrimp or firm tofu for a different twist!
• Garlic Powder (1 tsp): This adds a delightful aroma and flavor. If you’re feeling bold, feel free to substitute with freshly minced garlic, but be cautious not to overwhelm the dish!
• Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): This spice gives a lovely smoky depth. Regular paprika works too, but if you can get your hands on smoked, you’ll be rewarded with that savory flavor.
• Salt (½ tsp): Essential for heightening all the other flavors! Remember, you can always adjust to your taste.
• Black Pepper (½ tsp): A dash of black pepper adds just the right amount of heat to balance the sweetness in the sauce.
• Panko Breadcrumbs (1 cup): These are the secret to achieving that satisfying crunch! If you’re gluten-free, you can find gluten-free panko or use crushed cornflakes.
• Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Use it for a crispy finish; feel free to use a spray for a lighter touch.
• Mayonnaise (½ cup): This forms the base of your accompanying sauce; I recommend using a good quality mayo. Greek yogurt is an excellent lighter substitute!
• Sweet Chili Sauce (2 tbsp): It offers that beloved sweet-spicy balance. You can overlook this if you’d like a lighter dish; just add a bit of honey or extra sriracha instead.
• Sriracha (1 tbsp): Adjust this to your spice tolerance. If you love heat, do it! If not, dial it down.
• Honey (1 tsp, optional): A little sweetness can help balance the sriracha. It’s a lovely extra but not required!
• Lime Juice (Juice of ½ Lime): Fresh lime juice brightens up the sauce, giving it that zing we all crave!
• Cooked Jasmine Rice or Cauliflower Rice (2 cups): Either serves as a fantastic base. The fragrant jasmine rice pairs beautifully, while cauliflower rice keeps it light.
• Sliced Avocado (1): Creamy avocado makes everything better! It’s like the cherry on top of this exciting dish.
• Shredded Purple Cabbage (1 cup): For that pop of color and crunch; it adds a lovely freshness.
• Shredded Carrots (½ cup): A touch of sweetness and color—this ingredient is as functional as it is beautiful.
• Sliced Green Onions (2): They give a refreshing bite and a pop of green that can’t be overlooked.
• Fresh Cilantro and Sesame Seeds: For that garnish! They elevate your presentation and add an aromatic element that’s hard to resist.

How this recipe comes together

Ready to make some magic happen? Here’s how to bring everything together in a few simple steps:

1. Preheat your Oven or Air Fryer: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat your air fryer. Both options are great, just ensure your salmon bites get that gorgeous golden crust!
2. Season the Salmon: In a mixing bowl, toss those delightful salmon cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure to coat them evenly—no salmon left behind!
3. Coat in Breadcrumbs: Transfer those seasoned cubes to a plate with panko breadcrumbs. Get your hands in there! Roll each piece of salmon so it’s entirely coated—a beautiful golden blanket!
4. Bake or Air-Fry: If using the oven, place the coated salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzling a bit of olive oil over them. If you choose to air fry, simply spray the basket lightly and arrange the bites. Bake for 12-15 minutes or air-fry for 8-10 minutes. Watch closely; you want them to be flaky and crisp!
5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice until smooth. Taste and adjust—it should dance on your palate!
6. Assemble the Bowls: Time to create beautiful bowls! Start with a base of warm jasmine or cauliflower rice, then elegantly arrange the salmon bites on top. Add in purple cabbage, avocado slices, shredded carrots, and finish with green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds. Drizzle that luscious Bang Bang sauce over it all and get ready for a flavor explosion!

How to plate and pair

Let’s talk presentation! The vibrant colors in this dish aren’t just for show; they appeal to the appetite. Layered properly, your salmon bites should sit atop a fluffy bed of rice, with veggies surrounding them like a colorful garden. Don’t forget to drizzle on that amazing Bang Bang sauce—it’ll make the dish irresistible! If you’re feeling adventurous, serve some fresh lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty hit. Pair this with a crisp salad or some grilled asparagus for a refreshing side kick.

Keeping leftovers fresh

If you happen to have leftovers, don’t fret! Store any uneaten salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about two days. Reheating is simple; simply pop them back in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to regain their wonderful texture. Just be careful not to overheat them! If you prefer enjoying it cold, toss the salmon bites into a salad for a quick lunch. Have extra sauce? It keeps well for about a week in the fridge, and you’ll find endless uses for it!

Pro chef tips

• To amp up those flavors, don’t hesitate to let the salmon marinate in the spices for 30 minutes before cooking!
• If you love a crispy exterior, try broiling for the last minute of cooking—it’s like a cherry on top!
• Feel free to swap in your favorite fish or even chicken if you’re not a salmon fan. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Recipe variations

Feeling inspired to make it uniquely yours? Here are some fun alternatives:

• Add heat: Toss in some diced jalapeños or chili flakes for an extra kick in the sauce.
• Swap in different sauces: Experiment with a tangy yogurt sauce or a zesty tahini dressing for an entirely new flavor profile.
• Go vegetarian: Replace salmon with crispy chickpeas or cauliflower florets for a hearty veggie twist!

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh salmon, skinless and cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil or spray for crisping
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to spice level)
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• Juice of ½ lime
• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice)
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• 1 avocado (sliced)
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 2 green onions (sliced)
• Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish

Directions to follow

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat your air fryer.
2. In a mixing bowl, toss the salmon cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Roll each seasoned cube in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or air-fry for 8-10 minutes, until crispy and cooked through.
5. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice until smooth.
6. Combine warm jasmine or cauliflower rice with the salmon bites, purple cabbage, avocado, shredded carrots, and green onions in bowls.
7. Top with Bang Bang sauce, cilantro, and sesame seeds before serving.

Your questions answered

• Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking for the best texture.
• What if I don’t like spicy food? Reduce the amount of sriracha or skip it altogether. The sweet chili sauce will still give you a nice flavor!
• Can I prepare this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can season the salmon and coat it in breadcrumbs about an hour before cooking.
• How can I make the sauce lighter? Swap the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or use a low-fat mayo for a healthier alternative.
• What side dishes pair well? A refreshing salad, steamed broccoli, or more veggies like asparagus work beautifully alongside!

As you dive into this delicious recipe, remember that cooking is all about exploration and creativity. Bang Bang Salmon Bites are not just a feast for your taste buds but a chance to brighten your kitchen with color and flavor. Don’t hesitate to put your twist on it, share your findings, and let’s connect over our culinary adventures. Happy cooking!

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Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Cooking Method: Baking, Frying Courses: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: High Protein Non Vegetarian Pescetarian Quick Meals Spicy

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 15 mins Rest Time 3 mins Total Time 33 mins

Cooking Temp: 400  F Servings: 4 Calories: 350

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Bang Bang Salmon Bites are crunchy, spicy, and creamy morsels that bring your taste buds to life. They are perfect for gatherings or a satisfying meal.

Gather these ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh salmon, skinless and cut into bite-sized cubes (Opt for wild-caught for better flavor.)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (Can substitute with freshly minced garlic.)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (Regular paprika works too.)
• ½ tsp salt (Adjust to your taste.)
• ½ tsp black pepper (Add for heat balance.)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (For crunch; gluten-free options available.)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (For a crispy finish.)
• ½ cup mayonnaise (Can substitute with Greek yogurt.)
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce (Sweet-spicy flavor.)
• 1 tbsp sriracha (Adjust for spice level.)
• 1 tsp honey (Optional for sweetness.)
• ½ lime lime juice (Juice for flavor.)
• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice or cauliflower rice (As a base.)
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage (For color and crunch.)
• 1 avocado, sliced (Adds creaminess.)
• ½ cup shredded carrots (Adds sweetness and color.)
• 2 green onions, sliced (For freshness.)
• fresh cilantro and sesame seeds (For garnish.)

Directions to follow

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer

   Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) or standard air fryer settings.
   Ensure the salmon bites get nicely crisped.
   Mark as complete

2. Season the Salmon

   In a mixing bowl, toss salmon cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
   Ensure even coating.
   Mark as complete

3. Coat in Breadcrumbs

   Roll each seasoned salmon cube in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
   Get hands in there for even coverage.
   Mark as complete

4. Bake or Air-Fry

   Bake for 12-15 minutes or air-fry for 8-10 minutes until crispy.
   Monitor closely to get flaky and crisp salmon.
   Mark as complete

5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce

   Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice until smooth.
   Taste and adjust seasoning.
   Mark as complete

6. Assemble the Bowls

   Combine rice with salmon bites, then top with cabbage, avocado, carrots, and green onions.
   Drizzle with Bang Bang sauce for added flavor.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 350kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 22g34%

Saturated Fat 3g15%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 55mg19%

Sodium 600mg25%

Potassium 800mg23%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 5g20%

Sugars 5g

Protein 25g50%

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Vitamin A 200 IU

Vitamin C 15 mg

Calcium 30 mg

Iron 2 mg

Vitamin D 4 IU

Vitamin E 2 IU

Vitamin K 10 mcg

Thiamin 0.2 mg

Riboflavin 0.3 mg

Niacin 5 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 15 mcg

Vitamin B12 2 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 250 mg

Magnesium 25 mg

Zinc 1 mg

Selenium 25 mcg

Manganese 0.5 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Bang Bang Salmon Bites, Salmon recipe, Appetizer, Main dish